As you know by now, every week I'll give you WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW which is a mash-up of 1) the team's playing style, 2) my opinion on their chances of moving forward at the World Cup, 3) some team stats, 4) top plays, 5) names of vital players, 6) stories from the frontline, and most importantly, I'll showcase each team's most "valuable" player(s). Please feel free to add to the conversation in the comments section
So let's continue with Group B:
Netherlands:
The Dutch hold the record for playing the most World Cup finals without ever winning the tournament (ouch!) but who needs a WC trophy when you have such fun & open people?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The team's nickname: Oranje ("Orange"; homage to the royal House Of Orange, and also why they dress in orange on Kings Day in April)
- They were beaten by a more refined /evolved version of their own style of play, by Spain, in a furious 2010 world cup final that included Mortal Kombat kicks!
- Playing style: Totaalvoetbal/total football; a tactical pro-active style of play pioneered by dutch team AJAX in the 70's, adopted by the national Dutch team and ultimately influencing the Barcelona & Spanish national team thanks to Dutchman & former Barça player/manager Johan Cruyff. In short, the student (Spain) became the master.
- Players to watch: Robin, Jordy & Daryl
- How far can they go: Whoever has tickets to the Spain vs NL match will watch a mini-finale & it will be EPIC because Arjen, Klaas-Jan, Wesley, and Robin have been waiting 4 years for this rematch! But with out Rafael & Kevin I doubt they'll make it past the R16 where they'll meet hosts, Brazil
- Lastly, here is one of NL's most 'valuable' players for reference purposes ;)
Chile:
This coastal nation is known for fantastic music festivals & of course great wine but the most impressive thing about Chile is its people! 4 years ago several Chilean miners were trapped underground & in a few weeks those surviving miners will be part of Chile's cheering section in Brazil & will bring with them, soil from the mine to help inspire the team to greatness because as this ad says: the so-called Group of Death is nothing!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The team's nickname: La Roja
- Team chant: Chi-Chi-Chi, Le-Le-Le!
- Playing style: "We will bring the match to you!" brave, fast, aggressive
- Players to watch: Claudio (~ten years as capt!), Alexis & Gary (PitBull)
- How far can they go: Chile made it to 3rd place in 1962 and are gunning for a long run on South American soil now that they have Argentinean coach Sampaoli directing plays but the group of death and several injuries makes Chile a very dark horse.
- Lastly, here is one of Chile's most valuable players, for reference purposes ;)
Australia:
With the looks of the Australian team, I don't know why I haven't been down under yet, have you?
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- The team's nickname: Socceroos (not very sexy)
- Players to watch: Tim is still the hero of the Aussie squad
- Playing style: Hard-working, strong but need focus
- How far can they go: Currently, newly appointed caoch Postecoglou has his work cut out for him especially in defense but lets get real, The Aussies are on vacation :(
- Lastly, here are two of Australia's past & current most 'valuable' players for reference purposes ;)
