What if we were Coach? – Group B
Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
As we move right along in “What if we were Coach?”, today we take a look at Group B – one of the two toughest groups of the tournament’s opening stage. World powerhouses Spain and the Netherlands headline this group, with an efficient Chile side and a prideful Australian side completing the field. Let’s get started!
Group B: Spain, the Netherlands, Chile, Australia
Drew will go first today;
Spain – When you’re the reigning world champions and a tournament favorite, not only is their a target painted on your back, but their are expectations not only from fans, but from your opponents as well when it comes to your tactics. Spain was successful in winning it’s last three tournaments (Euro 08, WC 2010, Euro 12) with their “Tiki-Taka” brand but it was ruthlessly exposed by Brazil in the 2013 Confederations Cup – there must be a revamp in their strategy. Not only is a recognized striker needed, but a reliance on Xavi needs to be broken. Further more, they need the ability to be able to transition from possession to quick and aggressive penetrating football on a moments notice. With the emergence of Diego Costa as a top striker in not only La Liga but all of Europe, there is no longer a need for using the tactics of Barcelona. His club mate Koke provides him excellent support at Atletico Madrid and such is their understanding there that it would benefit Spain quite a bit. While Spain are still a fantastic side, a tweak here and there will do them some good. If I were the coach, I would deploy in a 4-2-3-1 in the following fashion:
GK Iker Casillas
DF: Jordi Alba (LB), Gerard Pique (CB), Sergio Ramos (CB), Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
MF: Xabi Alonso (CM), Sergio Busquets (CM); Andres Iniesta (LAM), Koke (CAM), David Silva (RAM)
FW: Diego Costa (ST)
Netherlands – The beauty of the Dutch system is its ability to transition from defense to midfield to attack, with everyone contributing in the build up. Total football is still very real, but it’s weakness is exposed when the defense is not mentally where it needs to be – when expected to contribute in other areas, any switch off could prove costly. The back-line must be a cohesive unit above all, while the midfield must be required to efficiently handle matters on both the defensive and offensive side of the ball. Such is the success of the back-line at Feyenoord, that their inclusion into the side adds that bit of understanding so absent in previous squads. While Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben still remain the bulk of the attacking force, young Memphis Depay is included – his blistering pace and ability to get behind the defense gives Wesley Sneijer and Jordy Clasie the ability to have different options to choose from. As such if I were the coach, I would go with 4-3-3 with the following:
GK: Tim Krul
DF: Terence Kongolo (LB), Bruno Martins Indi (CB), Stefan de Vrij (CB), Daryl Janmaat (RB)
MF: Daley Blind (CM), Jordy Clasie (CM), Wesley Sneijder (CAM)
FW: Memphis Depay (LW), Robin van Persie (ST), Arjen Robben (RW)
Chile – They finished third in qualifying just four points back of Argentina. Recent strong performances in friendlies (2-0 win over England, 2-1 loss against Brazil, 1-0 loss against Germany) suggests that Chile are certainly doing something right – but do they have enough to get out of this group? Their strength is in their creative midfield led by Juventus stalwart Arturo Vidal, but also their trickery and pace going forward – Alexis Sanchez and Jean Beausejour in particular love to stretch their legs down the flanks. Such is the strength and reputation of both Spain and the Netherlands to be attacking sides, Chile will have to rely on their midfield now more than ever if they are to spring a surprise during the group stage. They are a well drilled side who keep their shape well who look to counter, and just ask England how effective that was. As such, a 4-3-3 would be prudent and as coach, I would deploy like this:
GK: Claudio Bravo
DF: Eugenio Mena (LB), Gary Medel (CB), Gonzalo Jara (CB), Mauricio Isla (RB)
MF: Arturo Vidal (CM), Marcelo Diaz (CM), Matias Fernandez (CAM)
FW: Jean Beausejour (LW), Eduardo Vargas (ST), Alexis Sanchez (RW)
Australia – The Socceroos have always been a dominant force in their part of the world – when they switched confederations from Oceania to Asia, they still remain a favorite to make every international tournament. But these days, they do not have a recognized core of European based players at big clubs and have increasingly needed to rely on a home based squad – the golden generation that included Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka and a younger Tim Cahill has long passed. While they are the least technical team in this group, they do play for one another. Much like Cameroon in Group A, Australia must be a cohesive unit to make themselves difficult to break down and look to take any chance well they may carve out. If I were coach, I would deploy in a 4-4-1-1 in the following:
GK: Mitchell Langerak
DF: Jason Davidson (LB), Curtis Good (CB), Matthew Spiranovic (CB), Luke Wilkshire (RB)
MF: Tommy Oar (LM), Milan Jedinak (CM), Mark Milligan (CM), Tom Rogic (RM); Dario Vidosic (CAM)
FW: Tim Cahill (CF)
And now it’s Young’s turn;
Spain – Even if Spain’s golden generation looked like they have cracked against Brazil in the 2013 Confederation Cup, you can’t rule out the possibility that this team can go all the way to the finals. The group of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, and Iker Casillas have helped Spain win three consecutive tournaments (Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012) and they’re aiming to win one more to solidify their place in the history books. In the past Spain found success playing without strikers and utilizing Cesc Fabregas as a false 9, but that adjustment was made due to the lack of a dominant striker. Now they have Diego Costa, a beast who scored 27 goals in 32 matches for Atletico Madrid this season, which allows them to play a 4-2-3-1 formation with a true forward. Spain is a deep team that boast a solid combination of veterans and players hitting their peak. They don’t have a notable weakness, so their chances of becoming a repeat champion depends on how much they want it.
