Hey folks!
After 63 games, it all comes down to Spain versus the Netherlands for the 2010 World Cup. This should be an epic match between two nations that are both desperate to win their first world cup. It's almost impossible to believe that neither of these two soccer powerhouses has ever won the world cup. Obviously, a huge deal to both countries.
Any regular reader of the blog knows that I am a big Spain fan. Aside from the US, Spain is my team, and David Villa has been my guy for a number of years now. (Villa gets the honor of being the face of this blog.) BUT, I am going to try to be completely impartial in this preview....we will see if I succeed, haha.
Tomorrow's game should be a battle between two attacking teams. Interestingly though, both the Netherlands and Spain have very solid defenses that are physically imposing. For example, in Spain's last match again Germany, Spain really worked the ball well and created many chances. However, they were unable to score until the 73rd minute when one of their defenders, Puyol, hammered a header into the back of the net off of a corner kick. That game showed that Spain is able to use its big defenders not only in defense but also in attack. I think the Netherlands is capable of the same thing. So while all the attention will be on the flashy attack-minded players, the game might come down to the big defenders. If that happens, I think Spain's combination of Puyol, Pique, Capdevila and Ramos has the advantage.
While the game might come down to the defenders, it's always more fun to talk about the little guys up front..so let's do that!
For Spain, Villa is key. He creates so many chances and seems to capitalize on the vast majority of them. Villa is tied for the tournament lead with 5 goals. In their last game, Spain started Villa as the lone striker. I wonder if they will employ the same tactic tomorrow. Villa's normal partner is Torres, but Torres has been completely AWOL this tournament. I just heard that Torres has been pushing the coach for his starting spot back...whatever Spain decides to do, it will have a huge impact on the way the match is played.
In the Spanish midfield, look for Xavi and Iniesta. Holy cow, these two guys are just incredible. They have created some of the most spectacular plays in the tournament. Basically, everything goes through these two guys for Spain. If the Dutch allow Spain to hold the ball for long stretches and work the ball around the field, they will lose. Pressuring Xavi and Iniesta is crucial for the Netherlands. They cannot allow easy passes to Villa and possibly Torres. The Dutch also needs to keep Ramos and Capdevila (Spanish right and left backs) from bombing down field at every instance. The best remedy for this is to make Spain play defense! If the Netherlands can get some good attacks going, this will make Ramos and Capdevila hesitant to move upfield.
So, by now you are probably thinking, "Jon, all I have heard about is Spain. I thought this was going to be fair and balanced." Well, yes, this will be fair and balanced, but fair and balanced in that Fox News sort of way....haha. Actually, I'm getting to the Netherlands right now!
As I said earlier, Villa has five goals for the tournament, but so does the Dutch star Wesley Sneijder. He and Robben have the ability to create something from nothing. Pretty much any Dutch goal is going to involved one of these two players. They can alter the game in a heartbeat. If the Netherlands is going to keep possession and take Spain out of its element, then Sneijder and Robben will have to be the catalysts. Their speed may also cause some problems for the Spanish defense.
One area that the Netherlands needs to improve is its strikers. Van Persie has lots of ability but has been pretty lackluster so far in the tournament. He has to step up his game and create some decent chances because you know, Villa will for Spain. I will also be keeping an eye on Mark Van Bommel. He plays that holding midfield role for the Dutch, and he has his work cut out for him against Xavi and Iniesta. He needs to minimize their time on the ball and force them to act quicker than they'd like. Van Bommel also has a tendency to pick up cards and create needless drama. He can't do that against Spain. He needs to play solid defense and help out his defenders against an incredibly talented Spanish attack.
Wow, this should be one heck of a game. I don't think either of these teams will be content to sit back and play defense. Germany tried to do that against Spain, and we saw how that worked out for them. So I don't expect the Netherlands to follow the same formula. I am predicting a 2-1 victory for Spain, but the Netherlands will give them a run for their money. I personally cannot wait!
Remember game is at 1:30pm tomorrow (Sunday) on ABC!
Thanks for reading! Until next time, do good and be good.
-Jon
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