Topics: Mario Mandzukic, Alex Wilkinson, Daley Blind, Alexis Sanchez, Chile, Spain, Holland, Croatia
18th June has in store a couple of exciting matches and we will see several star players in action as teams look to better their chances of qualifying to the next round.

Australia will face the high flying Netherlands side in the first fixture scheduled for today. The Dutch squad despite of being depleted in midfield and defensive areas displayed a phenomenal performance as they humbled Spain 5-1. They are expected to continue their fine form against Australia.

Spain will be looking for a swift response as they face a very talented Chile side who would be hoping to heap misery on Del Bosque and co. The last fixture for today will feature Cameroon and Croatia, both teams are winless but will be hoping to change that after tonight’s game. Here are five players who could make a real difference for their respective sides.

Mario Mandzukic

The Bayern Munich man is expected to make a return to the starting line-up after serving suspension in the opening match against Brazil. Despite being considered excess to requirements by Pep Guardiola, the 28 year old enjoyed a fine season which saw him scoring 18 goals in just 21 starts in the Bundesliga.

His presence upfront will surely strengthen the team, with no Croatian yet to score a goal in the 2014 edition of the World Cup.

Alex Wilkinson

Australia have a himalayan of a task to get the better of a Netherlands side which was on a rampage during their opening fixture against the World champions. The 29 year old was not a favorite to make the trip to Brazil, but a lack of depth in the centre back position meant that Wilkinson made it into the 23 men Australian squad.

Despite the fact that the socceroos suffered a 3-1 defeat against Chile, Wilkinson was solid throughout the match which also saw him produce an excellent off the line clearance from an Eduardo Vargas shot. If Australia are to cause an upset at the expense of Holland, Wilkinson will have to produce a top performance.

Daley Blind

His inch perfect pass to Robin Van Persie for the wonder goal against Spain, would definitely be singled out as Blind’s highlight of his career so far. The 24 year old Ajax defender who can also play in the midfield was an unknown quantity prior to the game against Spain but has quickly made a name for himself.

Apart from the wonderful crosses he put into the box time and time again, Blind was also very responsible defensively and will have to continue to perform with the same zeal for his team to have a successful World Cup campaign.

Alexis Sanchez

The Barcelona man is his side’s star player and Chile will be relying greatly on him to produce the goods. The 25 year old is quick, agile, a great dibbler and has a knack for scoring goals and could really hurt Spain if given a lot of space to operate.

Sanchez was involved in every good move his side produced in the match against Australia and will prove to be useful when he goes up against a side he knows very well.

Jordi Alba

After conceding five against Holland, Spain will have to be careful to not make the same mistakes at the back. This means that Jordi Alba who is known for deserting his defensive duties as he ventures into attacking expeditions, will have to produce a very disciplined performance.

He will be against his Barcelona teammate Alexis Sanchez who can be very difficult to contain and Alba will have to be at his supreme best to keep the 25 year old at bay. If the Spanish fullback can successfully do so, his team has a good chance of turning the tie in their favor.