spain

Manager:Vicente Del Bosque
Captain: Iker Casillas
FIFA World Ranking: 2
World Cup Appearances: 12
Best World Cup: Fourth Place – 1950

Spain Team Profile

Ah, the silky Spaniards. The favourites to win South Africa’s show-piece event, the side no-one in their right mind will look forward to playing, as the former World No. 1 now turned World No. 2 seek out a sensational double after winning the 2008 European Championships in their last major tournament.

The Spanish will try to complete a double of major honours as they prepare for South Africa 2010 with the objective being to become the first European nation to back a European Championship success up with victory in the World Cup. However, to do so Spain will need to make their first ever World Cup final to even stand a chance of making even more records under Vicente Del Bosque. In fact the further Spain have ever got in a World Cup is the semi-finals, and even then it was on just the one occasions over a decade ago.

Times have changed though since 1950, the one and only time Spain made the semi-finals of a World Cup, and 2010 is surely the year when Spain at least break their duct of having never reached a World Cup final. Their squad is lined with world-beaters, some of football’s biggest names, and under the wise old knowledge and guidance of Del Bosque, this Spanish team is arguably the best there has ever been. They sailed through qualifying with an immaculate record, winning all 10 of their qualifiers – The only team with a perfect 100% record going to South Africa, while it was only last year their run of 35 games without loss came crashing to an end at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

Spain were widely known for being one of the biggest underachievers in International football but their success in the 2008 European Championships has put that unwanted tag to bed for the time being. However, big things are expected of the Spanish once again, and with one of the best squads in the tournament, the underachieving tag could come out of the closet should Spain not make serious inroads during their stay in South Africa.

Nicknames: La Furia Roja (The Red Fury), La Roja (The Red One)

Manager

Vicente Del Bosque is a veteran in his managerial career and is not short of a success or two either. In his playing career, he spent all his days as a defender, winning five Spanish La Liga titles with Spanish giants Real Madrid. He then went on to manage Real Madrid after he hung up his playing boots and led the club to their most successful period between 1999-2003, winning a brace of Champions League titles along with two La Liga titles.

Del Bosque‘s also has bags of experience when it comes to managing ‘big players’. Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo were all under his guidance while at Real Madrid and moulded the three legends of football into a world class act. He will be aiming to do the same with Spain and he certainly has a host of quality players at his disposal.

Spain Key Players

Iker Casillas

There has been an ongoing debate for some time about who is the best goalkeeper in the world but for the last decade or so, Iker Casillas has always been in the frame. He has been Real Madrid’s best ever goalkeeper and arguably Spain’s greatest ever, also. Lightening fast reactions, quick reflexes and his immense presence in his own penalty area makes for one of the worlds finest goalkeepers and when Casillas is on top of his game, it really does take something extraordinary to beat him.

David Villa & Fernando Torres

For most countries, one world-class striker is hard to come by. Spain, though, they have two of the World’s best forwards on the planet in Valencia’s prolific David Villa; a predator in and around the opposing penalty area, and Liverpool’s own Fernando Torres; a player with immense talent and the composure of mind to crate and score a goal from a seemingly impossible position. These two are menacing together, almost unstoppable when partnered, and it bodes well for Spain that two of the favourites for the Golden Shoe are in their team.

Fernando Torres has scored 23 goals in 72 games for Spain, which is actually on the slim side, but Villa more than makes up for Torres’ sloppy looking international record, scoring a staggering 36 goals in 55 caps for his country. To say these two have goals in them would be stating the obvious.

Xavi & Iniesta

The World’s most skilful players often enjoy the limelight in football today but if you ask any football purist who they think the best player in the world is, we bet these two would get an awful lot of mentions. The pair have the ability to not only control a match but also dictate the tempo at which it will be played. They take the game by the scruff of the neck and make things happen with their swift one-two’s and their inch-perfect through balls. The duet are a lethal combination at both club and international level, and because they both play for Barcelona, the chemistry between the two is perfection. If you want to halt the Spanish express, you’ll need to find a way to stop the source; Xavi & Iniesta.

