Group B continues in the World Cup with Australia and the Netherlands, who are now the favorites to win the group after mauling the defending champions from Spain. Australia basically needs to win to stay in the tournament, but they’ll have their hands full if Holland plays like they did against Spain.
World Cup Odds: Netherlands -530, Australia +1430, Draw +570
Why Australia Can Win
Anything can happen, and the Australians actually have a good record against Holland with a win and two draws in three games, although they were all friendly matches. All the games were between 2006 and 2009, and one of the wins even came in Holland, so Australia won’t be afraid of the Netherlands. They also have a weapon in Tim Cahill that can make Australia deadly from set pieces; there may not be a better header of the ball in the tournament than Cahill, who scored the lone goal in a 3-1 loss to Chile.
However, Australia has to deal with the loss of Ivan Franjic, who tore a hamstring and will miss this game. The Aussies aren’t that experienced on defense as is, and losing Franjic is a major blow to them.
Why Holland Can Win
Did you see that game against Spain? When Holland is on like they were, it’s tough to see anyone stopping them. Robin van Persie scored twice and his header will be shown on highlight reels for decades to come, but Arjen Robben was also brilliant with two goals. Holland played a 5-3-2 formation, which Spain didn’t seem like they were ready for and the van Persie-Robben-Wesley Sneijder trio destroyed them. The fullbacks put pressure on Spain with deadly crosses, and it was as close to perfect as you will see a team play.
Now, you have to wonder if Holland put everything they had into that game? They were embarrassed by Spain in the 2010 final and then that continued into a terrible showing at Euro 2012, where they failed to win a game. This team came into the Spain game on a mission and it seems impossible that they can play to that level against Australia, although to be frankly honest, they probably won’t need to.
Outlook
As was mentioned before, the Aussies have won one and drawn two against the Netherlands, and they know they have to get all three points in order to have a chance to get through to the next stage. Holland will be playing for first place in the group, which will earn them the second-place team in Group A.
Australia is going to give everything they have, but it won’t be enough as the Netherlands have more than enough talent to win this game and take full control of Group B. If anything, Australia is winning more fans in defeat as they have a tough group with Holland, Spain and Chile, and they’re battling right until the end. Unfortunately, it just won’t be enough.
Pick: The Netherlands
