Group B
Group B Prediction
1. Spain
2. Netherlands
3. Chile
4. Australia
Spain - FIFA Ranking - 1
Projected Finish - 1st
Chile - FIFA Ranking - 14
Chile is a dark horse and playing on their home continent seems to fuel everyone into predicting they will advance. The midfield ace Arturo Vidal (Juventus F.C.) is the most talented player in the South American side. Attacking wise, Chile possess speed which is demonstrated best by Alexis Sanchez (F.C. Barcelona). The biggest question is the defense, a similar problem to the Netherlands. Even with this talented 23 and playing close to home, I still do not believe they have enough seasoned World Cup leadership to beat out Spain or the Netherlands. Chile ended World Cup Qualifying with a 9-6-1 record earning a finish of 3rd. Ironically the same spot they will finish in this group.
1. Spain
2. Netherlands
Spain - FIFA Ranking - 1
Spain is everyone's heavy favorite. You can argue they have the best midfield, the list of names is endless. You can also make a case that the reigning European and World Cup Champions have the perfect mix of experience and youth to repeat. The roster speaks volumes of the talent, from top to bottom and I see them winning this group, alike most of the world.
My Player(s) You Should Know is Koke (Atletico Madrid). Koke was nothing short of amazing this season scoring 8 goals and recording 17 assists. The midfielder featured in 55 total matches while helping Atletico win the Primera Liga title and reach the Champions League Final. Chelsea and Real Madrid are poised to battle for the rising Spanish star and depending on his role at the World Cup, Koke could play himself into the replacement spot for aging Barcelona pair Xavi and Iniesta.
Netherlands - FIFA Ranking - 15
The first match of this group will put Louis van Gaal and his men against Spain. The Netherlands can bank on Robin Van Persie (Manchester United) to lead an explosive frontline. Injuries have taken Kevin Strootman and Rafael van der Vaart off of the roster. The big question is how will the defense hold up? Van Gaal will need to play 5 in the back to strengthen an inexperienced group of defenders. However, the attacking options are vast including youngster Memphis Depay (PSV) in addition older proven winners Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04) and Arjen Robbin (Bayern Munich). It will be very close but I see the Netherlands slipping up against Spain with a draw or a lost.
My Player You Should Know is Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord). The 22-year-old is wanted by major clubs in Europe, including Manchester United who boss Louis van Gaal will be leading in the EPL next year. The shifty 5'6 midfielder is blooming into the real deal as he has been hailed as the "Dutch Xavi."
Projected Finish - 2nd
Chile is a dark horse and playing on their home continent seems to fuel everyone into predicting they will advance. The midfield ace Arturo Vidal (Juventus F.C.) is the most talented player in the South American side. Attacking wise, Chile possess speed which is demonstrated best by Alexis Sanchez (F.C. Barcelona). The biggest question is the defense, a similar problem to the Netherlands. Even with this talented 23 and playing close to home, I still do not believe they have enough seasoned World Cup leadership to beat out Spain or the Netherlands. Chile ended World Cup Qualifying with a 9-6-1 record earning a finish of 3rd. Ironically the same spot they will finish in this group.
My Player To Watch is goalie Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad). The 31-year-old captain will be called upon to provide stellar performances between the sticks. He helped Chile achieve a +4 goal difference in World Cup Qualifying but will need to do even better for his nation to advance.
Australia - FIFA Ranking - 62
The "Socceroos" will struggle this World Cup. The one bright spot they do have is striker and ariel beast Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls). The vice-captain has made 68 appearances, tallying 32 goals. Australia faces a very cruel draw but can take pride in having one of the coolest nicknames at Brazil this summer.
My Player To Watch is shot-stopper Mat Ryan (Club Brugge). The 22-year-old is my favorite to replace longtime start Mark Schwarzer who recently retired. Ryan was a key player in leading Club Brugge to a 3rd place finish and shined so much so that he has attracted the eye of Real Madrid. I believe he will win the battle with fellow keeper Mitch Langerak (Borussia Dortmund) for the starting role. Regardless how Australia does, the looming transfer window could see Ryan move again if he performs as well as I feel he can.
Projected Finish - 4th
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