Strengths

Spain‘s biggest asset is their ability to retain the ball. Quick and slick should be their motto. Their crisp passing doesn’t just get them out of sticky situations but it also creates chance after chance and it’s a defenders nightmare keeping up with the pace of Spain‘s passing. They switch the flank at every opportunity in a bid to expose the opposing full-backs and their own full-backs forward and they will look to bombard the defence with crosses. The good thing about Spain’s play is they can vary their style of play. One moment they will be feeling out the oppositions defence with the short, crisp passing while the next they’ll be flinging the ball out to Sergio Ramos & Capdevilla to whip the ball into the forwards. This makes reading the play very hard and is one of the reasons why Spain have become so successful in recent years.

Weaknesses

Spain‘s passing maybe close to perfection but they’re a side who can pass the ball around too much in a bid to score the ‘perfect goal’. Spain generally don’t have a problem against sides that attack them, despite their defence not being the strongest, but when a team sets up in a defensive manner and puts 10 men behind the ball, Spain can often struggle to break these teams down. Too much time is wasted in the centre of the park and were a big side to go one-nil up, it’s feasible that they could then hold out the Spanish attacks and use Spain’s strength to their advantage.

Spain Qualification for the World Cup

Sector: Europe
Group: 5
Position: 1st
Win-Draw-Lose: 10-0-0
Goals Scored: 28
Goals Conceded: 5

World Cup Potential: 5/5

Spain, with the array of talent within their midst, really should be targeting at least a semi-final, of not a final appearance as their squad is just too strong not to make serious progression in South Africa. The pressure, though, on Spain is massive and it remains to be seen just how the Spain players deal with the intense pressure and the expectations of a nation. They’ve generally faltered on the biggest stage of the lot, in the World Cup, and the fact they’ve never even made a final before is a big concern, although Spain have never had a team as good as this and it would be criminal were they not to go close during the summer.

The Spanish are the favourites to win and rightly so; there odds to win outright underline this, but whether their class will equate into a World Cup victory remains to be seen. For one reason or another, we have our doubts. Remember, this is a country which hasn’t just never won the World Cup before they’ve never even made the final of a World Cup. Even so, stronger claims for the crown than most.

Spain World Cup Betting Odds

Spain to win the World Cup (before the final):      1/2 – Bwin

Before the World Cup the odds on Spain were 17/4 

Official Spain World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)

Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool)

Victor Valdes (Barcelona)

Defenders

Raul Albiol (Real Madrid)

Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid)

Joan Capdevila (Villarreal)

Carlos Marchena (Valencia)

Gerard Pique (Barcelona)

Carles Puyol (Barcelona)

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders

Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)

Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal)

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)

Javier Martínez (Athletic Bilbao)

David Silva (Valencia)

Xavi (Barcelona)

Jesus Navas (Sevilla)

Strikers

Fernando Torres (Liverpool)

David Villa (Valencia)

Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao)

Juan Manuel Mata (FC Valencia)

Pedro (FC Barcelona)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 Spain Fixtures – Group H

29 June – 19.30 – Round of the last 16: Spain v Portugal: 1-0

03 July – 19.30 – Quarter Finals: Spain v Paraguay: 1-0

07 July – 19.30 – Semi Finals: Spain v Germany

11 July – 19.30 – World Cup Final: Spain v Holland

World Cup 2010 Group H - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

2010 FIFA World Cup Winner:- Spain

Us punters needed not turning up in fairness as Spain, the ante-post favourites to land their first World Cup crown, clinched the 2010 FIFA World Cup and justified why so many, although us not included, fancied their chances before the tournament kicked off at Soccer City on June 11th. Many believed the best team won of which I’m not of the same opinion as I felt every single one of their games were dull and boring, while their slow build up play had us switching over to watch Eastenders at times. However, while we were never a fan of the Spanish, they way in which they manoeuvred the ball was remarkable and their tactic of retaining the ball at all costs was very effective, so credit were credit is due especially as they had to defy an early setback when losing 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening game of the tournament.

Our Team of the Tournament:- Germany

We don’t think there’s even room for debate as the Germans were scintillating from the word ‘go’. They began with a four goal romp of Australia but little did they or anyone else know that they would later go on to match their four goal feat against both England and Argentina in two games Germany were never favourites in. Joachim Low’s mixture of experience and youthful exuberance almost brought home their fourth World Cup title only to be denied by the ball-hogging Spaniards. They did, though, still have enough in reserve to slam another three goals past Uruguay en route to securing another third place finish, their second in succession, taking their scoring tally for the tournament to 16, four more than their closest pursuer Holland (12).

