lets take a look at Group B which features Spain Netherlands Chile Australia SPAIN Style & formation: Spains possession game, coupled with their determination to win the ball quickly when they dont have it, has been wearing down the opposition for over seven years. Spain typically play 4-3-3, with their full-backs attacking like wingers and centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique often joining in play beyond the halfway line. Strikers only tend to enter the box at the last minute for the element of surprise. Strengths: Spain have a seemingly inexhaustible supply of talented midfielders: Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, Juan Mata, David Silva and Santi Cazorla. A revitalised Pedro has added extra penetration and goals. What more can be said about this squad of talent than has already been said? Arguably the best international squad ever assembled; if not the best then definitely up there with the 1970 Brazil side – aside from the fact that they have nothing really left to prove to anyone else, expect their spectacular strength in depth to carry them to some extreme heights in this tournament. Weaknesses: Goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas has operated predominantly as Real Madrids cup keeper this season, while there is a lack of quality cover at centre-back. Then theres the issue of who plays as a striker - none of the candidates have excelled in their auditions so far and the most likely starter, Diego Costa, is struggling with a hamstring injury. Key player Playing at centre-back in a team bristling with stars can result in getting overlooked but Spain would truly miss enterprising yet robust defender Sergio Ramos. Capped 115 times at the age of 27, he has started 18 of their last 19 tournament matches and was ever-present during qualifying. Star to watch Striker Diego Costa chose adopted nation Spain over Brazil, the country of his birth, and can expect a hostile reception from Brazilians if selected. The 25-year-old played twice for Brazil in March 2013 but was able to switch allegiance as neither were competitive fixtures. Though the prolific striker is out injured, Vincente Del Bosque waits on his fitness. The Boss Vicente Del Bosque is aiming to become the first coach in history to win successive World Cups. Add in the 2012 Euros and it makes Real Madrids decision to sack him after two Champions League wins because they wanted someone with more emphasis on tactics, strategy and physical preparation seem a little foolish. How they qualified The holders emerged unbeaten over their eight matches, with back-to-back home draws against Finland and France a mere blip. They did not trail at any stage of qualification. World Cup record Spain finally shook off their bridesmaid tag in winning the last World Cup; their previous best had been fourth in Brazil in 1950. Fifa ranking: 1 (correct to 6 June) Final Squad: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David de Gea (Manchester United), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Juanfran Torres (Atletico Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Koke Resurreccion (Atletico Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Juan Mata (Manchester United), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea). NETHERLANDS Prospects As ever with the Dutch at a major tournament, it is difficult to predict how they will fare. The 2010 World Cup finalists went unbeaten in 2013, scoring goals for fun, but that achievement is less impressive when you look at who they faced. Is a front four of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Rafael van der Vaart at its peak - or a fading force? Key player Arjen Robben has given a series of coruscating displays for Bayern Munich over the last couple of seasons, including scoring the winner in the 2013 Champions League final. Lets not forget Robin van Persie, who scored 11 goals in nine qualifiers to overtake Patrick Kluivert as the Netherlands all-time record scorer. The boss New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has won league titles with Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and AZ Alkmaar. Appointed as Netherlands boss in 2012, he has Danny Blind and Patrick Kluivert, who won the Champions League at Ajax under him, on his coaching staff. How they qualified They won nine of their 10 matches and scored 34 goals, with only a 2-2 draw against Estonia denying them a perfect record. That said, few countries had easier opposition - none of their opponents were ranked in Fifas top 30. World Cup record The Dutch suffered World Cup final heartbreak for a third time in 2010 when they lost to Spain, adding to the defeats their great teams suffered in 1974 and 1978. Brazil will be their 10th World Cup finals. Fifa ranking: 15 (correct to 6 June) Final Squad. Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Tim Krul (Newcastle United), Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Ajax), Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Memphis Depay (PSV)
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:15:55 +0000
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