Some Nations Risk Major Mortification at this Year’s Tournament

Some Nations Risk Major Mortification at this Year’s Tournament

Some Nations Risk Major Mortification at this Year’s Tournament

📅05 June 2014, 09:01

One of the great things about the World Cup is that there are always one or two major surprises. A leading team that falls apart and heads home after the first round embarrassed and having disappointed a whole nation.

At the last World Cup France made the headlines due to a team revolt. This year it is a fantastic team on paper but there is always doubt over whether they can play well together as a unit. It would be shocking if France didn’t make it past the Group Stage, but stranger things have happened.

Another possibility is that Spain will be the shock exit. While it is a strong team, it tends to start tournaments slowly and there is some concern that most of the star players are ageing. Another problem is the death of the tiki taka style of play. The last year has seen teams that play a passing game overshadowed by high-energy counter-attacking sides. Spain could find this a problem when they come up against Chile in the first round.

After an incredible performance during qualification, much is expected of the Netherlands at the World Cup. However, the team has not done well in recent tournaments. The same side that reached the last World Cup final failed to win a single group game at Euro 2012. Furthermore, it is a young and inexperienced side coming to this tournament. If Spain avoids a collapse then there is a chance that the high-pressure Chilean team could keep Holland out of the knockout stages.