World Cup Odds Preview Group B: Is Spain Still a Proper Favorite?
-
Frank Doyle
It doesn’t get much better than having the two World Cup 2010 finalists in the same group. Here’s a look at Group B of the 2014 World Cup.
Spain -152
Netherlands +215
Chile +466
Australia +6900
Sports Interaction’s World Cup 2014 Interactive Calendar
Sports Interaction’s World Cup 2014 printable Wall Chart
Spain:
World Cup Outright Odds: +568
Qualification/World Cup History: Reigning World Cup and European champs. Lost 3-0 to Brazil at Confederations Cup final.
Player to Watch: Diego Costa – The 25-year-old Brazilian makes his first World Cup appearance for Spain could give the attack a real boost up front. He scored 36 times for Atletico Madrid this season but has had hamstring issues lately.
Team Forecast:
When it comes to skill and ball control, Spain is second to none. This squad coming off their 2010 World Cup win and appear just as dangerous this time around. Spain generally plays a 4-3-3, fueled from a strong midfield featuring the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and David Silva, this group holds the tempo of the game and provides the majority of the squad’s scoring chances. Spain needed just eight goals through seven games to claim the last World Cup and can frustrate opposing sides with possession. As long as Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique stay fit in the middle of Spain’s back line, goals against will be few and far between. This is a team that’s built to go deep in the tournament again.
Netherlands:
World Cup Outright Odds: +2700
Qualification/World Cup History: Lost in World Cup finals 1974, 1978, 2010. Lost all three games at Euro 2012 but went 9-0-1 in World Cup qualification.
Player to Watch: Arjen Robben – He’s looking for revenge after missing a penalty in the 2010 final and has taken his game to another level since then.
Team Forecast:
Louis Van Gaal made some major moves to this squad since the last time we saw them at the World Cup stage. Robben and Robin Van Persie will still be counted on to provide the majority of the chances, but there will be bigger contributions from younger players this year as well. Holland scored 34 times in 10 qualifiers while conceding just five times. Still, if there are any, the main concern remains at the back for the Oranje. The Dutch should have no problem going forward, but it remains to be seen how the young additions will mesh with the old guard, especially when they’re defending. Netherlands opens the tournament with a 2010 final rematch against Spain on June 13.
Chile:
World Cup Outright Odds: +5500
Qualification/ World Cup History: Chile is playing in its second consecutive World Cup after going 9-6-1 in qualifying.
Player to Watch: Claudio Bravo – Chile’s goalkeeper is the key to his team’s success. He yielded 25 goals in World Cup qualifying, but many more would have found the back of the goal if it weren’t for the club’s captain.
Team Forecast:
Chile might be one of the most entertaining sides in the tournament. This side will push the pace and pressure the ball all over the pitch with a bit of an unorthodox 4-3-1-2 formation, looking to attack at every opportunity. Arturo Vidal is known as one of the better midfielders in the world and Alexis Sanchez will be a major offensive threat. This is obviously a very difficult draw for a team that’s just beginning to realize its potential, but there’s little question this is one of the better sides Chile has ever put together. Chile should provide a very difficult test for Spain and Holland to advance through into the second round.
Australia:
World Cup Outright Odds: +69800
Qualification/World Cup History: The Socceroos advanced to the round of 16 back in 2006. Australia won just three games in qualification and suffered a 6-0 loss to France.
Player to Watch: Tim Cahill – Cahill is still the main man for Australia even though he’s likely lost a step or two and isn’t as dynamic as he once was.
Team Forecast:
As far as style points go, the Socceroos aren’t going to rank high in this group, but that doesn’t mean they’ll back down. Australia is known for its brash and aggressive brand of football. All 11 players on the pitch will battle hard and attempt to throw opposing teams off with a straight-ahead, no-nonsense style. In the end, this squad just won’t have the speed or skill to keep up with the rest of the group. If the Roos can get a single point out of their three matches, that will be considered a major success.
Group B Prediction:
Some figure we’ll see a drop-off from both Spain and Holland in this year’s tournament. Spain might not be as dynamic as four years ago and it’s hard to know whether the new-look Dutch will mesh well so quickly in Brazil. Chile is the wild card. That team’s speed and skill matches well against the two front-runners, although defending remains an issue. Can Chile take the next step? It’s very possible. Don’t be surprised if Chile squeaks out a victory against Holland and moves on in this group along with Spain.