We covered Group A in the last “Cream of the Crop” segment, here we have the main players from each Country from Group B (Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia) that will be sure to excite us in June, 2014. Enjoy!
Xavi Hernandez
The player– The 34 year old midfielder always stands out as the architect of offense for both his International and club career. In his senior career he has only played for 2 teams, scoring 4 goals during his 3 years stint at “Barca B” and 56 goals for Barca since ’98. He has also played for the independent community of Spain, Catalonia where he scored 2 goals since ’98. Since he officially donned the Spanish national team jersey in 2000, he has scored only 13 goals for “La Furia Roja” but has clearly been not just a force, but THE force when supplying strikers with assists.
The style- Just straight up telepathic passing. He has shown time and time again that he has a communication with his wingers and strikers that very few other midfielders possess. He is definitely no slouch when it comes to taking a team’s defense head on with his ball control that makes it seem like he has glue on his cleats and releasing the ball into the back of net with no apologies. At his core and where he shines best is being a strategist of the highest order and calling plays like a quarter back while organizing the attacking line from the middle. He creates an anchor for the naval assault ship that is “La Furia Roja” and bares the same responsibility at Barcelona for that matter.
Xavi protecting the ball from the Italians in UEFA EURO 2012 Final
The matchup- Coming off of winning the last World Cup, Spain is still one of the favorites to take it this year even though no one has won back to back since Brazil in ’58 & ’62 but Xavi is up for the challenge. Playing against the Netherlands on June 13th, Xavi will have to once again make those passes that create confusion in opposing defenses. He will have to create the spaces that Torres or Iniesta will be able to dash into and this might prove difficult against the Dutchmen. Against Chile & Australia, which are clearly the weaker side of this group, he will have to maintain his dominance and control the game, perhaps even showcasing his signature “pelopina” move every once in a while, which slows down the game and creates an air of control.
Robin Van persie
The player- The 30 year old striker almost always has an impact in any team he plays for. In his senior career he played for 3 teams, scoring a total of 15 goals for Feyenoord during his 3 years there, 96 goals for Arsenal where he was a staple and beloved player for 8 years and currently has an impressive 37 goals under his belt at Manchester United since joining the team in 2012.
The style- Don’t sweat the Technique! RVP has an ability to pick out the right passes that other players might not attempt. People fall for it all the time, but he deceives people into thinking that he is a little slow, most of his goals are deceptive in that they are short distance runs in which he manages to outpace the defender and scores inside the 18-yard box. His dominant left foot makes him gravitate towards the left hand side of the box where he is ready to unleash the ball. He has never played second fiddle, whether it’s for Manchester United, Arsenal or the Netherlands, he has always been there to do one thing and that is score.
RVP scores a volley against Aston Villa
The matchup- Logic says that against a team like Spain, RVP will be doing a lot of waiting because Spain will most likely dominate the pitch. What he has to do is be ready for the supply of the ball and make sure that it does not go to waste especially when he makes it to the box. Against Chile which has a high pressure 3-4-3 attack, he will do well to stay well aware of those defenders and should be able to hold possession in their area long enough to score. Against the “socceroos”, he should have an easy enough time, coupled with Arjen Robben’s crosses from the wing, shots on target will most likely produce a favorable result for him.
Alexis Sanchez
The player- Only recently really coming into his own and realizing his full potential this 25 year old forward will be leading the attack for Chile and is expected without a shadow of a doubt to score. Playing for 6 teams in his senior career, 2 of which were on loan, he has scored 12 goals for Cobreloa where he played for a year, 20 for Udinese during 4 years there, 5 goals for Chile’s most popular team Colo-Colo, 4 for Argentinian team River Plate, and 37 total goals for Barca since joining in 2011.
The style- Dribble and score. Unafraid to take defenders head on, he is a true forward, taking the ball forward in stride and challenging whoever opposes him, whether it is to dish the ball to another player or to deliver the ball into the net with accuracy. This is the same guy who gave England a tough time last year at Wembley with those very same qualities.
Wembley Stadium, International Friendly. England Vs Chile, Sanchez Vs Wilshere
The matchup- He will be at the helm of Chile’s possible 3-4-3 attack pushing the offense forward, opponents will be unaware of his intentions, if they are to net the ball or supply it because he can certainly do both. The “Socceroos” might be able to stave off the Chilean side provided they keep their defense tight against the 3 attackers including Sanchez. He will definitely need his ball placement skills and attempting outside shots and lobs when facing the Spanish side because their defense will be clustered with most of the midfielders being in shape to run back in time to support the defense. Against the Dutchmen, he might find pockets of space in their defense where he might be able to maneuver his way through and score provided they get past the strong midfield.
Tim Cahill
The player- The 34 year old forward will be trying to help his Socceroos survive this Group. In his senior career he has played for 3 teams, scoring 52 goals for Millwall during his 5 years for the lions, 56 goals during his 8 years at Everton, 12 goals for the Red Bulls since moving to New York in 2012. Internationally he has scored 31 goals in total since ’04.
The style- Timing. He doesn’t really have strong shots per se but what he does have is the ability to time his shots. He also enjoys being in the thick of the 18 yard box, trying to poke and prod his leg or head near the ball and given the chance he will convert those into goals, which he celebrates with his signature punching of the corner flags.
The matchup- Cahill will have to utilize his hustle and bustle mentality against pretty much all 3 teams, because it will be an uphill battle for his Australian side. Chile, Spain and Netherland will probably be pressing up against the Socceroos defense every chance they get and this will mean that Cahill will have to be ready for possible counters and he will do well to pick set-pieces to capitalize on as he has done on occasion with the Red Bulls.