GK: Iker Casillas
DF: Cesar Azpilicueta (RB), Gerard Pique (CB), Sergio Ramos (CB), Jordi Alba )LB)
MF: Sergio Busquets (CDM), Koke (CM), Andres Iniesta (LAM), David Silva (RAM), Cesc Fabregas (CAM)
FW: Diego Costa (ST)
Netherlands – The Dutch overhauled their lineup from the 2010 World Cup and opted to bring along an abundant amount of fresh faces to their preliminary squad. Head coach Louis Van Gaal did not escape controversy, leaving out veteran John Heitinga of Fulham FC and Erik Pieters of Stoke City. Playmaker Kevin Strootman of AS Roma and Paris St. Germain’s right back Gregory Van Der Wiel will be sorely missed as well due to injury. Still, the young players on Netherland’s squad like Patrick van Aanholt and Jean-Paul Boetius are full of potential and are currently being scouted by top English Premier League clubs. Even if they’re not world beaters now, they’re guaranteed to become the best in the future. The Dutch is rumored to switch to a 5-3-2 or a 3-5-2 formation, and given the amount of energy stemming from their young fullbacks why not opt for 5-3-2 and employ the brilliant Arjen Robben up top?
GK: Michel Vorm
DF: Patrick Van Aanholt (LB), Stefan de Vrij (CB), Bruno Martins Indi (CB), Ron Vlaar (CB), Daryl Janmaat (RB)
MF: Nigel De Jong (CDM), Rafael van der Vaart (CM), Jonathan de Guzman (CM)
FW: Arjen Robben (SS), Robin Van Persie (ST)
Chile – If the World Cup was like the Game of Thrones, expect Spain or Netherland’s match against Chile to be similar to that “Red Wedding” episode. No, Arturo Vidal is not going to decapitate Arjen Robben, but he could be the centerpiece of that dangerous Chilean counter-attack that’ll leave opponents gasping in pain. For those who hardly follow soccer, the crazy fellow with the sharp Mohawk will leave a lasting impression of one of the biggest upsets in the 2014 World Cup. Chile is not a team Netherlands and Spain would lose to, but they are difficult to beat. But here’s to hoping that Vidal will be healthy and fit by the time the World Cup starts. Given the personnel of players who love to run, the 3-4-3 formation could work for Chile, despite how bizarre it sounds.
GK: Claudio Bravo
DF: Gonzalo Jara (CB), Gary Medel (CB), Marcos Gonzalez (CB)
MF: Mauricio Isla (RMF), Arturo Vidal (CM), Marcelo Diaz (CM), Eugenio Mena (LMF)
FW: Alexei Sanchez (RW), Eduardo Vargas (ST), Jean Beausejour (LW)
Australia – It’s a darn shame that Bayer Levekeusen’s Robbie Kruse got injured, because that leaves most of Australia’s scoring responsibilities on the old legs of Tim Cahill. It’s also unfortunate that Australia lacks a strong core of European-based players since most of them either come from the A-League or mid-level European leagues. The Socceroos for some strange reason reminds me of the United States back in 2006 and that’s not a good thing. Yet I do have to agree with Drew that the Aussies do have teamwork and are willing to play their best for one another. Like Drew, I think a 4-4-1-1 would be the best option.
GK: Eugene Galekovic
DF: Jacob Davidson (LB), Ryan McGowen (CB), Matthew Spiranovic (CB), Luke Wilkshire (RB)
MF: Tommy Oar (LM), Mile Jedinak (CM), Mark Milligan (CM), Tom Rogic (RM), Tim Cahill (CAM)
FW: Matthew Leckie (ST)