Final WC 2010 : Spain vs Holland
Author: Jose Viano
It is perhaps fair to say that there are not many lasting memories from this World Cup. The biggest stars in the football world have failed to really shine with Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, Wayne Rooney and the entire Brazil team failing to light up the tournament like the football world anticipated. There has also been a dearth of really outstanding games to be revered.
However two teams have performed consistently well while perhaps more fancied teams around them like Brazil, Argentina, England, France and Italy have flattered so deceive. Or in the case of the last three, not flattered at all. These teams are Holland and Spain. And the irony is they have never played each other in a major tournament before.
So now it comes down to one game. But just who will win the World Cup?
Can Holland Win the World Cup?
Only one team remain undefeated during the entire tournament, the Netherlands. They eased their way through the group phases and then disposed of Slovakia, the mighty Brazil and Uruguay. They have played at a consistently high standard and tempo throughout and have peaked at exactly the right time.
No longer tarred with rumours of in house fighting this squad is united. In Wesley Sneijder they arguably have the player of the tournament and one of the World Cup’s leading scorers. He has been fantastic, running games from midfield with his playmaking genius. Plus in Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben they have a constant goal threat. They do however still look suspect at the back at times.
The Dutch were not much fancied prior to the tournament as they have a reputation in the last few years of having style over content. Not in 2010, they have a real steel about them that just might see them lift the World Cup, a feat that even the great side of the seventies never achieved despite reaching two finals.
Can Spain Win the World Cup?
For so many years Spain were the much fancied team who could never grasp the brass ring and win a major tournament. That all changed in 2008 when they won the European Championship. Since then there is a new found belief in the Spanish team that they can beat anyone.
One thing Spain have done in this tournament is grind out results against tough opposition. They showed tremendous patience in games against Paraguay and Portugal respectively, and then in a game of football chess against the impressive Germany in the semi final.
In Iniesta they have arguably the most consistent international player in the world. Pique, Ramos, Alonso and Puyol are all world class players. And while Torres has misfired up until now, David Villa has lit up the world stage with his priceless goals. This team believes they are destined to win the World Cup. And this from a side who actually lost their opening game again Switzerland.
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