There is nothing to play for but pride in this Group B “wooden spoon” decider between Australia and Spain at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba later today. With both teams unable to qualify on points alone, this will be the first ever meeting of any kind between them, with Spain taking on an Oceanic team for the first time in its history. Spain will be encouraged by Australia’s history against European opposition so far, with only one triumph in seven games.
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Spain may also be expecting to win, given their superior team sheet and lineup, however they will be saddened to learn that today will be Xabi Alonso’s final international as he retires from the Spain squad. In World Cup competition, Spain have never lost three games on the bounce in a group stage, so losing today may send a strong signal that some radical changes in thinking are required if Spain are to stand any chance at the European Cup in two years time.
The difference in Spain at this World Cup and the last three tournaments (each of which they won) is massively evident as in this tournament alone they conceded seven goals, one more than they did in Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012. Spain look like a wounded animal, with Diego Costa seriously misfiring, Iniesta largely ineffective, Silva a no-go and Alonso out of sorts, so perhaps this is Australia’s chance to bow out of the tournament with flourish.
Should the Aussies add insult to injury by making it three defeats on the bounce today, it would mean that Spain would exit the tournament without any points at all, a massive underachievement by a squad which was for the last three tournaments, the envy of the football world. Australia are likely to start with a 4-2-3-1 today, with Davidson, McGowan, Wilkinson and Spiranovic at the back, two defensive midfielders in Jedinak and McKay, three attacking midfielders in Halloran, Oar and Bozanic with Leckie a possible lone striker.
On the Spanish side of things it may be possible they use a 4-2-3-1 also, with Alba, Juanfran, Martinez and Albiol at the back, Busquets and Alonso occupying the defensive midfield positions, Iniesta, Xavi and Silva in attack and David Villa on his own up front. Spain should be on their guard for Tommy Oar though, as this pacy forward is more suited to the wing and will switch and interchange with Halloran and Bozanic at any given moment.
With no Tim Cahill to hit in the box though, Oar will have to suffice with Leckie. Spain may well bring in some fringe players during the game, although because they are playing for ride, they will want to get some kind of result, as losing three games on the bounce will probably be the worst record of any world champion, ever. Indeed, with both teams playing for pride, and neither wanting to go home with nothing to showing, this could be a very fast-paced and physical battle.