It’s difficult to pinpoint any one stand out player as the Germans played magnificently throughout the tournament as a team, which is a lot more than I could say for some. Manuel Neuer was a huge presence in the German goal and had Germany not be denied a place in the final, probably would have taken home the Yashin Award for best Goalkeeper. A normally fragile and suspect German defence had conceded just twice before losing to Spain in the semi-final, with full-back Phillip Lahm filling in admirably for the injured Michael Ballack as captain and certainly led by example. It was, however, the quartet of Bastien Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muellar and Lukas Podolski which fired Germany into the last-four and, somewhat ironically, into the hearts of many neutrals. Schweinsteiger has the tournament of his life in the centre of the park, marshalling that midfield like a pro as he continuously supplied Podolski and Mueller out on the wings. Podolski’s vigorous work rate out on the left was commendable and he remained a threat whenever Germany went forward, but it was two of their youngest players who had the biggest impact in Ozil and Mueller. Ozil was a constant nuisance for every opponent, swivelling in and out of tight spots while some of his through balls were sublime. The same could be said for Mueller, who despite being just 20 years-old. Shown absolutely no fear as he continued to bombed forward and aid the German attack.

It says all you need to know that when FIFA selected ten nominees for the 2010 FIFA Golden Ball, two were German while Thomas Mueller collected the Best Young Player award for his efforts.

Our Player of the Tournament:- Diego Forlan

Another ‘without a shadow of a doubt’ scenario, as Diego Forlan was rewarded for his industry during the finals with the 2010 FIFA Golden Ball. Despite playing in an unfamiliar role just behind the strikers, Forlan still managed to stand out amongst the crowd and almost single handily steered Uruguay in the last-four. His five goals in seven games so nearly earned him the FIFA Golden Boot as well only to finish fourth by virtue of pouring his heart and soul into Uruguay’s cause, as he played more minutes than anyone else in contention and so had a worse goals per minute ratio. He wasn’t just about goals though, as his ability to encourage Uruguay to burst forward and attack, as well as ding the majority of the forward construction work, was a joy to behold at times and his efforts through the tournament endeared him to the majority watching. I defy anyone to claim another played deserved the Golden Ball more than Diego Forlan.

Biggest Flop:- England

You could argue France or Italy should be considering those two contested the 2006 final, but England got the nod simply because they were a far shorter price before the tournament and were so abysmal in the finals throughout their short stay. From Game 1 right through to a humiliating Game 4, where they were embarrassed by Germany in a 4-1 hammering, England were well below par and at times appealing to watch. The hype beforehand was incredible, with the entire nation expecting a colossal effort from Capello’s men after the ease at which they qualified for the finals. Quite simply, the big names didn’t turn up. Frank Lampard, John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, all household names and all paid top dollar, were dreadful. Whether they didn’t acclimatise fast enough we don’t know, but we put it down to there being too many ego’s in one camp. Whatever the case, England were a huge disappointment and certainly didn’t match up to their pre-tournament billing of being third favourites to win the competition.

Goal of the Tournament:- Giovanni Van Bronckhorst versus Uruguay (Semi-Final)

Up till the semi-final’s, we were a big admirer of Carlos Tevez’s stunner against Mexico – A thunderbolt from 25 yards which beat Mexico keeper Oscar Perez all ends up. We didn’t think that would be beaten by Van Bronckhorst, who played his last professional games at these finals, stepped up and scored one of the most outrageous goals in World Cup history. From what must have been a good 35 yards out, Van Bronckhorst sprinted down the left flank and leathered the ball straight across the face of Muslera’s goal, smashing the right-hand post before nestling into the goal. Absolute stunner!

Game of the Tournament:- Italy V Slovakia

In a tournament where exciting games were few and far between, this match between Italy and Slovakia stood out amongst every single one of them. It was a match Italy needed only a draw to progress from Group F but only a win would have done for Slovakia, who began the day bottom of the group. Few gave Slovakia any chance of making the impossible possible but when Robert Vittek prodded home from close range, the non-believers were quickly beginning to turn. Just when the game appeared to be dwindling out into a narrow Slovakia win, the game exploded into life when the Slovak’s doubled their lead through Vittek again. However, if anyone through the Italians were dead and buried for one moment they were about to be given a dose of true grit and determination, as Antonio Di Natale reduced the deficit on 81 minutes only to have a potential leveller ruled out for offsides minutes later, with Quagriarella adjudged to be in an offside position by English officials. If the Italians felt hard done by then they were fuming at the next piece of action, substitute Kopunek running onto an Italian throw-in before lifting the ball over a despairing Marchetti. Slovekia looked home and hosed at that point, boasting a two goal lead with just injury time left to play, but when Fabio Quagriarella cutely chipped the ball over Slovakia keeper Mucha in the second minute of injury time, doubts were beginning to surface. Great champions now how to defy adversity and with the last kick of the game, Pepe was the man who will forever be remember for spurring a glorious opportunity which would have seen Italy through and saved their bacon. His loss was Slovakia gain though as the Slovak’s celebrated group progression for the first time in their history only to be knocked out in the next round by Holland.

