World Cup 2014 Tips: Group B Winner Predictions

World Cup 2104 tips for Group B where Spain, Netherlands, Chile and Australia will compete for a place in the last 16.

Spain are favourites to win the group in the latest 2014 World Cup Group B betting odds at 8/11 with Bet365, Netherlands are 3/1 with Coral, Chile are 4/1 with William Hill and Australia are the rank outsiders at 100/1.

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Group B: the group of death. Sorry about using the old cliché but every tournament has one and this is pretty much as deadly as it gets. You have two European powerhouses – Spain and the Netherlands – who contested the last World Cup final in South Africa and, in the case of the former, dominated international football for the past six years. Then, there is the presence of the South American dark horse in Chile and the plucky Australian underdog with nothing to lose. This all creates what promises to be a compelling and thoroughly entertaining scramble for qualification.

 In terms of picking a winner for my Group B World Cup betting tip I can’t see past Spain, who should have enough to win the group, maybe even with maximum points.

There has been a common misconception from outside observers that this Spain side might struggle because of the decline of Barcelona this season and it is true that the nation’s success was built on a distinctly Catalan model. However the overall strength of Spanish football at present, demonstrated by the dominance of its club sides in both the Champions and Europa League this season negates this. Real Madrid stars Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso will join up with the squad still buzzing from their Champions League triumph in Lisbon, as will the new generation headed by Atletico Madrid’s La Liga winner Koke and Alberto Moreno, a Europa League winner with Sevilla.

Spain have also effectively made a new signing in the form of Brazilian born Diego Costa who could provide a devastating focal point for the teams stylish attacking system. Finally, the spine of Pique, Jordi Alba, Xavi and Iniesta is still undoubtedly world class, meaning this Spain side is geared towards one aim; win the World Cup in Brazil.

With regards to the other sides in the group, I fancy Chile to cause an upset and pip the Netherlands to claim second place, behind Spain. They impressed me with their almost casual victory over England at Wembley last November and count some genuinely quality individuals in their ranks, most obviously Alexis Sanchez of Barcelona and Arturo Vidal of Juventus. From a Dutch point of view, this Oranje squad is not as packed with world-class talent as has previously been the case. There is a distinctly youthful look to the squad and a reliance on Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie to provide the goods. That the latter has had an injury-interrupted campaign and may not be firing on all cylinders could be their undoing.

Group B Winner Prediction:

It is hard to see past Spain for our World Cup winner prediction in Group B but the value bet could be to back Chile to qualify as well at best odds 10/11 with Ladbrokes. Bet on Spain to win Group B at 8/11 with Bet365.

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