David Villa has the opportunity to win the Golden Boot tonight. Photo © Cleva Media/Motivio
Holland and South Africa have a long and well documented history. In 1647 following the ship wreck of Nieuwe Haarlem the first Dutch settlement was created on South African soil in Cape Town called “Sand Fort of the Cape of Good Hope”. Since that day the paths of South Africans and the Dutch have been inextricably linked for good or for bad. The Afrikaans language originated mainly from Dutch and is the chosen tongue of just over 13% of the people living in the country. I wonder tonight as Spain and Holland contest the first World Cup Final played on African soil who most South Africans will be cheering for?
Breaking the trend of previous World Cup Final matches that have been contested outside of Europe, today’s Final will represent the first time in which a European country has won the competition outside of its continent. There are many interesting elements that make up this Final. Both teams are steeped in history, for Spain they have finally stepped out of the shadows of dark days of communist rule under Franco, more than a generation ago and united the country through football. The national side is made up of the stars of Barcelona and Real Madrid, who have built a camaraderie to overcome the prejudices of the past. I think it would be quite apt should they win as there are many comparisons to be made between Spain overcoming communism and the host nation healing the wounds of Apartheid.
For Holland they have given so much to football in the way of style, throughout the golden era of the 70′s, yet this current Dutch team along their Spanish opponents have one thing in common. The winning team will write themselves into the history books in their respective countries forever as they can become the first national side to win the World Cup.
Spain will be attempting to become one of only two teams to win the European Championship and World Cup in succession and few would bet against this team from completing a successful double. Whilst having lost their opening match against Switzerland 1-0, Spain have improved in every game they have played. The backbone of their team is made up of a mixture of Barcelona’s finest players David Villa, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro, Puyol and arch rivals Real Madrid Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos. Add to this the talents of Fabregas, Navas, Torres and others and you have the ultimate team.
What is apparent in this current squad is the unity and respect that each team member shows for each other, whether they are in the starting line up or not. Watching the game against Germany, substitutes such as Barcelona’s goalkeeper Victor Valdes who is used to playing on the biggest stage was one of the first to celebrate with his team mates, even though he will probably not get to play in this tournament, he embodies the spirit which unites this team.
Unlike France, who are the other team to have claimed European and World Cup success, the Spanish squad have kept everything low-key and stayed on a college campus without the airs and graces that could so easily be bestowed upon them. They have one aim and that is to win the World Cup and it is of minor importance whether their bed sheets are made from the finest Egyptian cotton. The English and French teams stayed in the lap of luxury and achieved very little apart from the embarrassment of their early departures from the tournament. Vicente Del Bosque has kept his team of stars feet firmly on the ground.
Spanish Coach Vincente Del Boque is quietly confident. Photo © Cleva Media/Motivio
Del Bosque has no illusions that a Spanish victory is assured or will be easy. He realises the Dutch are a dangerous side and will take nothing for granted ahaead of tonights game explaining;
“They’re very similar to us, players of great technical ability in midfield,” he told AP.
“Players of great quality and very fast that don’t improvise as much as we do, but play a more dangerous direct game. A very dangerous team “
Del Bosque the former Manager of Real Madrid has chosen his team carefully based on form and irrespective of which club his players are signed to. It is this unbiased approach that has united the team and along with the fine work of their previous coach across Luis Aragones who coached the same set of players to win Euro 2008, not much has changed tactically.
This is a team for the ages and could well be go onto to dominate for years to come. Technically they Spanish team are a joy to watch, the subtle nuances and craftsmanship displayed by Barca team mates Xavi and Iniesta is outstanding as they move around midfield making the most intricate of moves look easy. Whilst watching the Semi Final match against Germany, I was in awe of how this duo carved out opportunities from nothing for their team mates.
The Dutch play a more direct, but effective game. Their only apparent weakness is their defence. Spain on the other hand are solid throughout their line up. Whilst I expect the game to be intriguing, I would be surprised if it ended up being a five goal thriller. My prediction is that Spain will come out on top in a very tight game, similar to that against Germany and become World Champions. I may be wrong as predictions are not my forte, but I’m going for a 2-1 Spanish victory.
By Eoin Mundow
Tags: Cleva Media, David Villa, England, Football, France, Franco, Holland, Johan Cruyff, Manager, Seen Sport Magazine, Soccer, South Africa, Spain, World Cup 2010