Funniest Moment: Gabriel Heinze

Known for his dirty on-pitch tactics and even uglier spells of diving, we all had a jolly good laugh when one cameraman went in for a closer look following a goal scored by Carlos Tevez against Mexico only for Heinze to look up and walk straight into the camera, with the Argentine falling back as though he’d been hit by Mike Tyson. Heinze’s reaction was of disgust and quickly thumped the camera for daring to get anywhere near such a hideous face. Cracking stuff.

In terms of actual football, you can’t go far wrong with Yakubu’s open goal miss from two yards out against South Korea in a game which had he scored probably would have seen Nigeria qualifying from the group. No-one knows how he missed, not even Yakubu.

Granted the football at times wasn’t the best, while it did take a while to get going, but it was an enjoyable tournament even though in probability it will not be held in high regard as like previous World Cup’s. Even so, the South Africa atmosphere was something to saviour, even if the Vuvuzela’s weren’t, and we did at least see a new champions crowned king of the world, with Spain becoming the eighth individual winners of the FIFA World Cup. I’ll see you again in four years time

The Yashin Award is presented to the stand out goalkeeper of the tournament, with the 2010 winner following in the line of some big names such as Gianluigi Buffon (2006) and Oliver Khan (2002). Despite not looking as sturdy and reliable as one would ideally want their keeper to be, Iker Casillas took home the award after conceding just two goals in seven games and keeping a staggering five clean sheets, thus equalling the feat of Buffon who won the award four years earlier.

While we were never really inspired by Spain’s number one, Casillas did come good when it really mattered, in the final, and the Real Madrid shot stopper pulled off a string of fine stops against Holland to deny what might have been a Dutch victory. His keeping statistics through the tournament, more notably just the two goals conceded, meant he did win the award on merit although the manner in which Spain tend to play, dominating possession throughout, means he was never going to concede a great deal.

Unlike with the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, Iker Casillas would have been a popular choice with punters, so the Spaniard’s success may have landed some bookmakers in a spot of bother. Casillas also becomes the first Spaniard to win the award.

Iker Casillas played every minute of every game for Spain in a winning World Cup campaign, while the only two players to have scored against him in South Africa were Gelson Fernandes of Switzerland and Rodrigo Millar of Chile.

With 62 matches played – 63 by the time Germany will have beaten Uruguay in the third place play-off – and yet all 63 pale in significance to the very last game of this month long spectacle – The Final. The Dutch arrive in Johannesburg with an immaculate record following a string of victories, 6 in total, a 2-1 win over Brazil their finest thus far. Whereas the Spanish have already tasted defeat in South Africa when losing 1-0 to Switzerland, of all the teams, but they quickly regained their footing and form which seen them lift the European Championship trophy two years ago in Vienna, Austria to win their following five matches..

So, does anyone really have any idea of who will run out winners on Sunday, or is everyone playing safe, like us, and picking the Spanish to lay claim to an historic European Championship/FIFA World Cup double? There’s little doubt Holland are tremendous value at a general 3.75 (11/4), while they were our initial pick before the tournament even kicked off, but there is an air of vulnerability surrounding their defence which has knocked many punters back in comparison to a now resilient Spain, who kept their third successive clean sheet of these finals when beating the team of the tournament in Germany in the second semi-final as well as winning their third successive game 1-0.

Spain are 3.20 (11/5) with PaddyPower to WIN to NILagain on Sunday and are 11/2 with VCBet and Ladbrokes to secure their first FIFA World Cup title by another 1-0 scoreline.

