Europe, Features, Ian John, Regions, World Cup 2010 POSTS

It’s Holland versus Spain for World Cup glory!

Published by Ian John on July 8, 2010

It’ll be the biggest clash between the nations since the thirty years war when on Sunday, in Soccer City Johannesburg, Holland take on Spain in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final.

As I write this penultimate article about the World Cup, before we turn our attention back to the EPL, transfer gossip and the strange haircuts footballers have adopted for next season (Does anybody recognise Fernando Torres anymore?) let us pay tribute to both finalists.

Holland have been the form team of the finals. Admittedly they weren’t as classy at times as Germany or Argentina, they lack the flair of Brazil, but what they do have is a fantastic team spirit and, perhaps the key aspect, a real threat in attack with the likes of Robben and Sneijder at the hub of their best attacking play. Sneijder has, in particular, enjoyed a miraculous year, a treble winner with Inter Milan, he could finish up the season as a World Cup winner and perhaps even World Cup leading goalscorer. It would be a fitting accolade for a player who has, in many peoples view, been the star attraction at the finals this summer.

Spain recovered from a somewhat slow start, and the somewhat embarrassing defeat by Switzerland, to win their next five games. Until the semi final stage, the Spanish weren’t particularly impressive in any game. At times we saw glimpses of their true abilities and in David Villa Spain had the undoubted attacking star of the finals with his five goals, but there were no signs of the real quality that the Spanish were truly capable of, well not until the semi final with Germany when, during the second half in particular, they were outstanding and fully deserving of their victory.

The bookmakers have installed Spain as the favourites for the tie and that is arguably just about right. Not based on current form perhaps, but certainly on the potential performance from each team. Holland will have to play a very hard-working game against the Spanish, especially in midfield where they will have to reduce the influence of Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso at the heart of the Spanish team, a feat that is easier said than done. Then of course there is the very real threat of David Villa, who looks likely to start as Spain’s lone front man in the final, if Spain don’t make any changes to their semi final team.

However that could be a good thing for Holland. Villa, too often against Germany, cut an isolated figure in attack and few chances came his way, especially in a somewhat untidy first half display. The second half was much better as Spain’s dominance in midfield grew, but Villa was still starved of chances and it took a traditional set piece goal to break the deadlock. Certainly Spain tend to see the best of Villa when Fernando Torres plays alongside him, but will Spanish manager Vicente Del Bosque risk changing the shape of his team for the final? It seems unlikely.

That may play into Dutch hands. With Villa isolated, the Dutch can then start to explore their own attacking avenues with Robben’s battle against Sergio Ramos likely to be one of the defining aspects of the game. Whoever wins that battle could play a key role in deciding who eventually wins the 2010 World Cup. The key for the Dutch will not only be retaining possession when they have the ball, but breaking up the Spanish passing rhythm, if they can do that and get at the Spanish defence, then this final is far from a formality.

So how is it going to go? In truth I am not sure. I can make cases for both teams winning. To be honest, I feel both teams would be welcome and deserving winners and whoever wins it is going to be nice to see a new name etched on the famous trophy. After the heartbreak of 1974 and 1978, my heart says Holland, but my brain says Spain and this time I think I am going to be more cerebral. It’ll be close and it will be tight but I think despite great Dutch courage that Spanish eyes will be smiling on Sunday night.

Image Courtesy of ***Noah Markus*** on Flickr.com

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