News Sports Soccer FIFA World Cup: Meet the winners and losers of the group stage

FIFA World Cup: Meet the winners and losers of the group stage

New Delhi: The 2014 FIFA World Cup has been nothing short of Excellency so far, bringing us 48 matches that have been mostly exciting, goal-laden and full of offensive football. At the end of it

                                                            Group B



                                       Winner – Louis Van Gaal (Netherlands coach)


They finished as top scorers in the group stage, the only team to reach 10 goals. Netherlands were handed a tough group draw but passed with flying colours by winning all three matches. Van Gaal's emphasis on early balls from wide and counter-attacks were perfect against Spain as the Dutch demolished the reigning holders, while they also saw off the challenge of Chile.

                                                  Loser – Spain



The defending champions lost their first two matches, looking a pale imitation of their formerly successful selves. Their dominance was always going to come to an end at some point, but the manner and completeness of how it came about was tough to watch. They'll build again, but we've seen the last of the likes of Xavi, David Villa and perhaps more.