On Sunday 11th July a team that has never lifted the World Cup before will be celebrating as Holland meet Spain in the final of the 2010 World Cup.

Much has been made of the way Spain play football and retain possession of the ball but their slow build up play and sideways passing forces the opposition into defending deep which in turn kills the game as a spectacle. Spain are very impressive with the ball in midfield but their ability to always play one more pass than necessary always has me screaming at the screen.

Against Germany, Spain once again won the possession battle without ever really creating many clear cut chances. A pattern that we’ve seen in every match the Spanish have played in at the finals. Germany forced into swamping the defence for the most part of the game had to settle for sporadic attacks and never really troubled Iker Casillas in the Spanish goal. It wasn’t until the 73rd minute when Carlos Puyol powered a header in straight from a corner that the deadlock was broken and the game was dead. Germany did manage to wake up very late in the game and play opened up showing glimpses of the match that many had anticipated before kick off. But it was too little too late. And it was the Spanish celebrating at the final whistle.

Last night saw Holland face off against Uruguay. In truth, it wasn’t a great match and the 3-1 result maybe flattered Holland slightly. It wasn’t a great spectacle but many will be glad to see Holland back in the World Cup final after a 32 year absence, not least because of the way Uruguay knocked Ghana out of the tournament. The Dutch have some great attacking flair in their team but they very rarely show it in the 90 minutes. No longer do they play total football, this is a much more workman like Holland side.

Predictions for the final? Expect to see Spain dominating possession with Holland looking to pick them off on the break. Big performances will be required from Van Persie, Sneijder and Robben if Holland are to lift the World Cup for the first time.