First Goalscorer

Holland:- Arjen Robben (14.00 Betfair)

Wesley Sneijder currently leads the way for Holland with five goals in six games and will be vying for the Golden Shoe alongside David Villa in Sunday’s show-piece, but it’s their snappy winger which has caught out eye, especially on Betfair. Some of the more generous bookies go 10/1 that Robben lands the first blow for Holland whereas Betfair currently have the Bayern Munich supremo available at 13/1 (minus small commission). Considering he’s been their most lively player, always on his toes and eager to beat his man, he’s another stunning piece of value from the Orange corner. Robben has no qualms whatsoever about shooting, wherever that may be, and he’s damn good at it too. The man can ever header, as shown against Uruguay in the semi-final, but it’s his proneness to coming inside on his favoured left-foot which makes him a deadly proposition.

Spain:- Fernando Torres (13/2 SkyBet)

We can’t be having the slim odds of 4/1 on David Villa scoring first in what is the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet, although his hunger to collect his first FIFA Golden Shoe will no doubt play in his and Spain’s favour. However, the man for us, considering he’s now drifted substantially in the markets, is Fernando Torres. While the Liverpool forward has yet to even open his account in South Africa, playing in a lethargic manner all the way through the tournament, he’s a proven match winner and it was Torres who clinched the 2008 EURO’s with a sublime chip over Jens Lehmann of Germany. Torres is a player for the big occasions and if Vicente Del Bosque’s opts for Torres instead of Pedro, who did play extremely well for 60 minutes or so against Germany, then we see no reason why his current price of 13/2 to open the scoring won’t be snapped up.

Correct Score

Holland 3-1 (40/1 SkyBet, totesport, boylesports)

If Holland are to win then we don’t envisage it being by a narrow and slim scoreline, more along the lines of our prediction of 3-1. Why? Well, for starters Holland would probably need to make the breakthrough as Spain rarely squander leads, but were they to score first then Spain would have little alternative but to alter their approach slightly and commit more men forward than perhaps they originally planned nor wanted. If this does turn into an open contest then it will definitely play into the hands of Holland because they have the forward inventory to exploit the gaps left at the back with the pace and guile of Arjen Robben, Sneijder and Kuyt. If Holland are leading by say the 70th minute, we see the Dutch catching Spain out on the break and that’s why we like the look of 3-1 Dutch victory.

Spain 2-0 (17/2 BlueSquare)

Much like Holland really in that we feel the first goal is so crucial that were Spain to grab the early initiative, we don’t see the Spanish looking back for one second. Spain have proven on so many occasions that they become more relaxed when they finally get the lead and you would fear the worst from a Dutch perspective should Spain score first on Sunday. Their ability to not only keep the ball for prolonged periods of time but to also manoeuvre their opponents from one position to another like a puppet master is scary, but very impressive and so effective. It also frustrates opponents and we feel Spain will go on to win quite comfortably should they make the better start.

Remember, there are plenty of promotions out there with various bookmakers which could prove beneficial should Sunday’s game not go to your liking. For instance; PaddyPower will refund all losing FGS and Correct Score bets should the final end in a 0-0 stalemate. Whereas StanJames will refund all losing FGS bets were this game to end in a draw altogether and head into extra-time.

There are more out there, you just need to do some homework to ensure you get the best promotion to suit your betting taste.

Holland V Spain Preview

Sunday, 11th July – 19:30 GMT
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
World Cup Final 

Holland

The Dutch will be making their third appearance in the final of a World Cup on Sunday when they take on the reigning European champions Spain in Johannesburg. The 70′s was a promising decade for the Dutch, who succeeded in getting into two successive World Cup finals (1974 & 1978) only to lose on both occasions to the then hosts. Fortunately for Holland the hosts, South Africa, were sent packing a long time ago and all that’s left is the lowly Spanish… If only. If there was ever a team Holland wished to avoid en route to their first FIFA World Cup title it was Spain, although you could of made a case for Brazil as well but Holland despatched of them in the quarter-final. The Brazilians were a huge scalp for Bert Van Marwijk and if he can add Spain to his collection then the FIFA World Cup Trophy is his and Holland’s to cherish.

With bookmakers generally going 2/1+ on Holland overhauling the Spanish on Sunday to lift the trophy, it pretty much goes without saying the Van Marwijk’s men represent plenty of value considering they’ve scored far more goals than Spain have in this tournament and have arguably faced the tougher of the two routes in that they’ve had to overcome to talented South Americans in Brazil and Uruguay. Holland needed to dig deep against Brazil in the quarter’s and did so magnificently when defying the odds at half-time to come from behind and knock the then tournament favourites out of the competition through a second half brace from Wesley Sneijder. Against Uruguay, Holland need to show their patient side as they didn’t make the killer breakthrough until the 70th minute when once again it was Wesley Sneijder who made the difference, firing the Dutch into a 2-1 lead before Arjen Robben added a third minutes later.

