Title holders Spain are ready to square off against 2010 finalists Netherlands in what seems to be the most anticipated match of the 2014 World Cup group stage. The final in South Africa consisted of numerous hard challenges, memorable highlights and an overall bad temper between two recognised sides and the only difference from tonight is that this will be just a group B match.
The Furia Roja are looking to make history and become the first and only team to win two back-to-back European championships and World Cups in just six years. Striker Diego Costa did not show any signs of pain during Tuesday’s practice and seems to have overcome his hamstring injury sustained at Atletico Madrid’s closing match in Camp Nou.
Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal will be hoping that striker Robin van Persie’s fitness is up to par after suffering a groin injury. The Manchester United player was also involved in a strange accident with a kitesurfer on Monday but got away with minor scratches and a headache. Nevertheless, The Oranje captain is very confident that he can perform and carry out his part during the competition.
These teams have met nine times before, sharing four wins apiece and a draw. Spain won 1-0, after extra-time and after Johnny Heitinga was shown a red card, when the two sides met in the final of the 2010 World Cup.
Dont expect to see a similar game to the brutal match in South Africa four years ago, as Netherlands will look to contain Spain without kicking them off the park. Netherlands will sit back deep to try and frustrate the Spanish attackers, and as soon as the Dutch get the ball they will look to set off Robin van Persie, and Arjen Robben up front.
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Netherlands 0 Spain 1 (Iniesta), World Cup final, July 2010
Netherlands 1 (Frank de Boer) Spain 0, International friendly, March 2002
Spain 1 (Hierro) Netherlands 2 (Hasselbaink, Frank de Boer), International friendly, November 2000
SPAIN v NETHERLANDS PROBABLE LINEUPS
Spain (4-3-3): Casillas – Juanfran, Sergio Ramos, Pique, Jordi Alba – Xavi, Busquets, Xabi Alonso – David Silva, Diego Costa, Iniesta.
Netherlands (4-3-1-2): Cillessen – Janmaat, de Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi – de Guzman, de Jong, Blind – Sneijder – Van Persie, Robben.
