SPAIN vs. NETHERLANDS

Kick-off: Sunday, July 11th, 2:30pm (ET), ABC

Spain and Netherlands are the two greatest soccer nations that have never won the World Cup. Sunday’s World Cup Final is a dream matchup for football enthusiasts who can appreciate the history of these two teams.

The Netherlands dominated two World Cups in the 1970’s, thanks to their well-known “Total Football” style, when they reached the finals in both 1974 and 1978. But both times, the Oranje faced the host nation as its opponent, and both times they finished second. A long stretch of disappointment, underachievement, and team chemistry issues kept Holland from getting back to that top stage, until now. The Dutch are back at the top of their game, and have cruised into Sunday’s final match clicking on all cylinders.

Spain, on the other hand, has had an opposite trend of historical ups and downs. The Spanish side went through a lackluster period of football during the 70’s and 80’s, in which they could never turn their European tournament success into positive results at the World Cup. The team regressed even more in the 90’s, reaching as low as a 26th overall FIFA ranking in 1998. But since then, Spain has been on the rise. Still never finding great success on the biggest stage, Spain finally has made its run to the top. A supremely talented roster has put it all together and taken its 2008 European Championship momentum into an impressive run at the 2010 World Cup.

So here we are in 2010, with both Spain and Netherlands facing a chance at first-time glory. The opportunity for both sides to take home their first World Cup trophy is enough motivation to expect a tremendous match. But the great talent on both sides should give fans extra incentive to tune in on Sunday.

So there’s your historical reference. Here’s your game preview and prediction:

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SPAIN -
The Spanish side is loaded with talent all over the pitch. Up top, striker David Villa has scored 5 goals in this World Cup, tied for the tournament lead. He has a good chance to win the Golden Ball award for MVP of the tourney. His diminutive stature doesn’t stop him from striking the ball with as much power as anyone, and his low center of gravity allows him to cut into spaces that defenders cannot anticipate.

Xavi and Iniesta are arguably the two best distributing midfielders in the world. The Barcelona teammates have played off each other beautifully for Spain, yet neither has been particularly impressive on the offensive end in this World Cup. That can change at any moment.

Defensively, Spain is as strong as any team. Puyol and Pique dominate the center back position, and their wing backs are as skilled as anyone on the field. Sergio Ramos and Capdevila can make runs down the pitch at any moment, yet have the pace to recover and defend.

Every team needs a defensive midfielder to hold the unit together. That was a question mark for Spain, but Sergio Busquets has done the job admirably. Their goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, has been considered the best goalie in the world for some time now. He has been brilliant all tournament long, and is trusted like no other keeper.

Spain possesses the ball better than any team, and has the ability to attack the goal at angles that nobody expects. Passes are strung together by every player on the field, and at times it seems impossible for their opponents to get the ball back. Their beautiful play, however, has been somewhat lacking at the World Cup. They continue to possess the ball for much of the game, but have relied on solid defensive structure and total ball control to frustrate opponents, more like a game of keep-away than anything else. They’ve won three games in a row by a score of 1-0.

NETHERLANDS -
The Netherlands are a well-oiled machine of veteran players that stick to their positions and know their roles. Robin van Persie provides the striking up front with his powerful left foot. But his partner, Dirk Kuyt, has been the more prolific goal scorer who just has a knack for how to score. He may lack ball skills, but he’s one of the smartest players on the pitch and is always in the right place at the right time.

In the midfield, however, is where Holland excels even more. Arjen Robben is the creative midfield mind on the wing that swerves in and out with the ball and can score from long range. He is depended upon to start many attacks. His partner, Wesley Sniejder, has been the ultimate star of the squad. Sneijder has scored 5 goals, tied for the tournament lead. He can score from long range, battle in front of net, or distribute in the midfield at the point of attack.

Defensive, the Netherlands lack the skills of a team like Spain, but they are a tough unit that rarely makes mistakes. They play a 4-2-3-1 that includes two defensive mids, and that formation might be the only way to beat Spain. They will look to contain the Spanish flow and movement with the ball. The Dutch defenders know how to get the ball to their playmakers and let them start the attack.

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KEY FACTS -
Fernando Torres for Spain is arguably a top-3 striker in the world. He’s usually the alpha dog of this offensive unit, with David Villa playing the sidekick role. But Torres has not been fit in this tournament, coming off of knee surgery, and is likely to sit this game out. The decision to start or sit the hobbled superstar will be an important one for coach Vicente del Bosque.

No team has ever won the World Cup after losing in their opening match. Spain, of course, lost 1-0 to Switzerland in their opener. Will this trend come to an end?

The Netherlands are not only undefeated in this tournament, but they have won every game outright. They did not even play to a draw in the group stage, and have won all 6 games.

No European nation has ever won a World Cup that was not played on European soil. This matchup, in South Africa between two European teams, will buck that trend.

Nigel de Jong started each of Holland’s first 5 games, but sat out the semi-final with a suspension. There is a possibility that the defensive mid De Jong will sit in favor of a more offensive player, in order to provide more attacking options against Spain. Head coach Bert van Marwijk has an interesting decision there.

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PREDICTION:
Time for some self-promotion. In my World Cup Predictions article, I picked this matchup for my final. Well done to myself. In that same article, I predicted a 3-1 victory for Spain. I’m going to stick to it.

Expect the Netherlands to give it everything they’ve got to take out the supremely talented Spain squad. Even without Fernando Torres, Spain has more overall talent on the field. As witnessed in their 1-0 semi-final win over Germany, Spain has the ability to take away an opponent’s offensive opportunities, and just dominate possession until they can find a goal.

I don’t think the Netherlands will allow this to happen. But in playing out of their style and attacking more than usual, there will be holes for Spain to attack. Expect at least 3 total goals scored in this game. I think this one will be tied 1-1 at halftime before Spain gets a second half tiebreaker and eventually adds on a 3rd goal while Holland pushes forward in pursuit of an equalizer.

SPAIN wins 3-1

No matter the final result, expect both teams to display some fine skill and playmaking ability that will be a pleasure to watch. Enjoy the game!