FIFA World Cup 2014 matches and TV schedule: D-Day for Spain after disastrous start
God might have rested on the seventh day, but the World Cup doesn’t. Spain vs. Chile is the main clash of the day, and could decide who advances out of Group B, while the Netherlands and Croatia are expected to win their matches.
David Ramos
As the World Cup enters day seven, it's a huge day for Group B. We could see our first qualified team if results go in favor of the Netherlands.
The Dutch will be up first, taking on Australia in a match that the Oranje will be expected to win. Of some discussion pre-match is whether Louis van Gaal will keep the 3-5-2 formation that destroyed Spain, or revert to a more typically Dutch 4-3-3 since they'll be facing weaker opposition. Either way, it will be a major upset if Australia gets a result, but the Socceroos will be buoyed by their decent showing against Chile. The Netherlands could be the first team to qualify should they win and Spain fail to beat Chile.
Spain Stunner
And if the Netherlands do win, it’s really between Spain and Chile for that second qualification spot. The two teams will do battle in an absolutely crucial game. Unless Chile receive a hammering from the Netherlands or Spain completely annihilate Australia, La Roja’s 5-1 defeat in its opening match likely means that Vicente del Bosque’s men absolutely need a win. A draw wouldn’t be totally safe for Chile, but it would give them an excellent chance of progressing. If Chile and Holland win, that’s it, the defending champions are doomed. Spain are also under huge pressure to decide how many changes to make after their initial disaster, so it will be very interesting to see the lineup that gets sent out.
Finally, we return to Group A for Croatia vs. Cameroon. Brazil's draw with Mexico means that there is still something to play for the two underdogs, and if Croatia can get a win against Cameroon then it would set up a pivotal bout against Mexico. Nothing less than a win will keep Cameroon's hopes of progressing alive, and they face a stern task in doing so. The match also give us a chance to see Ivan Rakitic, Barcelona's newest signing, in his element.
Schedule (all times ET)
Australia vs. Netherlands - noon, ESPN
Spain vs. Chile - 3 p.m., ESPN
Croatia vs. Cameroon - 6 p.m., ESPN
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