Mexico vs. Cameroon
The second match of the FIFA World Cup 2014 is going to be held between Mexico and Cameroon. The North American and the African teams will definitely like to start the tournament with a win as it will give them an edge over the opponent to have the possibility of finishing in the top two spots in Group A. The first match of the tournament is always extremely important as it sets the tone for a team for the entire tournament.
Teams
Mexico: Mexico has had a difficult time recently. The national coach was changed twice in a period of 3 months. They almost lost the chance to qualify for the CONCACAF region. It also lost its last two pre-world cup friendlies against Bosnia-Herzegovina (0-1) and Portugal (0-1). Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta are expected to lead the attack. Mexico, despite the weak form at present, can never be written off simply because of its previous world cup records. It has reached the quarter-final twice (in 1970 & 1986). It went past the group stages every time since 1994.
Cameroon: Cameroon managed to draw against Germany in the pre-world cup friendly. With a score line like 2-2 against one of the top teams in the world cup, the African biggie has much to boast of. It will depend a lot on its captain Samuel Eto’o who happens to be the best player. Midfielder Alexandre Song is another important player who can make a difference. Cameroon is basically an attacking team. Expect a high-energy game with strong body tackles.
Head to Head
These two teams played against each other once before. Mexico won it. Only one goal was scored in the match.
Prediction
Cameroon will start the match as a more powerful team on paper. Its strength will be seen on the field as well. Mexico will fall short of Cameroon’s power and energy. The final score will be in favour of the African team.
Spain vs. Netherlands
This is the first “clash of titans” at the FIFA World Cup 2014. The third match of the tournament is between Spain and the Netherlands. These two teams are not only the top teams in Group B but the top contenders for the cup as well. Spain and the Netherlands clashed in the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This match is sure to be a cracker, as it will decide the top team of the group. The no. 2 team is likely to play Brazil in the next round. Neither of the two may prefer facing Brazil so early in the tournament.
Teams
Spain: The number one team in the world as well as the champion of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2010 – Spain starts the tournament as one of the favourites to win the cup this year as well. A truly star-studded team, it has arguably the best midfield in the world with players like Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andrés Iniesta. Coach Vicente del Bosque has high confidence for his striker Diego Costa. It defeated Italy in March in a friendly match. The team has been consistently performing well for many years now.
The Netherlands: The Netherlands will understand the importance of this match. There is practically nothing that can separate these two teams. This is another high profile with a galaxy of celebrity players in the team. Its road to the World Cup was an emphatic one. After leading striker Robin Van Persie had scored 11 goals in the qualifying rounds, the Dutch are also high in morale. The combination of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder & Robin Van Persie is world class.
Head to Head
These two teams played against each other 9 times before. Both Spain and the Netherlands won 4 each while the other match ended in a draw. Spain scored 13 goals and conceded 10 against the Netherlands.
Prediction
The Spain-Netherlands match might end up in a draw. Even though there will be an interesting contest, neither team will emphasise on all-out attack as it is a group match anyway. Both will attack while keeping the fort secure.
Chile vs Australia
The fourth match of the FIFA World Cup 2014 is going to be held between Chile and Australia. While they are in Group B with European giants like Spain and the Netherlands fighting for the top spot on the table, there is hardly anyone who is expecting them to get past the group stages. Winning this match is critical for both teams, as it will leave a ray of hope left for them to upset the table.
Teams
Chile: Chile finished third from the South American Zone and has promising players who can take it forward. Chile won the last two pre-World Cup friendlies against Egypt (3-2) and Northern Ireland (2-0). However, it lost its earlier match against Germany (0-1). The best part was that it was able to defend so well that a highly attacking team like Germany could only score once. They have Argentinean coach Jorge Sampaoli who should bank a lot on Esteban Paredes, Fabián Orellana and Jorge Valdívia to score. Captain Claudio Bravo has to defend the net well. A big win against Australia will keep the possibility to go to the next round alive.
Australia: This is the third consecutive time that Australia is a part of the World Cup. The journey this time had its ups and down. With a new coach on board, the team is going through a transition phase. If Australia manages to get past the group stages, it will be a tremendous achievement for Ange Postecoglou’s team. A lot will depend on the brilliance of Tim Cahill. The leading goal scorer of the country is still the most lethal weapon the team has. A lot will depend on how it manages to defend against Chile as well.
Head to Head
These two teams played against each other 4 times before. Chile won 3 and the other match ended in a draw. There were 7 goals scored, and Chile scored 6 of them.
Prediction
It will be difficult for Australia to defend against Chile, which is a much stronger team on paper. Chile will in the match 2-1 and keep their hopes alive.
