Group B is one of 3 of the so-called Groups of Death - world champions, Spain and losing finalists, Netherlands along with South American and Asian football powerhouses, Chile and Australia. Can the Aussies and Chileans knock out at least one of the Europeans?
Spain
Squad -
GK - Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea
DF - Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Jordi Alba, Juanfan, Cesar Azpilicueta
MF - Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Juan Mata, Koke
FW - Fernando Torres, David Villa, Pedro Rodriguez, Fernando Llorente, Diego Costa
Star player - Koke. Spain's rising midfield star has had an unforgettable season, winning La Liga and the Champions League with Atletico Madrid. With Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the autumn of their careers, Koke along with Cesc Fabregas really represents the next generation for this great side. Whether Diego Simeone and La Rojiblancas can keep Koke at the Calderon is a question for after this World Cup.
Prognosis - One of the greatest international football sides in history. Victory in Brazil will mark them out as the greatest ever - no side has ever won and retained the European and world titles in consecutive tournaments. Age and a determined Brazil side might very well stop them this time though.
Squad -
GK - Michel Vorm, Jasper Cillessen, Tim Krul
DF - Ron Vlaar, Bruno Martins Indi, Daryl Janmaat, Stefan de Vij, Joel Veltman, Paul Verhaegh, Terence Kongolo
MF - Wesley Snejider, Arjen Robben, Nigel de Jong, Daley Blind, Jonathan de Guzman, Jordy Clasie, Leroy Fer, Georginio Wijnaldum,
FW - Dik Kuyt, Robin van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Jeremain Lens, Memphis Depay
Star player - Daley Blind. Son of former Ajax captain and current assistant coach to Louis van Gaal, Danny Blind, Daley is one of the rising stars of the Oranje and with van Gaal's next project being a full-scale rebuild of Manchester United's midfield, Ajax will find it hard to keep Blind if he has a good tournament.
Prognosis - Unlucky not only to be placed in such a tough group and then potentially face Brazil in the 2nd round if they finished runners-up. A Dutch side that is a couple of years from being at their best and could struggle to repeat their 2010 heroics when they beat Brazil.
Squad -
GK - Claudio Bravo, Johnny Herrera, Cristopher Toselli
DF - Gonzalo Jara, Gary Medel, Mauricio Isla, Eugenio Mena, Miiko Albornoz
MF - Jean Beausejour, Jorge Valdivia, Arturo Vidal, Carlos Carmona, Rodrigo Millar, Jose Pedro Fuenzalida, Charles Aranguiz, Marcelo Diaz, Felipe Gutierrez, Francisco Silva
FW - Alexis Sanchez, Esteban Paredes, Eduardo Vargas, Mauricio Pinila, Fabrian Orellana
Star player - Arturo Vidal. Serie A midfielder of the year in my opinion and a man very much in demand now that Italy's big league doesn't really cut the mustard. Temperamental but very talented.
Prognosis - A side with some decent talented but often ill-tempered world class players but will be an unlucky 3rd in a brutally tough group.
Australia
Squad -
GK - Mitch Lagerak, Eugene Galekovic, Mathew Ryan
DF - Matthew Spiranovic, Ryan McGowan, Ivan Franjic, Jason Davidson, Alex Wilkinson, Bailey Wright
MF - Mark Bresciano, Matt McKay, Mile Jedinak (captain), Mark Milligan, Dario Vidosic, Tommy Oar, James Holland, James Trioisi, Oliver Bozanic, Ben Halloran, Massimo Luongo
FW - Tim Cahill, Mathew Leckie, Adam Taggart
Star player - Mile Jedinak. A tremendous season with Crystal Palace has culminated in the much unheralded midfielder from Sydney receiving the captain's armband. Tim Cahill may supply the goals but expect Jedinak to see a lot of the action in midfield as he tries to win the ball from the world's greatest midfielders. Not a big name but his work ethic could be vital for the Socceroos to have even a sniff.
Prognosis - I'd be lying if I said that the Aussies have a chance at this World Cup. Not much depth and will be exposed in a high quality group - will be an amazing experience for former Brisbane Roar/Melbourne Victory coach, Ange Postecoglou coming up against two of the world's greatest ever managers though.
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