Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia
1st: Spain- 9 Points
World Ranking: 1
Key Players: Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas
Spain comes to the 2014 World Cup with the 2008 UEFA Euro Cup, the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the 2012 UEFA Euro Cup in their trophy cabinet. They have been unstoppable ever since adopting their possession game; also known as the Tiki-Taka which is not only an offensive strategy, but also a brilliant defensive one. You can’t do anything if you don’t have the ball. It’s a very attacking brand of football that is based on a passing game that keeps possession of the ball. They will continue using this style of play in the upcoming World Cup where they will be defending their title as the best team in the world.
2nd: Netherlands- 4 points (Goal Differential)
World Ranking: 15
Key Players: Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben, Rafael van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder
Being one of the first teams to secure their spot in Brazil, they come ready for their rematch against Spain. They were defeated at the 2010 FIFA World Cup final last time around by Spain. The Dutch have more of an attacking style of play. They usually rely on Wesley Sneijder to create plays in the midfield and for Robben to make those dangerous runs that break through the defenses. Along with their lethal Striker Robin Van Persie, the Dutch are quite deadly when it comes to attack. They come to Brazil with a thirst for revenge.
3rd: Chile- 4 points
World Ranking: 13
Key Players: Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas, Arturo Vidal
A squad packed with talent and boasting viable alternatives in each position, Chile can surprise the world with a possibility of making it out of the group stage. With Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal in such great form this season, Chile can keep the Dutch out from the Round of 16. Running with a 3-4-1-2, sometimes becoming 4-3-3; the process of this style of play is all about identifying the patterns of the other team and then looking to disrupt their natural rhythm as much as possible. A team like Chile can surely cause great trouble against the bigger and better teams.
4th: Australia- 0 points
World Ranking: 59
Key Players: Tim Cahill, Lucas Neill
Cahill continues to be the reigning star of the Australian side with a stunning goal ratio from midfield and quite a remarkable heading ability despite his modest stature. The Australians are determined and hardworking, but they lack top rated players that Spain, Netherlands, and Chile have. It makes it difficult to compete against the top nations. Their plan is to disrupt the opposition through a physical style and direct style of play. They will most likely be running a form of the 4-3-3 formation while depending on Tim Cahill to lead them through the upcoming World Cup.
Photo Credit: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images