Monday 23/06/2014, 18:00, World Cup Group B, Australia vs Spain

Australia vs Spain Betting Preview

Spain will be playing the last match of the group stage against Australia, which means that by the time this fixture begins, they are 99% sure whether they have won the group or not. It is most unlikely for their opponents to win and even a draw would be a huge shock, as the reigning champions are vastly superior. Fatigue could become a problem and another thing that punters are probably worried about is that Spain will choose to rest some key players, in order to have them fit and healthy for the elimination rounds.

Australia vs Spain Betting Odds

At Bet365

Australia 15.00, Draw 6.50, Spain 1.20

Australia vs Spain Betting Tips

Spain has won three consecutive titles over the last 12 years and many players are no longer motivated, but a World Cup is the best way to get into the right mindset. Beating the Netherlands and Chile is the real challenge in Group B, because these two teams have the uncanny ability to score goals even when dominated.

Spain will probably resort to its proven strategy, which is to pass the ball as much as possible and wear out opponents. At the last World Cup, this strategy worked brilliantly and they have even more reasons to stick to it in Brazil, because now they have an aging team and players struggling to stay healthy.

Del Bosque knows how important it is to win the group, because the worst-case scenario is to face the top favorite in the first elimination round. Brazil is very likely to finish first in its group and it will play against the second team in Group B, with the latter being the underdog.

As for Australia, the team comes to the World Cup with low expectations and a team that has just a handful of players capable of putting up a convincing performance. The qualification campaign went silky smooth, but that means nothing since they played against weak opponents.

Key Facts

• Spain has never played against Australia, but they will use three strikers, since they are likely to have far better possession and numerous opportunities to score.
• Diego Costa will be probably kept on the bench even if fit to play, to avoid a new injury or an aggravation to his condition.

Australia vs Spain Betting Odds Prediction

This match is the best opportunity for Spain's talented strikers to score many goals and improve their chances of finishing the World Cup as top scorers. Australia doesn't have any quality striker except Cahill, who is no longer in his prime and won't receive too many useful balls. Punters should take their chances and back Spain to cover the -2.5 goals spread, since the odds are extremely good at 2.60 with bet365.

Bet: Spain -2.5 goals @ 2.60 with Bet365