We’ve seen a bit of everything from Holland in this tournament so far, ranging from the untidy and unconvincing to seeing their attacking prowess at full flight. The one characteristic which has remained all the way through has been this winning mentality the Dutch boast having won all six of their matches in South Africa thus far, one more than Spain. There have been times where Holland haven’t looked the business but they’ve always managed to power their through awkward situations. Two players have stood out for me though and they’re Wesley Sneijder, currently on five goals and gunning for the tournament’s Golden Shoe award, and Arjen Robben, who has two goals to his name in just three starts. These two players are of the highest quality and possess the ability to win any match. Sneijder has seemingly found the goal with ease while Robben has the beating of just about every defender, and an on song Sneijder and Robben would see Holland go mighty close to finally ending their World Cup drought.

There’s no doubt Van Marwijk has the necessary forward inventory to unlock the Spanish defence but it’s his own defence he needs to concentrate on, as the Holland back four haven’t been as convincing and sturdy as one would like. For starters there isn’t really a household name in the Dutch back line, with Van Bronckhorst familiar with Arsenal fans but that’s about it. Gregory Van Der Wiel is a very promising full-back and we have every confidence he will make the big money switch in the near future, but the centre-half pairing of Joris Mathijsen and John Heitinga hasn’t always looked harmonious and on the same wave length. They were undone by a simple through ball against Brazil while no-one closed down Diego Forlan for Uruguay’s opener, so there is a cloud of vulnerability hanging over the Dutch defence. It does make you think that Holland will struggle to contain and restrict Spain like the majority have done so far, so it could be another case of Holland needing to explode in the forward third of the field if they are to seal an immaculate tournament with a sensational victory in the grand final.

Spain

There will be many a punter cheering on Spain this Sunday as they were the pre-tournament favourites and the team most wanted a piece of. So, bookmakers could be in for a jolly good spanking should the Spanish clinch their first FIFA World Cup title, with StanJames in particular facing a gigantic payout following their promotion to return all outright bets should Spain get to the final on July 11th and reign victorious for the second major tournament in a row. It was only two years ago that Spain claimed sole rights to being Europe’s elite side after winning the 2008 European Championship, but only Germany in 1972 & 1974 has ever completed a European and World Cup double, so do Spain really have what it takes to etch their names into the history books?

A lot like Holland, Spain haven’t been their usual free-scoring selves, while their football hasn’t always been as dreamy as it was two years ago in Germany. Even so, the Spanish have still found a way through each and every single challenge, with the exception being their Swiss flop on match day 1 for them when losing 1-0 to Switzerland. However, that was the wake-up call they needed, a loss which well and truly wiped away any arrogance or cockiness in their system as from then on out it was knock-out football for Spain. Like great champions do, Spain responded in a resolute manner by despatching of every opponent that dared dream of equalling Switzerland’s feat. Honduras and Chile were beaten in the group, but it was their victories over Portugal, Paraguay and Germany which epitomised Spain’s surge for the title so far in that they’ve shown they aren’t afraid to win games in a scruffy, sometimes ugly manner, with a ‘win at all costs’ motto now ringing right through the Spanish camp.

It’s unbelievable to think that only Honduras have been despatched with an air of comfortability, as their victories over Chile, Portugal, Paraguay and Germany have all been by the narrowest of margins while Spain have yet to even surpass one goal in the knock-outs. David Villa’s goals have been so important to their cause, with his five in six games sending him joint-top of the scoring charts and almost single handily guiding Spain to the final, as it was his strikes against Portugal and Paraguay which sealed progression. Against the Germans they needed a bullet header from Carles Puyol, although Spain did actually for once look pretty decent and the ease at which they controlled the midfield and the tempo of the game must have been daunting for the onlooking Dutch. So much so that its the Spanish midfield and superb ball retention which ultimately swung it in Spain’s favour as far as our final vote of confidence, as Spain have this knack of wearing down opponents and then finally seizing the moment later in the game when the opposition are at their weakest physically. It’s probably not even a tactic of Del Bosque’s which makes it even more effective as it all comes natural to the Spanish, this keeping the ball lark.

