Both teams were beaten by Chile and the Netherlands successively but will feel differently about the losses. While the Spaniards have endured a nightmare defense of their World Cup title, Australia would take a lot of positives from their performances against the two qualifiers from their group.
The Australians had arrived in Brazil as the lowest ranked team but performed impressively in both games they have played. The Socceroos led the Dutch in the second half last time out after a Mile Jedinak penalty and a sumptuous 20- yard volley from Tim Cahill before eventually losing 3-2. Cahill, who will miss the Spain match after picking up his second yellow card in as many matches is proud of the performance of his team in the tournament.
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‘We came here to play football, and as a nation I think we have earned the respect of the world,’ he said, ‘I’m proud of this team, the kids. It’s one of the best soccer teams I have ever been a part of.’
For Spain, losing against Australia on Monday will amount to the worst World Cup defense in history and La Roja will do everything in their power to avoid that dubious honour. Even France in 2002 managed a point before crashing out and Italy had three points in South Africa before exiting the tournament. Following the six- year domination of world football which saw the Europeans win two straight European championships and the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Spain’s collapse in Brazil is a huge surprise to football fans everywhere. The future of both the team and their manager is unclear with Xabi Alonso already announcing his retirement after the World Cup. Barcelona midfielder Xavi and Team captain Iker Casillas are expected to follow suit and Coach Vincente Del Bosque is yet to make a decision despite the Spanish Football Federation wanting him to stay on for the rebuilding process.
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TEAM NEWS
Del Bosque is expected to ring the changes for the match against Australia with the likes of Athletico Madrid midfielder Koke, Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla and Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina (on loan from Liverpool) expected to be handed their chance in the starting XI. Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is also expected to miss out after sitting out training on Saturday with an abductor problem.
Australia’s all- time leading scorer Tim Cahill will not be available for the match after the yellow card he earned for taking Bruno Martins Indi out against the Netherlands. Other than that, Ange Postecoglu will be happy with the lineup that pushed their opponents so far the last time out.
Probable Lineups
Spain (4-3-3): Reina; Alba, Albiol, Ramos, Azpilicueta; Busquet, Koke, Iniesta; Silva, Costa, Cazorla
Australia (4-2-3-1): Ryan; McGowan, Wilkinson, Spiranovic, Davidson; Jedinak, McKay; Oar, Bresciano, Leckie; Halloran
PREDICTION
Despite the fact that the match is effectively meaningless, both teams will want to bow out with some semblance of dignity. Australia will look to disrupt Spain’s rhythmic passing game like Chile and the Netherlands before them and will fancy their chances against the disgraced Spaniards.
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