Group B:
Spain: Koke
First player who immediately came into mind here was Koke’s teammate at Atletico Madrid, Diego Costa. However, the latter is Brazilian-born which technically makes him Brazilian and subsequently eliminates him from the run in this topic.
This brings us back to Koke, who was an important part of Atletico’s midfield during their history-making season. The midfielder’s powerful performances and deft passes helped take Diego Simeone’s men to their first La Liga crown since 1996 before finishing as runners-up in the Champions League.
With other world-class midfielders around him in the Spanish side, Koke and Spain are one of the favourites to hoist this year’s cup.
Netherlands: Robin van Persie
The prolific Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford and took charge. RvP followed-up his high-profile switch from Arsenal with a 30-goal return in his debut season which fired United to their 20th Premier League crown.
With his career derailed by injuries however, Holland will hope their target man remains fit throughout the tournament.
United won the title from having a fit Van Persie in their ranks, without him, along with other issues, they plummeted to seventh in the Premier League.
You get a sense that the same will apply for the Oranje.
Chile: Alexis Sánchez
With Spain and Holland heavily tipped to progress from this group, the Barcelona forward and his teammates will be hoping to break that notion and send one of the 2010 finalists on an early flight back home.
A repeat of his dazzling runs down the flanks in the 2010 edition of the tournament could yet cause a big upset.
Australia: Tim Cahill
The New York Red Bulls forward will be looking to extend his record of most goals by any Australian in a World Cup and strengthening the Socceroos’ chances of advancing to the second round.
Should he find his touch in the tournament, expect to see a handful of corner flags being punched.
– @SabeloBoksburg
