Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas makes a save during a training session at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg July 10, 2010, a day before they play Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final. REUTERS/Michael KoorenMICHAEL KOOREN/Reuters
Does it really matter who wins the 2010 World Cup on Sunday in Johannesburg, South Africa? The fact we have two new claimants for the hardest of all trophies to obtain - at least in the soccer world - is a positive indicator of the convergence and parity of world football.
In many ways it has been a rather strange World Cup of topsy-turvy results and performances. But at least we are left with two terrific teams.
Maybe neither Netherlands or Spain has been as dynamic as Germany when they were attacking freely but both are well balanced and mature in every aspect of what is required for a winning formula. The most impressive aspect of their team dynamics and the thing which links both teams as very similar is that they have proved to be resilient and pragmatic in their approach without diluting their individual style of play.
Subtle differences?
Well in this tournament it is interesting to consider who will win the Golden Ball as the tournament's top player. Tough selection considering the iconic stars of Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Kaka (Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), and Lionel Messi (Barcelona) have ultimately fizzled into oblivion.
While David Villa (Barcelona), Carlos Puyol (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) and Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) are considerations.
But, surely the award has to be placed at the doorstep of the wonderful Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan). His performances have given the Dutch that little bit of extra class, style, and the all important, ability to score. There has been no better game breaker in this tournament than the Dutch genius.
It sums up one difference between Spain and Netherlands. It is hard to identify which of the Spanish players has contributed more than the others. And many could argue that is a good thing. But maybe it could be the team that has that something truly exceptional that will win on the day. Based on the games so far, Sneijder has separated himself from the pack.
Realistically it will take more than Sneijder and Robben for the Dutch to finally win the title which they so richly deserved back in the 1970s. Nobody would begrudge them that.
Spain are as good a team in possession as there has ever been in World soccer.
Watching them against Germany was a reminder of how good the Spanish midfield really is. It also identifiers the advantages of bossing the game in this way: If you have possession the opposition cannot score; your team can; wearing down opposition. Not that the Germans did not have the ball themselves but it was primarily in their own end, whereas the Spanish dominated possession in the all important attacking third.
The other problem for the Dutch will be the strength of Spain at the back. This is something many thought would be rattled against the Germans. On the contrary the Dutch excelled and raised the bar.
The Dutch therefore will need to get their tactics spot on. Dropping off as the Germans did would surely be the wrong move for them unless they get their spacing right between the lines of defenders, midfielders, and forwards - think of Inter Milan against Barcelona in the all important Champions League game at the Nou Camp this season. No better example of how to play the Spanish.
Having said that, the Dutch are better than Inter and so they may not have to concede quite as much. Their ability to counter attack - which has been very good in this tournament - could be the defining factor for the Oranje getting the result they so desperately desire.
Looking for a winner?
Probably better you hedge your bets. That way you will not be disappointed and you can watch the game free of those anxious moments.