World Cup final: What Bettors Need to Know
By MICHAEL DA SILVA
Odds: Spain (-175), Netherlands (+164), regulation time draw (+236); Over/under (2)
Four years is a long time to wait but, it’s finally here. The big one: the World Cup final. And by all indications, it should be a cracker.
Spain entered the tournament as favorites and, after an early wobble against Switzerland, have grown in stature and go into the final close to their devastating peak.
The Netherlands meanwhile, in the their first World Cup final since 1978, are giddy at the prospect of continuing their 25-game unbeaten run. If they can get one over the European champions, they’ll certainly deserve their moment. Either way, by Sunday evening, we’ll have a first-time World Champion.
Match strategy
It’s never nice to see a player suspended for the final and thankfully no one will be following in the footsteps of Michael Ballack (Germany, 2002) or Laurent Blanc (France, 1998) in missing the big one.
Both teams are at full strength and Netherlands welcome back midfielder Nigel De Jong and full-back Gregory van der Wiel – who were both suspended for the semi-final win over Uruguay.
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque’s only major concern is over Fernando Torres, who came into the tournament having undergone surgery just weeks before. The Liverpool player initially struggled for match fitness but now appears to be suffering from a loss of confidence, with Del Bosque deciding to choose Barcelona’s Pedro ahead of Torres to start in the win over Germany.
Del Bosque will probably start with Pedro again but Cesc Fabregas is also an option.
Spain are finally beginning to peak at the right time and, given the way they disarmed a potent young Germany side in the semi-final indicates that Spain will take some beating.
Netherlands have gone about their business in this tournament in a professional manner, just doing enough to beat the teams in front of them. But when one of those teams are Brazil, they have to be taken very seriously.
Wesley Sneijder stands on the brink of an unprecedented quadruple of the Italian League, Italian Cup, Champions League and World Cup. However, the key to Holland’s success lies not in the undoubted ability of their playmaker Sneijder, but in the effectiveness of their ‘doormen’ Nigel De Jong and Mark van Bommel.
The defensive midfielders have been an outstanding double act throughout the tournament and in the semi-final, the first game in which the pair were separated (due to De Jong’s suspension) they let in more than one goal for the first time. With these two enforcers in place and on song, the Dutch stand a great chance.
The performances of Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie are, needless to say, also crucial.
Interestingly though, Dutch legend and former Barcelona player and manager Johan Cruyff backs Spain for a win over his homeland.
"Spain is now the great favourite," he wrote in El Periodico de Catalunya on Thursday. "Del Bosque's team has grown in strength and finds itself in the final at the top of its game. Yesterday evening Germany, which put on a display against Argentina, played football which would have been enough to beat any team but not Spain.
"Spain, a replica of Barca, is the best publicity for football. Who am I supporting? I am Dutch but I support the football that Spain is playing."
Players to watch
Netherlands – Arjen Robben
Robben is one of the greatest players in the modern game and it is fitting that, given all his injury woes in recent years, he is fit and ready to show the Spanish possibly the only thing they’re missing – a world-class winger. Robben is Holland’s dangerman and the player Spain will fear most. He is certain to swap the right wing for the left at some stage terrorize both Sergio Ramos and Joan Capdevila in equal measure. You can be sure that if Holland score, Robben will be involved.
Spain – Andres Iniesta
Iniesta has had a magnificent tournament and has the same devastating effect from attacking midfield for Spain as he does for Barcelona. His immaculate control, tremendous vision and pinpoint accuracy mark him out as the architect of all that is great about Spain. Once again, if Spain score you can guarantee Iniesta will not be far away.
Weather
Another chilly night is forecast in Johannesburg, but it is due to remain clear and free of rain for the tournament finale at Soccer City.
Stat Attack
Let’s get this out of the way. Paul the Octopus, the creature with the midas touch, has chosen Spain. He has a 100 percent record so far but this is the first time he’s predicted the result of a game that hasn’t featured Germany. Is that a sign? Probably not.
Spain have averaged 617 passes per game at the 2010 World Cup, the second best ratio behind Colombia who averaged 653 in 1994.
Players with the squad number 9 have scored more goals at the 2010 World Cup than any other - van Persie vs Torres?
The Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg is the most prolific venue of the 2010 World Cup with 2.86 goals per game.
Only one of Netherlands’ six World Cup games has been played at altitude, while Spain has played three. Soccer City is 5751 feet above sea level.
Spain midfielder Xavi has touched the ball every 46 seconds on average at the World Cup so far; more frequently than any other player.
World Cup final referee Howard Webb averages fewer fouls per card (5.7) shown than any other referee who has done three games at the 2010. But he is yet to award a penalty or show a red card...