The final. Neither side has ever won a World Cup. Spain have never even appeared in a final, and now they have the chance to win it. The German octopus, Paul, who has predicted every German match this World Cup perfectly said Spain would prevail. It's not a bad guess. Spain have played the best coming into this. They dominated great opponents such as Germany and Portugal. David Villa is absolutely on fire. In Euro 2008, Fernando Torres didn't do much, but scored the decisive goal in the final v Germany. If he can have that impact again, there isn't much the Dutch can do to stop them.
Strengths: Spain
David Villa has been a goalscoring machine and the Barcelona stars have been the face of this Spanish team. No one can match their possession, with the average Spanish possession being 65% to 35%. Pique and Puyol have been rock solid defensively, and Casillas is hitting top form at just the right time. With Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Sergio B., and Iniesta in midfield, Netherlands will be seeing very little of the ball.
Weaknesses: Spain
Fernando Torres has been virtually non existent, and is yet to cause a problem for a defense. His goal tally: 0. His assist tally: 0. He will need to play a bigger factor. Capdevilla needs to be more mobile, and stronger defensively, as he will be marked up on the explosive Arjen Robben. Their finishing has not been great, and that may have something to do with their passing accuracy going way down in the final third. It must improve.
Strengths: Netherlands
Perhaps the best player in the tournament so far is Wesley Sneijder. He has not only scored goals, but he has assisted and been great in possession. Arjen Robben will be attacking the side of Joan Capdevilla, a rare area where Spain can be exposed. Robin van Persie needs a big match, as does Dirk Kuyt. If this all happens, this could be a nail biting finish to a so far nail biting tournament.
Weaknesses: Netherlands
They will not see the ball much with Xavi and Iniesta dominating the midfield. Also, defensively, there could be an issue if Pedro comes in; his pace can leave an older player like van Bronckhorst behind. Stekelenburg has not been great in goal, and the center backs have also been having issues. Everything needs to be very organized defensively, because one mistake, and David Villa will score. If they give the ball away cheaply, they won't be seeing it again for a very long time.
The Prediction
How can you even attempt to predict who will prevail in Soccer City? Both these sides are unbeatable when they are on, so what happens if they're both on? It's so even that you might as well just flip a coin. I'm going with Paul on this one: Netherlands 1.2 Spain.
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