2010 World Cup Final Spain vs. The Netherlands
On Sunday evening in Johannesburg’s Soccer City, one of the two greatest footballing nations never to have won the World Cup will be joining that exclusive club of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ as champions alongside Uruguay, Italy, Germany, Brazil, England, Argentina and France. That is correct, since the first tournament in 1930, only seven different nations have won the quadrennial event.
Number eight also guarantees that first time host South Africa will be the site of the first European team to win the World Cup outside of Europe.
Spain has the talent...can they put together a complete game?
Offensively Spain has been leaning on David Villa as Fernando Torres, reportedly not in top shape, has been relegated to a substitution role. Left winger Villa’s five goals have loomed large. Defensively, goalkeeper Iker Casillas has anchored the Spanish side and if the Final comes down to a penalty shootout, well he has had some good success in that realm, having earned victories with two saves against Ireland in the 2002 World Cup round of 16 and also when he kept out two to beat Italy in Euro 2008.
Dutch fans should be in for a treat
For the Dutch, while not the brilliant “Total Football” squad from the 70s that lost in two Finals (’74 and ’78), still they have advanced impressively by a strong multi-pronged approach. The Oranje storm into the Finals with a great tournament record. They have gone 6-0, including a fine comeback win over favored Brazil in the quarterfinals.
Speaking of Brazil, only the great Brazil side of 1970 won all of their qualifying matches AND their matches at the World Cup finals to lift the trophy. That was a total of 12 games – The Netherlands have won 14 games to reach the title match on Sunday.
Holland has done it through a balanced squad with active players all over the field
Overall I believe Spain has a deeper roster of talent, yet at times have been unfocused. That’s something that can be costly in World Cup play. Still they will win IF they play to their full potential. But Villa is going to need some help. Look for Puyol and Xavi to shine.
Dirk Kuyt has been a key to the Dutch run
In the end however, I will stick to my pre-tournament prediction that The Netherlands, led by that goal-driven troupe of Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt will become the 2010 World Cup champions.
