The current world and European champions were seeded in Group B but crashed out after two heavy defeats in their opening games. Australia were the lowest ranked side in the competition but gave the Dutch a real scare.
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Spain
Netherlands
Arena Fonte Nova, SalvadorThe World Champions started well enough, taking the lead from a penalty in the 27th minute but on the stroke of half time, van Persie levelled the score with an astonishing diving header. In the second half the Dutch were ruthless and simply tore Spain apart. Spain wore white in this game because FIFA decreed their red strip would not provide sufficient contrast with the dark blue of the Netherlands.
Chile
Australia
Arena Pernambuco, RecifeGoals in the 12th and 14th minutes set Chile on their way to a reasonably comfortable win although Cahill did pull one back ten minutes from half time to keep Australia in the game. Beausejour scored Chile's third in time added on.
Spain
Chile
Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de JaneiroFor 12 years Spain have swept all before them with their tiki-taka style but their dominance ended emphatically at the Maracanã. Chile put on a magnificent display of energetic, attacking football and even when they were 2-0 up and other teams would have sat back and challenged their opponents to break them down, Chile continued to take the game to Spain.
Australia
Netherlands
Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto AlegreArjen Robbens put the Dutch ahead on 20 minutes only for Tim Cahill to cancel their lead within a minute with a classic long-range volley. For long periods the Australians looked capable of causing an upset and in the 54th minute they went ahead from a penalty. Within five minutes van Persie equalised and in the 68th minute a fierce drive from Depay eluded Matthew Ryan's fingertips for the winner.
Australia
Spain
Arena da Baixada, CuritibaSpain avoided the humilation of finishing last in their group with a comfortable win in which only pride was at stake.
Netherlands
Chile
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Arena de São PauloWith both teams already through to the next round, the issue to be settled was who would top the group and avoid Brazil. A tempestuous match was settled by two late goals from Fer (77') and Depay (90').