World Cup 2010 - World Cup Final Preview

I've said it before; I'm not great at predicting the outcomes of games. My bet365 account history will tell you that. However, the World Cup final between Holland and Spain is a very interesting match up, and so it's worth looking into it a little further.

Here's my breakdown of the final:

History

Spain

Although Spain were the winners of Euro 2008, this is their first visit to the final of this tournament. Their previous best finish in the World Cup was a fourth place finish in a round robin tournament in 1950, as no official final was held.

Holland

Also considered as one of the best teams never to have won the World Cup, the Dutch finished as runners-up in 1974 and 1978, losing to West Germany and Argentina respectively. Holland's last major tournament success was winning Euro 1988, defeating the Soviet Union 2-0.

Form

Spain

Under coach Vicente del Bosque, Spain have only failed to win four of their last 54 games. They won all their games in qualifying for the World Cup, and have won their last five in this tournament, despite losing their opening game against Switzerland 1-0.

Holland

A 25 game unbeaten run and a 100 percent qualifying record puts them in good stead for a tough final. Holland have scored twelve times in six games in this tournament, finding the back of the net in each of those games.

How they line up

It's possible that Fernando Torres will start his second game in a row on the bench for Spain after a disappointing tournament so far, with Barcelona's youth star Pedro likely to play alongside David Villa. Gregory van der Wiel and and Nigel de Jong are expected to be recalled to the Dutch side, after both missing the semi-final against Uruguay.

How they match up

Interestingly, these two teams have never met at the World Cup before. If Pedro does start for Spain, seven of the starting eleven are Barcelona players. This familiarity will be beneficial for them. Carlos Puyol and Gerard Piqué will have their hands full as Holland like to push forward with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben.

Who has the edge?

I've got to go with Spain in this one. The reason for this is because this team has improved in every game they've played in this tournament, and Holland haven't really hit top gear yet. Spain are going to make it very difficult for Holland to do this in the final. David Villa has been excellent in this tournament, and the midfield was suffocating against Germany. Whilst Sneijder poses a huge threat for Holland, the depth possessed by Spain in the form of Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets will be tough to break down. Cesc Fabregas and David Silva are strong options off the bench, too. I think the midfield is where this game will be won and lost. Holland must get Dirk Kuyt and Robin Van Persie more involved and threaten that Spanish defence. It will be close, and extra-time may come into it, but I can see Spain lifting the trophy on Sunday.



So, me and Paul the psychic octopus agree. I can sleep soundly tonight now. Your thoughts, predictions and comments are appreciated. Here's hoping for a great final tomorrow night.


P.S. - My blog can now be found at SportsBlogs.org, which is well worth checking out if you're interested in writing your own blog, or reading others.



(Shameless plug over)