The 2010 World Cup has thrown up some shock results during the past month. Italy and France fell at the first hurdle while much-fancied Brazil and Argentina were dumped out dramatically in the quarter-finals. However, one prediction that can be safely made is that a first-time World Cup winner will be crowned on Sunday night.
The past 30 years have been rather cruel on both Holland and Spain where the World Cup is concerned. The likes of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, Dennis Bergkamp, Josep Guardiola and Raul lit up the international stage, but could not end their nation’s wait for World Cup glory. Now the current crops have the chance to do just that.
Holland were given few column inches when pundits listed their favourites to dominate in South Africa but a lightweight group and some revitalised big names have helped the Dutch turn the tables. They are now one game away from finally going a step further than the great Johan Cruyff.
Three wins out of three in Group E showed they were taking nothing for granted. And the ruthlessness and focus put the likes of Italy, France and England to shame. Though there were few standout performers, the team displays caught the eye and the players looked fresh.
But Brazil loomed large in the last eight. Having disposed of Slovakia in slightly shaky fashion, Holland were clear underdogs as they took on Kaka, Robinho and company but Dutch boss Bert van Marwijk’s ability to get his stars playing brilliantly and for each other made Holland hugely dangerous.
And there was a belief that had been missing in previous tournaments. Wesley Sneijder had won the Champions League as part of a treble with Inter, Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben led Bayern Munich to the Champions League final. The more you looked at the Dutch team, the more you realised there were some real winners on show and that the younger stars are really fulfilling their potential.
The 2-1 victory over Brazil sent the Dutch into ecstasy and triggered the 3-2 victory over Uruguay. Having reached the last four, nothing was going to stop Holland from taking their place in the final. It has been a fabulous run and, though the defending has been concerning at times, the goals are flowing and confidence is high.
Spain, their opponents on Sunday, have been tipped for glory from the start but have reached the final without quite finding their best form. David Villa has been sensational and the midfield trio of Xabi Alonso, Xavi and Andres Iniesta have produced some glorious passing moves yet the free-scoring performers that were so confidently predicted before the tournament have not materialised. In fact, they are yet to score more than two goals in a game in South Africa.
After the surprise defeat to Switzerland in the first group game, the Spaniards have bounced back with five straight wins. All have been hard fought and the past three have finished 1-0 but it speaks volumes for the calmness within the camp. Though stubborn defences have frustrated Spain’s attack, their own rearguard has improved round by round. Iker Casillas has been beaten only twice and both goals came in the group stage. For all Germany’s attacking threats, Spain held firm in the semi-final, subduing a side that had shrugged England and Argentina aside with real ease.
Fernando Torres’ lacklustre tournament has been the one major concern and Barcelona’s Pedro looks to have earned a spot ahead of the Liverpool man for the final. But aside from Torres’ dip in form, Spain are growing stronger with each round and, like the Dutch, they have every reason to be optimistic. With a bit of luck, fans will be treated to a game in which both teams are on song.
It was high time that someone broke the World Cup stranglehold of the big four (Brazil, Italy, Argentina and Germany). After all, it had been around 80 years since a final featured none of these four nations. Refreshingly, times are changing and quality football continues to be rewarded. Two teams with attacking mindsets have prevailed in a tournament full of cagey, defensive tactics and this fact should be savoured.
Expect to see nerves and goals in equal measure. Both sides have put together victories built on class and grit on the way to the final – now all that is needed is an open, classic final to give the 2010 World Cup a fitting ending.
