The Tribune

By CAMERON HEPPLE

THE World Cup champions have been dethroned, the era of tiki-taka Spanish football has come to an end. Two brilliant goals by Chile in the first half left the Spanish shocked.

A bad decision by the manager of Spain to start Diego Costa over Torres and the Chileans capitalised on a weak team who looked out of rhythm.

So group B has been decided - Spain and Australia are out, Chile and Netherlands are on to the next round. The Australians suffered an unlucky loss due to a blunder by their goalkeeper, a bitter farewell for Tim Cahill as he won’t be seen in the match against Spain after two yellow cards.

The Socceroos did hold their own in the first half with a more attacking formation compared to their first match against Chile. The quality of Robben, Van Persie and Sneijder, however, proved too much.

Australia v Netherlands

Man of the match: Tim Cahill – although his team lost, he scored a quality first-time volley to tie the match up.

Shocker of the match: Matty Ryan – the Australian goalkeeper made a horrible mistake in the dying minutes to give the Dutch a 3-2 win.

Spain v Chile

Man of the match: Vargas #11 – scored the first goal and was a huge attacking influence on their 2-0 win.

Shocker of the match: Spain – the world champions have lost their rhythm, not looking at all like the side we once knew.

Coaching point

You are about to play the world champions, how do you defeat an unstoppable style of play? You do not let them play their game. The Chileans stuck to their game plan and played a high defensive line, defending in numbers, not allowing the Spanish to string passes around, get in their rhythm and control the game. But in order to pull this off your fitness levels must be at an all-time high to be able to attack and defend with the same intensity. The tiki-taka era has folded but was great to watch. The game always evolves and it is time for a new style of football.

MATCH OF THE DAY

Uruguay v England – two teams coming off losses in their opening matches have something to prove. I expect them to come out with a very attacking squad; the English are familiar with Suarez and his antics but believe they will hold him at bay if he starts. Coach Hodgson will trust his two younger strikers, Sterling and Sturridge, who played extremely well against Italy, to make the difference. This will be a big match for England as they need a win if they have any hope of progressing from the group.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England: Sterling #19 – this pacey Jamaican will have something to prove following a great showing against the Italians. Hopefully his teammates will be able to give him the balls he needs to make a difference.

Uruguay: Suarez # 9 – without a doubt the best striker in the English Premier League this past season, although recovering from knee surgery a few weeks ago. His country needs him in this match.

Ivory Coast: Gervinho #10 – he scored against Japan, he is skilful, quick and has a lethal shot. If he stays on form the Ivory Coast will have no issues against Colombia and getting out of the group.

Japan: Kagawa #10 – did not impress against Ivory Coast but the Japanese say they can come back v Greece. If they do Kagawa will be the man behind it.

WORLD CUP FACT

At 507.8 million euros ($688.5m) Brazil is the most expensive team participating in the World Cup based on market value. Spain is second at 504m euros and Argentina completes the top three at 475.2m (source: www.worldcupbrazil.net/world-cup-2014/facts)

• Cameron Hepple is a Bahamian international, ex-professional footballer now forging a career in coaching. He is providing expert insight daily for The Tribune on the World Cup.