Photo: Iniesta (Getty Images)
World Cup 2010 in South Africa was the stage on which Spain lifted their only world title to date courtesy of an extra time strike from Andres Iniesta. In a repeat of that final, the Netherlands will be looking to dent the chances of the world champions advancing from the group stages.
In a tough group that also includes South American nation Chile and Australia, both Spain and Netherlands are fancied to advance, but this could be easier said than done. Victory for either team and a victory for Chile or Australia could prove to be significant to their chances of advancing. The Spanish looks much stronger on paper but the Oranje has a very young and exciting group of players that can hurt any team.
Spain has captian Iker Casillas available and he should be protected by club mate Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique in central defense. Cesar Azplicueta faces a battle for the right back spot with Atletico Madrid’s Juanfran but Jordi Alba is the sure pick at left back.
In midfield Sergio Busquets could be partnered by Xavi and Xabi Alonso however young Koke has an outside chance of sneaking into the first 11. The attacking threat should be provided by Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa. David Silva may be in with a shout as well as Pedro who was the top scorer for La Furia Roja during qualifications.
The Dutch on the other hand should be employing a new system due to the absence of their midfield general Kevin Strootman. Manager Louis van Gaal is said to have ditched his preferred 4-3-3 formation for 5-3-2. The goalkeeping spot is still up for grabs but Ajax’s Jasper Cillessen may get the nod.
Cillessen should be protected by Feyenoord’s young duo of Bruno Martins Indi and Stefan De Crij with Aston Villa’s Ron Vlaar expected to challenge or even feature in a central defense of three. Daryl Janmaat and Daley Blind are expected to feature in the wing back positions even though the latter has been used in central midfield.
In the absence of Strootman, Jordie Clasie is expected to partner Nigel De Jong in central midfield while Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Jeremain Lens and Robin van Persie are expected to provide the goal threat for Holland.
The world champions are very strong and has a healthy squad except for Thiago Alcantara. They will feel the Dutch are there for the taking but master tactician van Gaal could spoil the day. Vicente del Bosque will know that the Netherlands are out for revenge and will prepare his team as best as possible to get a positive result. van Persie has been hitting the net regularly in the friendlies and will be gunning to find the back of the net with the heartache of four years ago still on his mind.
Players to Watch:
Netherlands: Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben.
Spain: Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta, Diego Costa.
Yashiema Love
Senior Contributor
GiveMeSport Writing Academy
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