The Dutch and the Chileans have won two out of two. One of these sides will maintain its perfect record on Monday, unless the game ends in a draw. The top spot is at stake but Louis van Gaal will be without his captain, Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, who picked up his second booking of the tournament in the 3-2 win over Australia.
Meanwhile, the other fixture in the table is a matter of pride only. The Socceroos and La Furia Roja have never met before. Without suspended skipper Tim Cahill, the Australians may find it tough to give world football’s highest ranked team a fight at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba.
Group B facts:
• The Netherlands need only a draw to secure the top spot in Group B.
• Chile must win to leapfrog the Netherlands at the top.
• Spain will become the first World Cup defending champions to crash out with zero point if they lose to Australia.
• Spain will finish bottom of Group B if they draw or lose. Only victory will see them leapfrog the Socceroos for a more respectable third-place finish.
Team sheets for Netherlands vs Chile
Netherlands’ First XI: Cillessen; Janmaat, De Vrij, Vlaar, Blind; Wijnaldum, De Jong, Sneijder; Robben, Lens, Kuyt.
Chile’s First XI: Bravo; Silva, Medel, Jara; Isla, Diaz, Gutierrez, Mena; Aranguiz; Sanchez, Vargas.
Team sheets for Australia vs Spain
Australia’s First XI: Ryan, Davidson, Spiranovic, Leckie, Taggart, Oar, Bozanic, Jedinak, McKay, McGowan, Wilkinson.
Spain’s First XI: Reina; Juanfran, Ramos, Albiol, Alba; Xabi Alonso, Koke, Cazorla; Iniesta, David Villa, Torres.