The title will be won and lost for Spain in the midfield, and if they can retain possession and bid their time as well as they have done in all of their previous knock-out encounters, they’ll be hard to beat. You cannot underestimate for one moment the negative effect not having the ball for large periods of time has on the body, as all that chasing just grinds down a players energy reserves. Because Holland possess some dangerous attacking individuals, it’s so important Spain keep their opponents activities down to a minimum and one way to do that is to keep the ball. So long as Spain have possession, Robben, Sneijder, Kuyt and Van Persie won’t have any joy. While when you have a player in so much form and oozing confidence like David Villa currently is, all it takes is one well-timed passed and Spain are in. Moreover, against an exposed and ever so vulnerable Dutch defence, it’s likely Spain will come across more goalscoring opportunities than in their previous knock-out games against sides with more resolute defences.

Holland V Spain Odds & Betting Tips

Our Prediction (Who will win): Spain to WIN within 90 minutes – 2.20 WilliamHill

If Holland wish to turn this final completely on its head and land us our pre-tournament tip then they’ll need a flawless start. If they begin in the sluggish manner similar to what they started like against Brazil and Uruguay, Holland will struggle as they cannot afford to let Spain sit comfortable on the ball and grow in confidence. It’s easier said than done believe me, but an early strike for the Dutch and Spain would have no choice but to immediately change their approach and instinctively commit more men forward.

For Spain, all they need to do is continue where they left off against Germany. Their ability to keep hold of possession for prolonged periods proved so effective as it took a lot out of Germany for their efforts in trying to chase whoever had the ball. The same will happen to Holland and if they can patiently wait for the gaps to appear, and they will, then as long as the inform David Villa snaps up the chances, Spain will run out victors here we feel.

Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.50 SkyBet

Current World Cup Final Holland v Spain Odds:

Perhaps there might be one or two members of Stan James’ marketing team in hot water after Spain booked their place in the 2010 World Cup final on Wednesday! Carlos Puyol’s bullet header from a corner put La Furia Roja into a lead that they did not relinquish and that will please the many customers who were placing their outright bets with this bookmaker before the competition started.

That’s because Stan James had a promotion where all losing outright stakes will be refunded as a free bet if Spain were to win the World Cup. This bookmaker must have thought they were on to a winner after a) the Spanish lost to Switzerland in the opening game and b) Paraguay missed a late penalty against them in the quarter final. However, with the European champions now a best price 4/7 (William Hill) it looks as though the firm will be coughing up.

On the other hand, bet365 will have been pleased with their Penalty Payback promotion, which has only see them refund losing bets on Japan and Ghana so far. One can’t imagine that there was a big weight of money on these two teams and one of the world’s leading firms must have been prepared for at least one big team to go out on spot-kicks. Perhaps we’ll see another World Cup final go through 120 minutes without producing a winner…

Indeed, if you think that the 2010 World Cup final might go to penalties, then Victor Chandler are offering to refund all losing First Goalscorer, Correct Score, Scorecast & Double Result (HT/FT) bets on the match as a free bet if we see spot kicks. Four years ago, France and Italy played out a draw before the Azzurri triumphed in the most dramatic way imaginable. The same bookmaker are running the promotion for the 3rd place play-off, although there is less chance of this happening on Saturday.

Bet365, Paddy Power and Blue Square have also been running with a similar 0-0 cashback offer throughout the World Cup and it’s another promotion where they haven’t had to cough up too much back to the punters. There hasn’t been a single goalless draw during the knockout stages as we have seen far more open encounters than many people were predicting, even with a match ball that has attracted much criticism. The last refund that this promotion yielded was when Brazil faced Portugal in the final Group G match.

Finally, the world seems to be going crazy for Pulpo Paul, the German psychic octopus at the moment. After correctly predicting that Spain would beat Germany on Wednesday, people are curious to see whether the amazing record continues. Bet Fred offer odds of 15/8 that the eight-legged creature picks out winners in both of the weekend matches, 11/8 that he gets one selection right and 2/1 that he gets both his picks wrong!

Before the start of the World Cup, Spain were no bigger than 7/2 to win the competition and although they have reached Sunday’s final, Vicente Del Bosque’s team certainly haven’t done things the easy way. An opening game defeat by Switzerland saw La Furia Roja drift out to 6/1 on the outright market and it appeared that a potential last sixteen clash with Brazil was on the cards.

