re: WC question from a newb

quote:

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Assuming Spain is out after the match today, what in the world is their motivation to play the third match and doesn't that third team get a huge advantage because Spain could come out unmotivated?

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Hypothetically this could be an issue. However, in this group, both the Netherlands and Chile will have 6 while Spain and Australia will have 0. Mathematically, both of the latter two teams are already eliminated.

Spain v. Australia would be meaningless. For Spain, the only motivation would be to play some of the younger guys, get some experience, and take something positive away from the Cup.