Group B (Spain, Chile, Australia, Holland)

Pepe LeFrits

(Times are UK)

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

JazzG

Really looking forward to this group, some cracking games there. Chile are a lot better than people think so will make it difficult for them. Expect Spain to go through but not sure out of Holland and Chile.

Irishgunner

I reckon Chile will go through, with Holland coming third.

Alfonso

The question is how far do Man Utd fans want the Netherlands to go?

Jed

Spain and Chile to go through.

invisibleman18

Hope Spain flop but I imagine they'll top the group. Australia should get some batterings in this group.

Burnwinter

This is going to be so ugly, could set football back a few years in Australia. We're going to get mauled.

Daz

Yes. Yes we are.

Segway

Holland have the most unimpressive Dutch squad I've seen in years. They can only surprise positively but I doubt that will happen.

Irishgunner

Segway wrote:
Holland have the most unimpressive Dutch squad I've seen in years. They can only surprise positively but I doubt that will happen.

Martins Indi, Clasie, and Depay are all fairly exciting at least.

Gurgen

They're all very far from being ready for this level. Defensively we're extremely weak and our two best attackers can't really play together.

Irishgunner

Gurgen wrote:
They're all very far from being ready for this level. Defensively we're extremely weak and our two best attackers can't really play together.

Robben and RVP? Why not? I haven't watched Holland in ages.

Clrnc

Van Gaal love making young players work. Definitely have a few surprises in store for us.

Gurgen

Irish gunner wrote:
Gurgen wrote:
They're all very far from being ready for this level. Defensively we're extremely weak and our two best attackers can't really play together.

Robben and RVP? Why not? I haven't watched Holland in ages.

They hate each other and Robben is an egomaniac who only cuts inside to shoot, thereby occupying RVP's space.

lorddulaarsenal

How are the Dutch chances portrayed in the meeja gurgs?

James

Spain/Chile straight forecast at 7/2 is on my list of World Cup bets.

JazzG

Rumours that Thiago Alacantra will miss the World Cup, might need knee surgery which will rule him out for up to 3 months. He's had quite a few injuries this season, still young and doubt he'd have got much time but unlucky to miss out

Bold Tone

Every WC, one shit team over-performs due to lack of pressure.
Is it inconceivable for Australia to be that team?

Burnwinter

Overperforming for us would mean getting above zero points in the group. I'd say it's conceivable.

Gurgen

@lorddulaarsenal wrote:
How are the Dutch chances portrayed in the meeja gurgs?

Expectation are fairly low, no serious pundit expects us to go far this tournament.