However, Spain regained their composure after that early slip-up and now stand on the verge of greatness. It wasn’t until that last sixteen victory over Portugal that the team went shorter than the 7/2 that had been on offer at the beginning of June and they were still quoted at 2/1 before their semi-final against Germany. However, William Hill now offer a best price 4/7 that they become the eighth team to win the World Cup.

It’s been an amazing journey for the Spanish team, who are victims of their own success. Due to the way that they keep possession and try to work openings, it means that the opposition naturally get men behind the ball and go on to the back foot, something that a previously attack-minded Germany were doing on Wednesday night.

It will be interesting to see whether the Netherlands end up employing the same tactics, especially as Arjen Robben is not someone who naturally tracks back to help his team defend. Germany’s success in the World Cup was founded on Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller trotting back to help out the full-backs and the Dutch instead rely on two midfield enforcers by the name of Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong.

Nevertheless, Holland were equally as impressive as their opponents when qualifying for the tournament and they have maintained that 100% record in South Africa. The Dutch were on offer at around 12/1 on betfair’s outright market before a series of impressive friendly displays saw their odds cut before they had played a single game. Italy’s failure in Group F led to the Netherlands making the quarter finals reasonably easily, although the game against Brazil saw them trailing at half-time.

At this point in proceedings, you could have backed Holland at around 23/1 on betfair to win the World Cup and there was little in that performance at Port Elizabeth which suggested that the Oranje were potential winners of this tournament. However, you need luck to win any cup competition and the Brazilians were happy to shoot themselves in the foot due to lack of concentration when defending set pieces and ill discipline.

Therefore, Bert van Marwijk’s team are 6/4 (Paddy Power) to triumph at the World Cup for the first time and they will probably watch videos of how Switzerland managed to stop Spain in Durban three weeks ago. Coral offer 11/4 that they follow the blueprint of Ottmar Hitzfeld and win in ninety minutes and they do have three excellent counter-attacking players in Robin Van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben.

Quite simply, this is a huge game of football and many people will have wished this contest to be the World Cup final on Sunday. It’s a repeat of the Euro 2008 final where Spain won 1-0 thanks to a Fernando Torres goal, although the net might bulge more than once when these two attacking teams clash swords in Durban.

The bookmakers are also getting excited about the match and have started to produce a number of special promotions for the biggest game of the World Cup so far. Totesport should be applauded for a wide range of moneyback specials on all the big events and the UK firm will refund all losing correct score bets on this game if Germany manage to get their revenge for Euro 2008 and win the game 1-0.

Meanwhile, bet365, Paddy Power and Blue Square will be running with their customary ‘Bore Draw’ cashback promotions, with refunds being offered on selected markets if the game ends goalless. While Germany have been scoring for fun recently, they will surely adopt a more defensive approach against a free-flowing Spain and they will have Thomas Muller suspended for the big game.

Ladbrokes are continuing to offer their unprecedented 500% new customer bonus during the World Cup, where you will get a free £25 bet simply by depositing £5 when you register. It’s been a popular offer and they are also providing special odds on the two teams going through in extra-time or on penalties.

Only three matches in the 2010 World Cup have gone to extra-time so far and two were decided on spot kicks. However, Germany and Spain might be evenly-matched at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and you can get 10/1 with Ladbrokes that Vicente Del Bosque’s team win after extra-time. However, you can’t rule out Die Mannschaft winning on penalties as they have done so many times before, with odds of 12/1 available about this possibility.

Over at Coral, you can get a free £20 bet when you deposit and wager £10 on the Germany v Spain match. There are so many markets to choose from and it’s noticeable that they are offering a best-priced 4/1 that Miroslav Klose finishes as Top Goalscorer in the 2010 World Cup. While they might be looking to balance their books, it could be a value offer as the Bayern Munich striker looks to break Ronaldo’s record.

Talking of goalscorer bets, Paddy Power are offering customers the chance to bet on ‘First to Score for their Team’ and ‘Insurebet First Goalscorer’ on the Germany v Spain match in addition to First Goalscorer, Last Goalscorer and Anytime Goalscorer. The Insurebet option means that if a player doesn’t score the first goal in a match but scores later in the game, you will get your stake refunded. David Villa has scored first in the last three Spain games and is on offer at 13/5 on the Insurebet market or 4/1 if you just think he will score first.