Spain, who have dominated international football in the past few years, go into the game as favourites, but the Dutch, who have won every single match they’ve played this World Cup (including in qualifying) will be a major challenge.
Plus when you consider the Netherlands current style, which may not be pretty, but it is effective you know they’ll be a threat to the Spanish grip on the World Cup trophy.
Spain, on the other hand, have won their past three matches with 1-0 results. They’ve kept plenty of possession, the defence has been solid, but the goals haven’t really been coming.
So here’s what the Spanish camp have had to say;
Spain playmaker Xavi admits: “It is clear we have not scored many goals. We are feeling very comfortable with the way we are playing, and we are creating plenty of opportunities.
“Usually when you do that, you tend to get goals. But we are not converting the chances to our normal percentage. Let’s see if we can lift that because it will be particularly important tomorrow.”
Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta insists they’ll rise to the occasion in the final.
“We will play better because we will probably have to if we are going to win the World Cup,” he said. “What we did in the semi-final certainly won’t help us to win the final. But I have confidence in my team-mates and I think this group is able to take the final step.”
Spain captain Iker Casillas admits team has been nervous and anxious in South Africa but believes that’s natural.
Here’s what the Dutch camp have had to say;
Skipper Giovanni van Bronckhorst admits ‘Spain are a quality team.’
The 35-year-old added: “We’ll need a really big performance to beat them. But we’ll start out with great confidence, as we’re a very experienced and mature team.”
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk also says: “Spain is the best football country of the last few years.”
The Dutch manager added: “We beat Brazil and Spain beat Germany. Spain have played more attractive football than we have but the teams have the intention to play in the same way. Both teams have their own style but they resemble each other.
“I’m not going to tell you how I’m going to play. We just have to be ourselves.”
Here’s what the experts have had to say;
Dutch and FC Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff is of the belief the Spanish should prove too strong.
“Spain have always had good footballers and never a team, but now they have one,” he said.
“They have worked very well in the last few years and if they get into their rhythm, they should win. Normally Spain play better (than Holland), but that doesn’t mean they will win.
“Holland is a very balanced team, they know their strengths and their weaknesses, and up until now (at this World Cup) they have always been able to make their strengths shine through.
“They have two or three players playing at an exceptional level at the World Cup and the team’s level has risen enormously.”
Germany attacker Thomas Mueller, who scored his fifth goal of the tournament in the third place playoff win over Uruguay on Saturday, also believes Spain will be tough to beat.
“For the potential they have, I believe Spain will be champions,” Mueller told FIFA.com. “They are a fantastic group, very well organised and very creative in attack, with world class footballers.
“It is true they have not been playing as well as many expected, but they have learned how to win.
“Of course I will be rooting for my club colleagues Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben. But above all I expect a great match.”