It was a chess game between two coaches:
This final brought to my memory Brazil x Italy final in 1994.
You feel that both coaches were playing chess game, where they moved players right and left, each one trying to counter the other coach move.
Quick Spanish start, and the counter plan:
high pressure from Spain. Netherlands were caught in defending their own half, TILL, they started to press very early, almost from the Spain half. Pressuring a lot on Boscuice, Alonso, and Xavi. Seems Netherlands were able to put Spain in the first half on hold. Big success from the Orange.
Second half: looking for chances:
As I have mentioned in a post before the game, Spain attack from the middle, with so many passes, and Netherlands are good in pressing, when they do the right pressing. Ask Dunga about it.
Del Bosque did great chess moves: 1. Jesus Nava instead of Pedro, his first game in the World Cup. He stretched the Orange defence creating a lot of chances from the right. 2. This created spaces in the Middle. Fabregas went on to exploit it and take pressure out of Xavi. Xavi was still marked, this left Fabregas and Iniesta to do a game of their lifetime (the goal came from both of them).
At the same time, Robbin was alone to the right in the first half, hardly getting a corner kick. Now, he goes more from the middle, Scnider behind him. This created two counter attacks, which he missed both. They would have changed the whole scenario. I think Netherlands did it all well, according to their capabilities. I didn't find though that the substitutions added value.
Two great keepers, with heroic defending from the Orange, saved the 90 minutes without a goal.
The Spanish depth of subs:
This is very important factor, Del Bosque used Navas, Fabregas and Torres. Villa didn't find that 11th July is his dream day, no problem, we got few options. We seen in contrast how Netherlands were strugelling to find quality players to replace Keyt. We seen Dunga struggeling to replace Elando and Ramirez after injury and yellow cards.
Wasting the chances:
In a game like the final, concentration is a key element, where chances might not come frequently, especially for the weaker side, like Netherlands. A lot of credit must be given to Casillas, but also, it was Robbin who missed golden opportunities. We all have seen how Iniesta made the best out of his only real chance. We remember how Fabiano got most of his very few chances in all games he played. Same blame would go to Kaka in his quarter final vs. Netherlands. This why Iniesta deserves big credit for his finishing touch. Remember him in the 2009 Champion League semi-final vs. Chelsea?
He does not score a lot, but when needed, he is a hero.
Selfishness vs. Team work:
Wisley Sneijder wasted his chance of carrying the world cup and the golden ball. He tried to score a goal that everyone will talk about a chip from the midfield. It didn't work. He repeated it few times, even after the Spanish golden goal. In contrast, Spanish players got a lot of skills, but they mold it into the team work, of short passes, taking positions, big difference.
Red card:
It was expected. May be Netherlands deserved early in the game, when De Jong did that Karate kick vs. Alonso.
We seen how Spain moved very smartly, taking advantage of the gap. And when you watch the goal, you see the gap.
I expected Netherlands coach to retreat to the maximum, and save whatever can be saved till the PKs. But, he didn't and lost.
A deserved win:
No doubt, and it was with a style.
Barca touches:
The semi final goal was a combination of Xavi and Poyul.
The final goal was a combination of Fabregas and Iniesta.
All four players were at Barcelona football academy together with Messi at one stage.
I think Barca academy worth pondering and other academeis and countries should learn from it.
Casillas:
Deserves to celebrate, two great saves in the final that made big difference. If either of them were scored, he was not to be blamed.
Dutch keeper didn't do any less, in reality, he did a great saves vs. Kaka and Maicon in the quarter final that saved the Orange in the first half.
Van Bronkhorst
The Dutch captain, with his last game ever. He had bitter farewell, yet, he deserves to retire proudly. He had a big game, and he had big role, and made a great save vs. Fabregas. He was up to the game. At least he didn't do a headbutt like Zizou.
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