Hearts were broken when Spain and Australia were both eliminated from advancing to the second stage of the 2014 World Cup. Spain was expected to top Group B, but awful showings against Netherlands and Chile has them currently mired at the bottom of the standings, with one of the worst goal differentials in the tournament at -6. On the other hand, Australia showed promise against the highly favored Dutch team, but failed to hold up in the end.
There’s still four weeks to go in what has been an exceptional World Cup. Find the schedule and venue of each game in our World Cup 2014 TV Schedule and Best Games to Watch. In the meantime, read on for more on the match between Australia and Spain and find out what’s at stake for both teams.
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Australia vs. Spain, World Cup 2014, Group Stage Predictions and Betting Preview
Astonishingly, teams have already been eliminated and will not move on past the group stage. Spain, as reigning World Cup champions, will try to avoid finishing last in the group. Moreover, the Soccerroos are out to continue to demonstrate that they’re not the pushovers they were thought to be.
Betting on Australia
Australia showed that they can keep up with one of Group B’s top teams when they played their game against the Netherlands very tightly. The Socceroos will need to stay sharp if they wish to avoid a loss to Spain.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Both of Australia’s losses can be attributed to their poor defense. They have conceded three goals in both of their World Cup games this year. The backline has shown inability to cover open chances at their goal, while goalkeeper Matthew Ryan has whiffed on crucial shots even while making 14 saves in two games.
Despite showing chinks in their defense, Australia showed that they could fire back with authority. The Socceroos showed good movement when going on the attack, which was in full effect against the Dutch.
Striker Tim Cahill scored an equalizer courtesy of a perfectly placed cross from defender Ryan McGowan. Midfielder Mile Jedinak also showed prowess when his penalty kick gave the Socceroos their first lead in the entire competition. Jedinak has scored two goals in his last four games with Australia.
Unfortunately for the Australians, they will be without one of their best players against Spain in their last group stage match. Cahill received his second yellow card in the competition against Netherlands, and will be suspended for the duration of the tournament. The striker has been instrumental for Australia having scored five of the team’s 10 goals in World Cup history, more than Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Lionel Messi combined. Not bad, Tim.
Regardless of losing Cahill, and their shoddy defense, Australia has a good chance of upsetting Spain if they continue to be relentless in taking their shots. Give yourself a chance to win big by creating a betting account and getting into the action today.
Betting on Spain
Spain has been a disappointment in this World Cup by any definition. Not only have they lost back-to-back games for the first time since 2006, they are struggling in all aspects of the game.
Defensively, goalkeeper Iker Casillas cannot seem stop most of his opponents’ shots. He’s conceded six goals in two games this year, as many goals as Spain’s last 12 games in previous World Cups. His porous defense hasn’t helped, and has left him bowing his head or staring at the distance in disbelief too many times.
La Roja’s woes don’t end with their goalkeeper. They haven’t lacked opportunities to score on the attack with 24 total shots. Yet, they’ve only scored a single goal, and a penalty at that. Diego Costa, one of their main scoring outlets, has failed to register so much as one shot on target in the World Cup, and has looked ineffective almost every time he’s touched the ball.
Fernando Torres, who scored six goals in last year’s Confederations Cup, is also scoreless this year. The most damning of all was Sergio Busquets, who missed a wide-open chance at the goal, failing to touch the ball altogether. With 86 caps for Spain, Busquets is still scoreless.
Nevertheless, Spain’s attack may have some opportunities against a wide-open Australian defense. They’ll be put under pressure against Australia’s frontline, and will need to keep their composure lest they implode on themselves.
Writer’s Prediction
Both teams will concede goals, but Spain will eventually crumble under Australia’s pressure. Take Australia +511 to beat a listless Spanish side that will not be able to get up for a meaningless game after three straight major tournament wins.
