2014 FIFA World Cup preview: Group B

Since the World Cup groups were announced late last year, we’ve heard all about Australia being in the ‘group of death’. So just how deadly is Group B?

Australia – Socceroos
Current ranking: 62
Best World Cup result: Round of 16 exit (2006)
2010 World Cup result: Group stage exit
Key players: Mat Ryan, Mark Milligan, Mark Bresciano, Tim Cahill

Largely written off as the worst team in the tournament, there is a snowflake’s chance in hell of Australia escaping this group.

Gone are the halcyon days of 2006. Current fortunes mean Ange Postecoglou has to make do with a batch of A-League players, blended with some international journeymen, plus Tim Cahill. The Socceroos’ hopes rest largely with the former Evertonian’s head.

Australia’s best chance is a possible sneaky point or three against the Dutch. The truth though is that each of their opponents will lick their lips at the easy three points so ready to be taken at Australia’s expense.

Recent results: South Africa (1-1), Croatia (lost 0-1)

Tip: Group stage exit

Spain – La Furia Roja
Current ranking: 1 (Group B Seed)
Best World Cup result: Champions (2010)
2010 World Cup result: Champions
Key players: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, David Villa

History beckons for La Roja, as they attempt to become the first side to win four consecutive major world trophies.

The champions face a tricky group, against their vanquished opponents from the 2010 World Cup the Netherlands, and the ever-improving Chile.

The weakness Vicente Del Bosque may be exposing though is a team past their prime, but experience counts, and in their 23-man squad are players who have reached the very peak of European excellence.

If Spain doesn’t win it, they’ll go close. If they do, history will remember them as the best there has ever been.

Recent results: Bolivia (won 2-0), El Salvador (won 2-0)

Tip: Fourth

The Netherlands – Oranje
Current ranking: 15
Best World Cup result: Runners-up (1974, 1978, 2010)
2010 World Cup result: Runners-up
Key players: Michel Vorm, Bruno Martins Indi, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie

Like the team that defeated them in Johannesburg four years ago, the Dutch had always been regarded as football’s great underachievers. But Spain’s South African success has left the Netherlands solely to that mantle.

Their strength lies in attack, boasting a forward line of van Persie, Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. While Nigel de Jong is their everpresent shield, the Dutch defence and goalkeeping is clearly the Achilles heal to exploit.

Expect Louis van Gaal to employ tactics that relegate total football to the dustbin, as the Netherlands bruise their way to that elusive first World Cup title.

Recent results: Ecuador (1-1), Ghana (won 1-0), Wales (won 1-0)
Tip: Group stage exit

Chile – La Roja
Current ranking: 14
Best World Cup result: Third (1962)
2010 World Cup result: Round of 16 exit
Key players: Claudio Bravo, Mauricio Isla, Arturo Vidal, Alexis Sanchez

The strength of South American football is evident as Chile makes only their third World Cup appearance in 32 years. While the previous two finallists will be the undoubted favourites to progress from Group B, write the South Americans off at your peril.

The Chileans will boast experience on the continent, a friendly opening game against minnows Australia, and a promising band of players headed by their artisan superstars Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal.

While few expect Chile to win the World Cup, the South Americans may well shake up much more-fancied opponents.

Recent results: Egypt (won 3-2), Northern Ireland (won 2-0)
Tip: Round of 16 exit