Spain
Strengths:
Powerful midfield
Possession play
Coaching
Weaknesses:
Defense
Midfield defending
Exposable
Overview: One of the best teams in the world cup, Spain is supposed to contend for the title. Iniesta leads the way for Spain, as they are hopeful their veteran offense can carry them.
Netherlands
Strengths:
Potent offense
Young talent
Goal to goal against ratio
Weaknesses:
Backline
Inconsistant deffese
New strategy
Overview: Robin van Persie is expected to be one of the top scorers on a well built team boasting good offense. The Dutch are predicted to lose to Brazil in the Knockout stages.
Chile
Strengths:
Dynamic forwards
Team chemistry
Full of momentum
Weaknesses:
Defense
Exposable defensive strategy
New coach
Overview: Chile hopes to surprise some in the group stage. Arturo Vidal hopes to inspire teammates from the midfield on a team already full with momentum. However, it could be a short tournament if the defense does not hold up.
Australia
Strengths:
Midfield
Young talent
Weaknesses:
New coach
Injuries
Team chemistry
Overview: Team leading goal scorer Tim Cahill hopes to help his team overcome many injuries and a coaching change. Already in a tough group, many expect Australia to be last in the group.
Predicted finish of teams in this group
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Chile
- Australia