2010 Fifa World Cup Final preview: Netherlands v Spain
"You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one."
Were it not about the admittedly more vital longing for world peace, John Lennon's line from his 1971 hit "Imagine" could have been coined for this day, this moment for the Netherlands and Spain. Both countries have dreamed of winning the World Cup for as long as they have played football, and both now stand on the precipice of achieving it. Together.
Only one can do it though. There will be a new name on the famous gold trophy on tonight, and while many would have predicted that pre-tournament favourites Spain would be in Johannesburg at the finale of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, few believed that the trophy's immediate future could be Orange.
Yet the Dutch are here. A mixture of the methodical, calm approach of coach Bert van Marwijk, of the graft and hard work of the likes of Mark van Bommel, Nigel de Jong and particularly the metronomic Dirk Kuyt, and of the fantasy and majesty applied by Wesley Sneijder, and latterly Arjen Robben, have seen them reach the final, and how they deserve it.
No, they haven't recaptured the "Total Football" of the Dutch sides who lost World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978, but those teams lost. If the Netherlands win the trophy, who cares how they did it?
Who cares that the names of workhorses like Kuyt, van Bommel and de Jong would instantly become more revered than Johan Cruyff, Johnny Rep and Johan Neeskens? They would be there because they deserve to be there.
Don't make the mistake of believing that this team is all about functionality though, they do have their flair too, and how that will be needed to break down an impressive Spanish defence that doesn't often get talked about because of the magic that happens in front of it.
The general consensus was that last Wednesday's semi-final victory over Germany was Spain's best performance of the competition, which suggests that they are peaking at the right time.
That opening game defeat to Switzerland is now viewed as an abberation. A blot on Spain's serene landscape as they made their way to the final, and while it is true to say that the free-flowing football that they produced in Euro 2008 hasn't been as free or flowing in South Africa, they are still capable of the beautiful game - Germany experienced death by 1000 passes in the semi-final - and they would be the most worthy of world champions should they win at Soccer City.
Criticisms have been levelled at Vicente Del Bosque's side for their rather one dimensional style of play. If Plan A - namely keeping possession until the opposition surrender - doesn't work, then what about Plan B?
Chances are that those same thoughts were going through the heads of the watching world against Germany until, on 73 minutes, a corner was swung in and thumped home by the head of the big centre back.
It was hardly a 'Spanish' goal, but Carles Puyol's stunning header was as important as any goal that the country have scored in their history, as it puts them into a World Cup final for the first time.
Talents like David Villa - the joint top scorer at the competition with Sneijder, Thomas Mueller and Diego Forlan - and the midfield maestros Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso would be worthy world champions tonight, but if they are to be then they'll need to work hard for it.
In truth, 21 of the 22 starters are probably already known, with the only giant, flashing question mark hanging over the selection or otherwise of Fernando Torres.
Del Bosque simply ran out of patience with his star forward's struggles when he chose to omit him from the lineup to face the Germans, and it was easy to see why. The inclusion of Pedro may have surprised many, but it certainly paid off, and while the Barcelona winger may have lacked a some end product in the semi-final, it would be easy for Del Bosque to keep a winning team. Torres may have to be patient.
Maybe it would be better to leave him on the bench and look to bring him on late on, perhaps to provide that all important cutting edge.
However the coach plays it, the Spanish will start as favourites.
For the Netherlands to win, they'll need to put a stop to the endless Spanish passing, which is a lot easier said than done.
The Dutch have been brilliant, but this looks like Spain's time, and after their Euro 2008 triumph two years ago, the celebrations will be even greater in Madrid this time around. As indeed they would be in Amsterdam.
Just imagine.
Prediction: Netherlands 0 Spain 2
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