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Cape Town - Sport24's Wade Pretorius previews Group B at the 2014 Soccer World Cup and it seems clear that Australia are in for some trouble.
Australia face defending European and World Cup champions Spain, Netherlands and Chile, it seems that they shouldn’t spend too much time unpacking their bags and a trip home is imminent, 0 points for the Socceroos is my prediction.
Chile will have to play out of their skins if they want to trouble European powerhouses Spain and Netherlands and I don’t think such an upset is on the cards.
FIFA rankings:
Spain: 1st
Netherlands: 15th
Chile: 13th
Australia: 59th
Players to watch:
Alexis Sanchez (Chile), Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie (both Netherlands), Gerard Pique, Diego Costa, Xavi (all Spain).
Two to go through:
Spain, Netherlands
Team to create a stir:
Chile? Although ranked slightly higher than the Dutch, I still don’t think they will be able to create a stir Group B. The 2010 SWC finalists will progress easily from this group, possibly both with seven points.
Match not to be missed:
Spain v Netherlands – A repeat of the epic 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup comes to us in the first game of Group B. Whoever wins this will have the advantage of playing an “easier” team in the Round of 16. This game will be the first glimpse for fans to see if Spain are contenders for the crown in Brazil.
Don’t forget to join our Superbru pool for the 2014 SWC and test yourself against the Sport24 team.
Am I being harsh on Chile? Have your say in the comments section on you think will be progressing from Group B.
Follow Sport24's Wade Pretorius on twitter: @wadepretorius
