NED vs SPA: The Grand European Final

By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal

The whole world stops on Sunday the 11th at 19:30PM GMT to turn their attention to one nation. One nation which has represented a unique continent filled with a myriad of passion, happiness, colour, music, love and devotion for the most popular sport on earth, football. The World Cup final kicks off where the competition started; at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Not a soul will want miss the clash between European giants Netherlands and the almighty Spain. Neither of the teams have won lifted the World Cup, Spain are playing in their first final where as the Netherlands are aiming to make it 3 times lucky after losing consecutive finals in 74 and 78. Either Casillas or Van Bronckhorst will be holding the most desired cup and making history as they as part of the first European nation to win the tournament outside of Europe. Can this final get more exciting?

Despite an African team not fulfilling the greatest dream, playing in the first World Cup final on African soil, the locals will not plan on missing the grand final and will certainly create a beautiful atmosphere amongst the 94,000 spectators. This match is not a one sided game and as it is a final, neither team can be labelled as the favourite.

Netherlands and Spain equally deserve to be playing in the final. They’ve played consistent, offensive and collective football throughout the tournament. Their style of play is highly similar to the ‘Total Football’ which was created by Rinus Michels and played by Cruyff and Co for the Orange and FC Barcelona. Since “Cruyffian footballogy” ended, many teams have been trying to emulate his philosophy and both finalists have mastered the art in their own way.

The Spanish national team have been inspired from that unique style of play and adopted their own philosophy. Their version of “Total Football” is controlled by their Barcelona boys and their movements on and off the ball are the key. Many teams and players can pass the ball brilliantly, but only a certain few have the awareness and intelligence to create movements Spain and Netherlands produce against all their opponents. It’s very rare to see either side outclassed.

The fact that both teams are masters at “playing the game” makes this a very close and fierce final, both sides will enjoy their spells of dominance.  From the first until the last minute, they will constantly attack and create scoring chances. But we must not forget about their solid defense, marking and off the ball movements either, because they are also crucial elements in the success of the team.

Expected Line-Ups

The Dutch side have a fully fit squad and will play with their normal starting 11. The only Spanish player sidelined tonight is Raul Albiol, the rest of the team is match fit.

The big question is will Pedro or Torres start up front for La Roja. Pedro played brilliantly against Germany in the semi-final and certainly pleased Del Bosque. However, Fernando Torres is a world class player and is regarded as the country’s number one striker. It won’t be a surprise to see the Barcelona forward start ahead of Torres.

NETHERLANDS (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst (c); De Jong, Van Bommel; Robben, Sneijder, Van der Vaart/Kuyt; Van Persie

SPAIN (4-3-3): Casillas (c); Ramos, Puyol, Pique, Capdevilla; Busquets, Alonso, Xavi; Iniesta, Pedro, Villa

Prediction

Both sides will be playing collective offensive football and chances will be created. However, Spain have a stronger defence and the Dutch won’t find it easy getting through them. Both teams will cancel each other out and whichever scores their chances, will win. The final score will be close and minor details will play a huge role. It’s hard to predict the winner but I see Spain winning 2 - 1. Let the best team win!

Who do you think will win the final?

51 Notes/ Hide

  1. xsandra answered: NO IT CANNOT GET MORE EXCITING ahhh. Holland!
  2. hasanong reblogged this from afootballreport
  3. uncaaarajo answered: I think Spain will beat Netherlands. Netherlands is far from total football, and Spain comes form beating Germany in a marvelous way.
  4. brixtonguns answered: viva la furia roja.. Saluteee
  5. dalleali reblogged this from afootballreport
  6. diegueno answered: I’ll be wearing orange tomorrow; that doesn’t mean that Spain will be a push-over.
  7. flyshortii90 answered: Espana… after all this time of not being for this team, i might as well :S Good luck SPAIN!
  8. afootballreport reblogged this from cheekychip and added:
    By Dominic Vieira, writing from Portugal
  9. xavicuevas reblogged this from cheekychip
  10. lumin0sityy answered: España !!!!!!
  11. matchcentre reblogged this from cheekychip
  12. whatyoucallhellicallhome reblogged this from cheekychip
  13. iamonlyamaid reblogged this from cheekychip
  14. laxaholism reblogged this from cheekychip
  15. laxaholism answered: SPAIN
  16. cheekychip posted this
  17. philosofooty reblogged this from cheekychip