FIFA 2010 World Cup Final
The final of the finals is here and played by two countries who have never won the World Cup. History will be made tomorrow. But of the two countries, who stand greater chance of winning it?
Holland have had a great tournament so far. Can they stretch their unbeaten record to one more match and lift the world cup. Holland arguably are the best country not to have won the World cup. Their most talented team lost to West Germany in 1974 boasting starts like Johan Cruyff. They lost again in 1978 to Argentina, only this time they were without Cruyff. And here they stand to play their third final.
Spain on the other hand, have never made it to the final and have already made history by reaching the final. Spain, a country that traditionally more divided than united, have been going through a golden period. Their lifting Euro 2008 speaks volumes about how they managed to put behind differences and start playing as a nation.
The fundamental principle of football is that whoever wins midfield wins the game. No other team has the class and talent that Spain have. Argentina coming a close second(if they had played Messi, Pastore, Riquelme together.) A midfield that keeps Fabregas on bench must truly be special. Xavi, the world's best central midfielder, Iniesta, the most creative midfielder, who can also play equally well on either wing have been the backbone of Spanish Armada for a while. And they can not afford to let their greatest opportunity slip away. Xavi will not be around in 2014.
The starting eleven of Spain consists of seven players from Barcelona. Barcelona play eye-catching, jaw-dropping football, which Spain also seem to be emulating. Having a major chunk of team from Barcelona does help matters. Although Spain play 4-2-3-1 formation, which is different from Barcelona's 4-3-3, the midfielders are same: Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets.
This is absolutely the most talented Spanish team that will ever likely be. A team that was called chokers have steadily built a reputation of playing entertaining , slick passing game, and achieving the results while doing so. They also control the ball well and the way they keep possession of the ball is now almost legendary. Will this last until 2014? Probably not! Argentina have also young players(Pastore, Banega, not to mention a certain Messi) who will be playing in 2014 probably in their best years.
Holland have been thriving on the great form of attacking creative midfielder, Sneijder. He already won a treble with Inter Milan and has taken his form to World Cup. He really needs to fire for Holland to beat Spain. Sneijder, without an iota of doubt, is the most important player for Holland. Roben on either flank can create havoc, but he seems to do it only sporadically and individually. He does not bring his team mates into play. He, however is a nightmare for defenders. Can he exploit where Spain are weak: on wings? If Spain can keep Sneijder quiet, they will effectively kill everything that's good about Holland. With Xavi and Iniesta dominating the midfield, it seems very likely that Sneijder will be nullified.
On the other hand, if Holland ensure that Xavi and Iniesta do not get enough time on the ball, they will be on their way to winning the World Cup. Whether they can do this is anyone's guess!
This moment belongs to Spain. Will they grab it with both hands? We will know tomorrow!
PS: And then there's a small matter of awarding Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. If Holland win, Sneijder is a prime candidate. If Spain win it could go to Xavi or Villa. And if they couldn't decide, Messi is on standby.
Holland have had a great tournament so far. Can they stretch their unbeaten record to one more match and lift the world cup. Holland arguably are the best country not to have won the World cup. Their most talented team lost to West Germany in 1974 boasting starts like Johan Cruyff. They lost again in 1978 to Argentina, only this time they were without Cruyff. And here they stand to play their third final.
Spain on the other hand, have never made it to the final and have already made history by reaching the final. Spain, a country that traditionally more divided than united, have been going through a golden period. Their lifting Euro 2008 speaks volumes about how they managed to put behind differences and start playing as a nation.
The fundamental principle of football is that whoever wins midfield wins the game. No other team has the class and talent that Spain have. Argentina coming a close second(if they had played Messi, Pastore, Riquelme together.) A midfield that keeps Fabregas on bench must truly be special. Xavi, the world's best central midfielder, Iniesta, the most creative midfielder, who can also play equally well on either wing have been the backbone of Spanish Armada for a while. And they can not afford to let their greatest opportunity slip away. Xavi will not be around in 2014.
The starting eleven of Spain consists of seven players from Barcelona. Barcelona play eye-catching, jaw-dropping football, which Spain also seem to be emulating. Having a major chunk of team from Barcelona does help matters. Although Spain play 4-2-3-1 formation, which is different from Barcelona's 4-3-3, the midfielders are same: Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets.
This is absolutely the most talented Spanish team that will ever likely be. A team that was called chokers have steadily built a reputation of playing entertaining , slick passing game, and achieving the results while doing so. They also control the ball well and the way they keep possession of the ball is now almost legendary. Will this last until 2014? Probably not! Argentina have also young players(Pastore, Banega, not to mention a certain Messi) who will be playing in 2014 probably in their best years.
Holland have been thriving on the great form of attacking creative midfielder, Sneijder. He already won a treble with Inter Milan and has taken his form to World Cup. He really needs to fire for Holland to beat Spain. Sneijder, without an iota of doubt, is the most important player for Holland. Roben on either flank can create havoc, but he seems to do it only sporadically and individually. He does not bring his team mates into play. He, however is a nightmare for defenders. Can he exploit where Spain are weak: on wings? If Spain can keep Sneijder quiet, they will effectively kill everything that's good about Holland. With Xavi and Iniesta dominating the midfield, it seems very likely that Sneijder will be nullified.
On the other hand, if Holland ensure that Xavi and Iniesta do not get enough time on the ball, they will be on their way to winning the World Cup. Whether they can do this is anyone's guess!
This moment belongs to Spain. Will they grab it with both hands? We will know tomorrow!
PS: And then there's a small matter of awarding Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. If Holland win, Sneijder is a prime candidate. If Spain win it could go to Xavi or Villa. And if they couldn't decide, Messi is on standby.
posted by Srikanth | 2:59 AM
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