A rundown of the World Cup games to watch Wednesday:
Australia vs. Netherlands
Noon, ESPN
at Porto Alegre
Favorite: Netherlands
It’s hard to imagine the Socceroos with a tougher task than the Dutch, who were red-hot (Oranje-hot?) in a 5-1 rout of defending champ Spain Friday in Salvador. Winger Arjen Robben and striker Robin van Persie each had a brace in that game, but the gritty Aussies didn’t roll over in a 3-1 loss to Chile (with a goal from Red Bull Tim Cahill) and will try to pressure an inexperienced Dutch defense.
Spain vs. Chile
3 p.m., ESPN
at Rio De Janeiro
Favorite: Spain
Spain has never lost to Chile nor dropped consecutive games under coach Vicente del Bosque, but he’ll surely make changes after their humbling at the hands of the Dutch. He could bench fullback Cesar Azpilicueta for Juanfran or drop Diego Costa. “If we don’t win, we go home, and the consequences will be brutal,” said Cesc Fabregas, who could go back to the “false nine” role he has excelled in. Goalkeeper Iker Casilla played poorly, but No. 3 David De Gea (leg) is out.
Cameroon vs. Croatia
6 p.m., ESPN
at Manaus
Favorite: Croatia
Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o is out — possibly the rest of the tournament — with a knee injury. Croatia midfielder Luka Modric hurt his foot in the opener, but even if Mateo Kovacic plays in his stead, Croatia’s passing could prove troublesome for Cameroon’s iffy defense.