Netherlands vs. Spain

After exactly one month full of exciting and compelling matches, the World Cup Final is finally here. For the first time since 1978, the Finals will see two nations who have yet to raise the trophy as the Netherlands and Spain will put it all on the line for a chance at immortality. Ironically that match included the Netherlands in their second unsuccessful attempt to take home the top prize as they were knocked off by the hosts Argentina. This time the Dutch will be planning on a different outcome.

The Netherlands are trying to accompany Brazil in 1970 as only the 2nd team to win all of their games at the World Cup. They are led by Wesley Sneijder who is tied with Diego Forlan of Uruguay and David Villa of Spain with 5 goals a piece in their quest for the Golden Boot. Sneijder is also trying to complete something never before done. This summer Sneijder and his club team, Inter Milan, won their domestic title, Coppa Italia, the Serie A title, the UEFA Champions' League, and now he is attempting to add a World Cup and perhaps a Golden Boot and Golden Ball to his resume for FIFA Footballer of the Year. And he just married this hottie. Giggidy. Joining Sneijder in the Dutch attack is Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. Both forwards are extremely dangerous up top and will leave the Spanish defense with their hands full.

When most think of Spain in the context of futbol they imagine a world power on the same level of Brazil, Italy, Germany, and France. Well...not so much. Let's play a game. What do Spain, Canada, China, Kazakhstan, and the entire continent of Africa have in common? Zero World Cups. None. Nada. Before this year Spain had only finished as high as 4th once, and that was in 1950. David Villa and company have taken their country to a place they've never been, but still aren't satisfied. While a 2nd place finish in the tournament would match their FIFA ranking, it's not exactly what they're aiming for.

Stylistically these teams are carbon copies of the other. Both prefer to handle the majority of the possession in the midfield through accurate passing. Both teams have won the possession battle in every game this World Cup except for the Netherlands who defeated Cameroon 2-1 while losing possession 51%-49% in the last game of group play and had already clinched a Round of 16 birth. While neither defenses are their strong point, both are world class. Obviously. And both back lines prefer to mix it up aggressively with the opposing attackers. This game has a lot of potential for scoring if both teams open it up.

Prediction:
The Netherlands get an early goal from All-World forward Arjen Robben at 30' in the first half. Rather than sticking with the gameplan, Holland then allows Spain to control possession for much of the start of the second half where Andres Iniesta gets the equalizer and scores for the first time since the Chile game in the 65'. With the game tied Spain goes for the throat and gets caught on a rare counter attack where Wesley Sneijder blasts home the game, World Cup, Golden Boot, and Golden Ball winner in the 75'.

Screw Paul the Octopus!

2-1 Netherlands