Today's Featured Game:
Spain vs Chile
Spain come into this game with their backs up against the wall. If they do not win this game, the defending champs will be heading home after the group stage. It would be the 2nd World Cup in a row where the defending champion failed to get out of the group. After getting destroyed by the Dutch I think Spain is going to come to destroy Chile. Spain will play more direct than they normally do and look to show the world that their era of dominance isn't over.
Chile took care of business against Australia in their first game. Their 3-1 win but them into 2nd place in the group behind the Netherlands on goal difference. But their first game was their easiest. They need a result out of either this game or their match against the Dutch. Although they won against Australia, Chile didn't look extremely dangerous going forward, or very solid in the back line. If they don't have a healthy Arturo Vidal in the middle of the park, they are going to struggle mightily to get any kind of foothold in this match. Many people picked them to surprise people at this world cup, but they will need to up their game, especially against a Spanish side that's out looking for blood.
Players to Watch:
Spain
Iker Casillas (Goalkeeper) - Casillas allowed 5 goals in the opener. The veteran goalkeeper, who some consider to be the best in the world, needs to regain his confidence if Spain want to make it out of the group and deep into the tournament. A clean sheet today would be huge for the Spaniard today.
David Silva (Attacking Midfielder) - Silva's ability on the ball is incredible. His quick feet and football genius make him one of Spain's most dangerous attackers inside the penalty area.
Chile
Alexis Sanchez (Forward) - Sanchez scored and assisted on another in Chile's win over Australia. He is Chile's biggest threat going forward. His speed and strength will be key on the counter for the South Americans.
Claudio Bravo (Goalkeeper) - Bravo played a good game against Australia in Chile's first game, but he will need to play even better to keep his side in this game. Spain is hungry to score and Bravo's net will be under siege the entire game.
Game Prediction:
Spain will still play their possession style football, but there will be more urgency in the attack. With no room for error in this game I think the Spanish will look to start fast and put the game away early. If Chile allow Spain to get a 2-goal lead they won't be able to come back.
Score Prediction:
Spain 3 Chile 1
Netherlands vs Chile
The Dutch are coming off an absolute thrashing of the defending champs. The look like the most dangerous side in the tournament. The triangle up top with Van Persie, Robben, and Sneijder looks to be the top attack force in the tournament. If Spain's defense couldn't cope with the speed and class of the Dutch strike force, I don't see how the Aussies will be able to. I think the Dutch with score early and control the game, while Australia will look to score off of counters and set pieces. Tim Cahill looked dangerous in the match against Chile, with his aerial ability he is always a threat to score.
Netherlands 3 Australia 0
Croatia vs Cameroon
Both countries suffered defeats in their opening matches, so this is a must win game for both sides. Croatia should win this game if they play like they did in their opener, where they were unlucky not to get at least a point from Brazil. Cameroon looked poor against Mexico, their 0-1 loss should have been worse. I expect Croatia to control this game through their midfielders Rakitic and Modric. They also get back front man Mandzukic after he missed game 1 due to suspension.
Croatia 2 Cameroon 0
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