Spain were crushed 5-1 by the Netherlands in their opening Group B game on Friday and will be eliminated if they lose to Chile on Wednesday and the Dutch avoid defeat against Australia. The same set of results would carry Chile into the Round of 16, but Sampaoli expects to encounter a very different Spain at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã.
Spain Hopes to Reverse Maracana Luck Vs Chile
"The Maracana is mythical, but the only wish is for the result to be completely different from last year's Confederations Cup final and we can win," Spain midfielder Juan Mata said.
Mario Mandzukic’s return gives Croatia naked ambition against Cameroon
When Bayern Munich celebrated their domestic double on 18 May, one player was not present at the party thrown for club members and sponsors. Mario Mandzukic, the scorer of 26 goals for the German champions last season, had already packed his bags and headed some 350 miles south-east to Croatia.