The Netherlands put the bitterness of the 2010 World Cup Final loss to Spain behind them to top Group B with a perfect nine points, vanquishing the memories of South Africa.
After years of infighting, squabbles and jealousy that seemed to have plagued the Oranje, it looks like the Dutch could be putting together a campaign worthy of lifting the trophy. Though Louis van Gaal’s men were overlooked by everyone coming into the tournament with rumours of players not seeing eye-to-eye, however, the Dutch have been one of the most entertaining sides in Brazil.
While the Dutch excelled in their three group games, it was the opposite for their 2010 World Cup Final opponents Spain, who lost to the Dutch and Chile in their two opening fixtures. The Netherlands came from a goal down to destroy Spain 5-1, with Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben netting twice respectively. That Dutch win set the group in motion and put both nations on the trajectory that ensued: Netherlands topping the group, Spain returning home early.
Though considered a team of top quality, Chile were expected to have a difficult time qualifying for the round of 16, if at all. Yet, the Chilean team that boasts some of Europe’s emerging talent, navigated the waters of the World Cup like a team of international veterans. A 3-1 win over Australia may have flattered slightly. But the Chileans responded by putting Spain to the sword 2-0. The team was unlucky in their final group game as the Netherlands were able to hold off the South Americans long enough to find a 77th minute winner. Though the Dutch added another goal, Chile were able to stand toe-to-toe with the Oranje, and on another day could have been the team to top Group B.
While the Netherlands and Chile were the class of the group, Spain and Australia were unable to get things going. Spain’s tournament could have been much different as the reigning world champions looked a formidable side in the first half of their group opener against the Netherlands. Unfortunately for the Spanish, it wasn’t meant to be and the team capitulated thanks to a side that looked exhausted, out of ideas and poorly equipped to defend the Dutch counterattack. Five days later and it was the same story as Chile dominated a team that saw their dynasty die at the Maracana.
The Spanish did gain some sort of redemption with a final group game win over Australia as the Aussies finish the World Cup (at the moment) as the 31st ranked team on goal difference.
The Socceroos were the second lowest seeded team entering the tournament in Brazil with Cameroon the lowest – coincidentally the team finishing last at the World Cup. Despite that ranking and a lack of quality players, Australia performed admirably in their opening fixtures. Though Australia trailed Chile 2-0 early on, they snatched a goal and looked the more likely to score for much of the second half until Jean Beausejour killed the match off in stoppage time. Against the Netherlands, Australia led early on in the second half and dominated the opening 45 minutes. However, the Dutch found second and third gear which left the Socceroos in their wake. In the end, a cruel 3-2 loss saw Australia eliminated with a game to play. With nothing to play for, Australia weren’t even capable of securing pride in their final game, losing 3-0 to Spain.
Overall, Group B has entertained with two exciting teams that could once again meet each other in the final.
Follow Drew Farmer on Twitter @CalcioFarmer
