The 2014 FIFA World Cup continues with games in Groups A and B Wednesday in Brazil, starting with the Netherlands facing Australia at Estadio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre.
In the first of today's three matches, Netherlands and Australia are expected to battle it out early in the day for a pivotal game in group B.
Louis Van Gaal's side has had the most surprising performance of the tournament, shocking defending champions Spain by a score of 5-1. Thus, the Netherlands is coming off arguably its biggest win in World Cup history and now is in the driver’s seat to advance to the next round.
On the other hand, the Socceroos was not nearly as impressive in its opening game, losing to the South American team Chile 3-1 and putting itself behind the eight ball.
Australia does have a combination of speed and youth, but it has to get off to quicker starts in matches to build the much needed confidence; in addition, Postecoglou's side is in more a desperate mood and will play that way.
Meanwhile, scheduled as the second World Cup event for today, Spain and Chile will meet Wednesday afternoon in an intriguing match at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
The Red Fury needs this victory or there is no chance of advancing to the next round, as Del Bosque's team suffered its most humiliating loss in over 50 years, losing to the Netherlands, 5-1.
Vicente del Bosque has said his players are a little more upbeat and have come to terms with the loss. Therefore, the 2010 World Cup final conquerors with a lot more energy and force a more competitive trial.
After a solid, 3-1, win over Australia, Chile on the other hand is a win away from advancing to the round of 16 for the second straight time,
sportschartplace.com reported.
The above World Cup event is followed by the Group A match between Croatia and Cameroon to be played at Arena Amazonia stadium in Manaus. The two sides are set to battle on Wednesday night as both teams look to rebound after a loss in their respective tournament openers.
Cameroon lost to Mexico in its opening match, 1-0, but the game was not nearly as close as the score indicates. Alex Song and Stephane Mbia can provide the quality through the midfield and will be looking to Cameroon striker Eto to get in similar positions against Croatia.
Meanwhile, Croatia get Mario Mandzukich back and he will be welcomed with open arms, the Bayern Munich striker is a class above his replacement Jelavich who just could not find the back of the net against Brazil.
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Published: 6/18/2014