Spain v Holland

Holland and Spain clash in the World Cup final at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium today and it is the match that will have most neutrals excited. 

The Dutch will be hoping it's a case of 'third time lucky' following final heartbreak in the 1974 and '78 finals, while this is Spain's first World Cup final.

European champions Spain have claimed knockout victories over Portugal, Paraguay and Germany to reach the final, and have not conceded a goal in the process, a fourth 1-0 success would see them crowned World Champions and it is available at 11/2 with ladbrokes.

Spain's defence has been breached only twice, Switzerland's Gelson Fernandes beating Iker Casillas in their tournament opener and Chile netting in the final group game.

Del Bosque is not expected to make many changes to his starting line-up from the side which overcame Germany 1-0 in the semi-finals.

Out-of-form Liverpool striker Fernando Torres also looks certain to have to settle for a place on the bench, with Barcelona attacker Pedro partnering Villa up top.

Holland also have a number of potential players of the tournament at their disposal, not least attacking midfielder and playmaker Wesley Sneijder.

The 26-year-old shares the tournament scoring lead alongside David Villa and will once again be instrumental to the hopes of Holland. The Dutch are 11/4 to win in 90 minutes and 6/4 to lift the trophy and they look the value.

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has steered his side to six successive wins in the competition, scoring 12 goals and playing some of the most attractive football to-boot.

Their quarter-final comeback triumph over Brazil was arguably their most impressive display as they battled back from 1-0 down to snatch a 2-1 win in Port Elizabeth.

The Oranje are expected to make two changes from the starting XI which overcame Uruguay 3-2 in the semi-finals.

Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong and defender Gregory van der Wiel should return after suspension with Khalid Boulahrouz and Demy de Zeeuw dropping out.

Spain are too short at 6/5 to win in 90 minutes and 4/7 to lift the trophy.

Back Holland to win in 90 minutes at 11/4 and to lift the trophy at 6/4. The future looks bright, the future looks Oranje.

NO MEMBERS BETS TODAY

Published 11-07-2010

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