Spain v Holland - World Cup Final 2010
Spain v Holland - World Cup Final 2010
Spain v Holland - World Cup Final 2010
Finally, the two greatest footballing countries have the chance to add their name to the best trophy in the world, they'll meet such greats as Uruguay, Italy, Germany, Brazil, England, Argentina and France.
Bert van Marwijk's 2010 squad, now unbeaten in 25 games, could be the 1st team since Brazil 1970 to win all qualifiers and world cup finals, quite the feat, even forSneijder. Arguably Holland's star player.
Spain, home to possibly the two greatest clubs in football history (Barcelona and Real Madrid) boast a shocking World Cup record, having never finished higher than fourth, their previous best being in Brazil 60 years ago.
However with Euro 2008 under the Spanish belt and on a wondrous run themselves, with two defeats in 25 games under Vicente del Bosque, the coach believes it's their time to shine.
Don't worry if your english, Howard Webb has just been given the go ahead to referee the final in Africa.
No team in the world passes better than Spain. Its game is based on precision, and like the Dutch, the Spaniards often get keeper Iker Casillas to initiate with passes to his defenders. Torres has struggled to recover from knee surgery and barely played in the semifinal win over Germany.
With Spain comfortably expelling Germany from this world cup we can expect to see an open game with both teams priding themselves on their spectacular offensive capabilities. One point I feel may be a deciding factor at this prestigious event, Holland's defense, in their semi-final bout with Uruguay they managed three goals. However they let in two as well.
Key clashes:
Wesley Sneijder v Xavi:
The thinking and doing players of both teams, Sneijder has enjoyed a stellar year, guiding Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan to a unique treble, topped by their Champions League triumph, and enjoying a blinding and, on occasion, blessed tournament in South Africa. His best play was in the quarter finals against Brazil, when Dunga's men fell apart, Sneijder took full advantage. He can also be encouraged that when he went head to head with his Xavi in the Champions League tie with Barcelona, he prevailed.
Maarten Stekelenburg v Iker Casillas:
If it comes down to a penalty shoot-out, you would have to favour Casillas, who has been Spain's shoot-out hero a couple of times, earning victory with two saves against Ireland in the 2002 World Cup round of 16 (when he was 21) and also when he kept out two to beat Italy in Euro 2008. Casillas also has the advantage on shot stopping having attained a better record this World cup.
Arjen Robben v Joan Capdevila:
Robben, after his fine season for Bayern Munich, has enjoyed a big tournament here too, with crucial goals against both Slovakia and Uruguay. He could turn out to be Sunday's match-winner as he marauds in from the right flank with the goal in his sights.
A major responsibility rests on Capdevila, the Villarreal defender who, at the age of 32, is not the most agile any longer and may have to rely on his experience to try to neutralise Holland's single most potent threat. Robben's agility could prove a turning point for the Dutch.
This final is going to be close thats for sure, however both sides should not underestimate their opponents, or they might rue the day they did. If I could say one thing to both teams, it would be take your chances. Especially Spain.
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