Well, the dream-run of the inspiring German team that sent England packing, before dismantling fancied Argentina 4-0, is over.
Last night, the high-scoring Germans were beaten 1-0 by a workmanlike Spain, who, in the process, did a fine impression of their opponents' 2002 counterparts who reached the final after a string of solid, if unconvincing, 1-0 victories.
Wanna know an interesting face? I know you do: this final (Holland Vs Spain) is the first final since 1978 when Argentina felled the Dutch (appearing then in the second straight final) that will guarantee us a new champion.
Neither Spain - who prior to this tournament had never reached the Semis - or the Dutch have ever lifted the World Cup. So who deserves it more? It can hardly be argued that Spain have played better football than their orange-clad opponents: they have muddled through the knock-out stages with 3 straight 1-0 victories and even lost their opener by the same score line to the dire Swiss. Holland, however, have won all their games and, although conceding in each of their knock-out contests, have prevailed with style. They dispatched a plucky Slovakia, came from behind to ruin the Brazilian party and won what turned into a shoot-out against the optimistic and opportunistic Uruguayans.
I'm plugging for the Dutch - three losses in the big game would be too much to bear for this, the most overdue nation in international football. I think Sneijder, Kuyt and co have the firepower, but Spain have two things that make them hard to beat in the contests that matter: defence and patience. The Spanish passing game is even better than the Dutch when on form and they will be out to maintain possession and methodically break-down the easily frustrated Netherlanders.
Whatever happens it's gonna be a spectacle. Do Not Miss Out!
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