World Cup 2014: Your guide to Group B - Spain; Chile; Australia; Netherlands
The lowdown on the teams in Group B
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fixtures (times BST):
June 13 Salvador, 2000: Spain v Holland
June 13 Cuiaba, 2300: Chile v Australia
June 18 Rio de Janeiro, 2300: Spain v Chile
June 18 Porto Alegre, 1700: Australia v Holland
June 23 Curitiba, 1700: Australia v Spain
June 23 Sao Paulo, 1700: Holland v Chile
Spain
How they qualified
Unbeaten winners of Uefa Group I
Key player
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) One of the greatest talents of this generation. Iniesta has been fundamental to the overwhelming success of his club and country. Now he’ll be looking to guide Spain into the history books once more.
Dangerman
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona)- After previously operating in the false nine position for Spain, the performance of Fabregas could be vital in their hopes to regain the trophy next year
World Cup best
Winners - 2010
Premier League interest
Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla (both Arsenal), Fernando Torres, Juan Mata (both Chelsea), David Silva, Jesus Navas, Alvaro Negredo (all Manchester City), Roberto Soldado (Tottenham), Michu (Swansea).
Most expensive
Fernando Torres, £50m from Liverpool to Chelsea, 2011
WORLD CUP 2014 INTERACTIVE GUIDE: The groups, fixtures, route to the final, venues and past winners
Chile
How they qualified
Third in Conmebol, finishing behind Argentina and Colombia.
Key player
Arturo Vidal (Juventus) The box-to-box Juventus player covers every blade of grass and will beat the heart of the Chile midfield
Dangerman
Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) His display against England in November epitomised the rise in performance level of late. The winger has scored 22 goals in 64 appearances so far for Chile.
World Cup best
Finished third in 1962.
Premier League interest
Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (previously of West Brom), David Pizzarro (previously of Manchester City), Jean Beausejour (played for Wigan during their time in the Premier League).
Most expensive
Alexis Sanchez - £31.2m (with add-ons) from Udinese to Barcelona, 2011
Australia
How they qualified
Runners up in the AFC Fourth Round, four points behind Japan.
Key player
Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls)- The pride of Australia. Cahill excelled in England and has continued this form in the MLS. Cahill has scored 29 goals for his country so far, the majority from midfield.
Dangerman
Josh Kennedy (Nagoya Grampus)- Now plying his trade in the J-League, Kennedy has scored 58 goals for his current club and will no doubt be a key goal threat for the Socceroos.</b><br/>
World Cup best
Reached the last 16 in 2006, losing 1-0 to eventual runners-up Italy.</b><br/>
Premier League interest
Mark Schwarzer and Crystal Palace’s Mile Jedinak. Lucas Neill and Cahill will be familiar.</b><br/>
Most expensive
Mark Viduka - £6.5m, from Celtic to Leeds United, 2000
Netherlands
How they qualified
Winner of Uefa Group D, winning nine out of their 10 qualification matches.
Key player
Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) The winger appears to be playing better than ever under Pep Guardiola.
Dangerman
Robin van Persie (Manchester United) The striker has scored his 41st international goal recently to become the Netherlands’ all-time record scorer. The word clinical springs to mind.
World Cup best
Three-times runners up. Are they the best team to have never won the elite competition?
Premier League interest
Possibly 11 players - Michel Vorm, Tim Krul, Ron Vlaar, Leroy Fer, Robin van Persie, Maarten Stekelenburg, John Heitinga, Erik Pieters, Jonathan de Guzman, Marco van Ginkel, Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Most expensive
Marc Overmars - £25m, from Arsenal to Barcelona, 2000
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments