Before the final!

Here are some collection of numbers and quotes before the start of final game tonite,

When you look at these numbers, you realize that Netherlands creates less chances but scores more goals than Spain. They don't need many chances to score. We saw this clearly vs. Brazil.

They get more yellow cards, well, they are more aggressive when pressing the opponent.

NETHERLANDS-------Vs.--------------SPAIN
12--------------Goals-----------------7
74---------Shots on goal---------89
46--------Shots on target--------44
2-----------Clean sheets------------4
14----------Yellow cards-----------3

It is interesting, from this table, that has top teams record in all previous world cups, that Spain and Netherlands are the only two teams among the bigs, who never won World Cup yet.

Team Pld W D L Pts
Brazil 97 67 15 15 216
Germany 99 60 19 20 199
Italy 80 44 21 15 153
Argentina 70 37 13 20 124
England 59 26 19 14 97
Spain 55 27 12 16 93
France 54 25 11 18 86
Netherlands 42 22 10 10 76
Uruguay 47 18 12 17 66
Sweden 46 16 13 17 61

This is the first time since 1978, where we will see a final, with a definite new World Cup Champion.
in 1978, Netherlands were very very very close to pick the cup in front of Argentinian eyes, when they hit the post at the 90th minute. Argentina won on extra time.

Both Spain and Netherlands got attacking talents but different approaches to the game. Two teams who have never met before in international competition.

The game has extra significance for Netherlands captain Giovanni van Bronkhorst. He is 35 years old and today will be his last game ever before retirement. He already retired from his club. This brings us back to memories of Zizou in 2006 final.

Netherlands coach, Van Marwijk, says:

"They have to be themselves and have to have the courage to play football against Spain. They are two of the best teams and I emphasise the word 'team'.

We have lots of players who can score a goal and so do Spain. We have got to believe in ourselves and not be afraid. We are convinced we can win."

As for me, I think the game will be a wonderful to watch today. It won't be an easy one for Spain. It will be there most difficult match, and I think they got preference for winning tonight.

Netherlands pace seems not consistent throughout the game. Spain does exploit spaces very efficiently.
Yet, when Netherlands press, they drive the opponent crazy. And Spain does not play on wings a lot.
When Brazil tried to penetrate from the midfield at second half, they faced with tough challenges.

Both Netherlands and Spain have players that can score from one chance only.