The biggest sporting event is in one month’s time so here’s a preview of Group B, featuring reigning champions, Spain, Holland, Australia and Chile. Vicente del Bosque’s men will be looking to retain their World Cup while Holland will harbour hopes of going one better than in 2010. Chile are undoubtedly one of the dark horses of the tournament while Australia will be ruing their luck, being placed in one of the toughest groups.

Stars to look out for

The great thing about Spain is they have a host of stars to look for inspiration - the likes of Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, David Silva et al come to mind. If it was 2010, Villa would definitely be the one star to look out for, having played an instrumental role in that World Cup as well as Spain’s Euro 2008 victory, however, he’s not the same player. With that said, Diego Costa - who should be the main man - is one player to watch out for. The Atletico Madrid player is having the season of his life and if things go well for him as La Roja’s striker, he could be the focal point for many years to come.

As for Holland, they will be looking to the likes of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and company to see them through after a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign. Chile’s star men are undoubtedly Alexis Sanchez and Arturo Vidal while the key man for Australia - as it always has been - will be Tim Cahill.

Who could go through?

Despite the fact that Holland or Chile could spring a surprise on Spain, it’s still likely that the reigning champions will top the group as their odds of 1.16 @ Bet365.com to qualify from the group. Holland are favourites to finish 2nd with odds of 1.57 @ Bet365.com but Chile aren’t to be counted out as their odds of 1.83 @ Bet365.com clearly show. As for Australia, it’s an uphill task for them as it’s possible they’ll finish last in Group B as their odds of qualifying the group are 10.00 @ Bet365.com.

World Cup winners?

While Chile could go far, it’s highly unlikely that they stand a chance of winning the World Cup. Holland on the other hand, have an outside chance of doing so with odds of 29.00 @ Bet365.com. Spain are the second favourites to win and retain their crown with odds of 7.50 @ Bet365.com just behind Brazil whose odds are 3.75.

World Cup Group B Fixture:

13.06.2014 Spain-Netherlands

14.06.2014 Chile-Australia

18.06.2014 Australia-Netherlands

18.06.2014 Spain-Chile

23.06.2014 Australia-Spain

23.06.2014 Netherlands-Chile