Netherlands Vs. Spain: World Cup 2010 Final Predictions

After over three weeks of entertaining soccer, the final of the 2010 World Cup is finally here. Spain and the Netherlands will face off in what promises to be one of the most interesting finals in World Cup history. Both countries have often been labeled as the best teams to have never won the World Cup. The two teams will look to remove this label for good with a strong performance this Sunday. In this article, I will preview the much anticipated 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain as well as offer my unassuming predictions.

When we think of the Netherlands and soccer, the concept of Total Football (which was made popular by the Holland team of the 1970s and 1980s) immediately comes to mind. However, this year's Orange Army manages to reach the 2010 World Cup final playing nearly opposite the style that has made the team so beloved. The country enters the final as the only undefeated team in the tournament. Yet, none of their five victories is particularly impressive. As a matter of fact, one could have made a case for a Holland's defeat in all of the games.

The Netherlands owes much of its success to superstars, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben. Both players have been terrific at this year's World Cup, providing most of Team Holland's offensive sparks. What makes Sneijder and Robben so dangerous is their ability to score goals as well as generate opportunities for their teammates. The Orangemen's biggest liability has been their defensive line. There are serious gaps in the team's defense, which could prove fatal against a quality side like Spain.

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No team is better than Spain in term of reducing a 90-min game to a 45-min contest. They are the best at passing and holding the ball. In fact, the team enjoys on average over 70% of the ball possession at this year's World Cup. There's a reason why most of their games in this tournament ended 1-0. Spain's master plan is to frustrate its opponents to no end and wait for a few good opportunities to score.

The key to a Netherlands victory will depend on whether the team's defense (which has not been fully tested against in this tournament) can withstand Spain's outstanding strikers. The key to a Spain victory will be whether the team can contain the dynamic duo of Sneijder and Robben. Obviously, anything can happen in a competitive soccer game. However, Spain looks to be the definite favorite to win this match and capture the 2010 World Cup.

My predictions for the 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain: Spain defeats the Orangemen by the score of 1-0.