Group B Preview

Spain

Fixtures: 13th June - Netherlands

                18th June - Chile

                23rd June - Australia

How they qualified: It was relatively straight forward for the world champions, topping Group I ahead of France, dropping four points over their eight matches.

Lowdown: They've won back to back European Championships, can they do the same with the World Cup? Spain are blessed with an almost limitless pool of talent and their possession based football combined with high pressure when without the ball has been a winning combination in club and international football for more than half a decade. There are a few doubts though; Xavi and Andreas Iniesta aren't getting any younger while there are still question marks over who will start up front, with Diego Costa favourite but struggling with a hamstring injury. Their 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the 2013 Confederations Cup final suggests we may be seeing the end of an era.

Key player: Xabi Alonso - Spain have some great passers of the ball, but not many in world football can better Alonso's range of passes or vision. Whether it's a simple two yard tap or pinging a 60 yard long ball, it's almost guaranteed to reach it's target. It says a lot when he's regarded just as important to Real Madrid than Ballon D'or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Verdict: Will certainly make it to the business end of the competition and only a fool would rule them out of winning it.

Odds: Spain to win the World Cup - 13/2
           Diego Costa top goalscorer - 25/1

Netherlands

Fixtures: 13th June - Spain

                18th June - Australia

                23rd June - Chile

How they qualified: The Netherlands walked UEFA Group D, winning nine and drawing once against Estonia. They scored 36 goals in total, including eight in one game vs Hungary, while Robin Van Persie topped the qualification goal scoring charts with 11 goals.

Lowdown: The first game of group B sees a repeat of the 2010 World Cup Final, and there's no doubt that the Dutch will be seeking revenge. If they're to go one step further this time round it's going to be a tough passage with a group that contains the world champions plus a more than capable Chile side. It's likely the runners up of this group will face Brazil in the last 16, and while the Netherlands pose an attacking threat, they look shaky at the back.

Key player: Robin van Persie - Top scorer in qualifying, the Man United striker is set to lead the line for the Dutch, even if he comes on the back of a frustrating and injury hit season for his club. However, his form at international tournaments has been patchy at best, including a torrid Euro 2012. He'll need to ensure he finds form, with Klaas Jan Huntelaar a more than capable replacement if RVP misfires.

Verdict: A combination of a tough draw plus a young and shaky defence means the Netherlands will do well to make it to the quarter finals.

Odds: Netherlands to win the World Cup - 30/1
           Netherlands to be eliminated in the group stages - 11/8

Chile

Fixtures 13th June - Australia

               18th June - Spain

               23rd June - Netherlands

How they qualified: Chile finished third in CONMEBOL qualifying with 28 points from 16 games. Their home form was particularly strong, losing just twice to Argentina and Colombia. 

Lowdown: A quick look at their squad and you can see that Chile are full of attacking talent, Juventus duo Arturo Vidal and Mauricio Isla, Valencia's Eduardo Vargas and of course Alexis Sanchez of Barcelona. They were a breath of fresh air in 2010 under Marcelo Bielsa, and under current manager Jorge Sampaoli they remain an attacking threat and a force to be reckoned with, as England fans know after they comprehensively beat the Three Lions at Wembley last year.

Key player: Alexis Sanchez -
Although not always a starter at the Nou Camp, Sanchez is vital for Chile, as shown when he scored both goals in that game in London in November and is the biggest Chilean attacking threat. Could be a dark horse to be World Cup golden boot winner too.

Verdict: Second place in Group B will probably boil down to the final group game between Chile and Netherlands on 23rd June and Chile. Should reach the knockout rounds.

Odds: Chile to win the World Cup - 50/1
           Alexis Sanchez top goalscorer - 66/1

Australia

Fixtures: 13th June - Chile

                18th June - Netherlands

                23rd June - Spain

How they qualified: The Aussies won five of their six qualification games in the AFC section to top their third round group before finishing second behind Japan to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup.

Lowdown: Australia aren't expected to tear up any trees at the World Cup after being handed a tough group. They also have a new manager, with Ange Postecoglu taking charge of just two competitive games. Postecoglu has gone for a youthful squad, with Mark Schwarzer, 41, retired and Lucas Neill, 36, not picked, despite both helping Australia get to this point. New York Red Bulls and former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is selected.

Key player: Mile Jedinak - The Australia and Crystal Palace captain has had a great 12 months, helping his club side get promoted before becoming a key player under Tony Pulis. He's made 43 appearances for Australia, and is the only player in the Australia squad currently playing in the Premier League.

Verdict: Would be a major shock if Australia progress into the knockout stages like they did in 2006. Expect them to finish bottom of Group B.

Odds: Australia to win the World Cup - 500/1

           Australia to qualify from Group B - 12/1