Key Player Battles Will Decide Holland vs Spain

Soccer City on Sunday evening will see the showdown of two of the most in form teams in World Football over the past two years. The Netherlands boast the superior form record that stretches back to September 2008 and sees them unbeaten in 25 matches. The Spanish are not far behind, and all but for two losses against the United States at last years Confederations Cup and against Switzerland at this years World Cup respectively, they would be unbeaten like their Dutch counterparts.

Still Spain’s record cannot be lamented. Suffering two losses over a 31 games measures up to Holland’s record and makes it even harder to decide between these two sides on the form guide alone.

In the lead up to the final, and even the third place playoff between Uruguay and Germany, it was refreshing how the Golden Boot race has been kept alive so deep into the competition. Nearly a forgone conclusion in the 2006 World Cup after the quarter-final stage, this years tournament has four players vying for the title. Albeit Thomas Müller and Diego Forlán were only able to level with the forerunners David Villa and Wesley Sneijder after their goals in the third place playoff, but the general race for top goalscorer in South Africa has been a welcome addition to the overall plot of the World Cup.

Referring back to Villa and Sneijder, this duel between these two key players for their respective countries only highlights the significance of them both to their teams. Goals win matches, and the fact that they are in a showdown for not only the Golden Boot, Golden Ball and World Cup itself also speaks volumes for their individual abilities.

In the lead up to the final, Sneijder has come in for some criticism in relation to his performances and whether his goal scoring tally is merely casting a shadow over his true form. He has admittedly assisted few goals throughout the tournament, but positioning is a key asset for any footballer and his habit for being in the right place at the right time has rewarded him with goals.

There is, however, no question over the contributions of David Villa. In a misfiring Spanish frontline, he has been the standout performer and made passage to this stage of the competition that bit easier for Spain with his five goals.

Other key performers that have been an ever-present for their teams throughout the tournament will also be expected to carry on into the final. At right back for Spain, Sergio Ramos has been one of their most consistent players. He and Dutch left back Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be in a constant battle throughout regardless which team is attacking or defending.

Although he may not be everyone’s favourite player at the moment after being shown up for his particular style of play, but he and his holding midfield counterpart Nigel de Jong will be the chief instigators required to stifle the Spanish midfield out of the game, thus cutting their passing flow.

Meanwhile all this focus has been on players coming into this final with form on their side, focus has been principally taken away from those who are struggling. Two Premier League stars such as Robin van Persie and Fernando Torres could yet find their feet in this World Cup and surprise viewers by being the decisive factor between these two sides.

Repeating key players for each country could be endless when referencing these two teams. The main battle will be fought in the opening few minutes of play. This stage of the game will see the Spanish attempt to dictate the pace of the game and put in place their own game plan. If they manage to gain the initiative during this early part of the game, it will be the true mark of Holland as world champions to reverse the influence over the game in their favour.