2010 World Cup Finals Preview and Predictions
Tweet2010 featured one of the more unpredictable World Cups in recent memory. Numerous teams and players that are constant participators when it comes to the latter rounds of the tournament bowed out earlier than anticipated. Wayne Rooney, Kaká, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi are just a few players that normally compete and succeed at a premiere level. And now the accumulation of all the courageous performances and drama has left us with two teams that rightfully deserve their current standing. Whichever team emerges victorious will have won their first World Cup in history.
2010 World Cup Final
Spain vs. Netherlands
Ian Price’s Analysis:
Spain
Spain arrived at this point rather unconventionally. With three 1-0 victories in the knockout stage, they came eerily close to elimination on a number of occasions. In fact, Spain has the opportunity to become the first World Cup champion to ever lose their first match of the tournament in the group stage. And it wasn’t only in that match against Switzerland where they performed less than par. Spain looked lousy in their first two matches of the knockout stage. It wasn’t until the Germany match that Spain played as a collective rather than relying solely on David Villa to bail them out. Midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta are the two players that really picked it up in the semi-finals. Xavi’s passing was more crisp and precise than what he had previously displayed in the tournament. Everything from long chip passes to subtle touches in crowded, unyielding areas arrived at the feet of Spanish teammates. Iniesta created opportunities with his improved enthusiasm. His runs garnered attention from Germany’s defense, which in turn opened up space for Sergio Ramos and Pedro on the wing. The most crucial decision manager Vicente del Bosque faces preceding the final match is who will start opposite David Villa at forward. Fernando Torres has proved ineffective throughout the tournament, and as a result, Del Bosque went with Pedro against Germany. For most of the match, Pedro was stellar on the build-up, but once he found himself surrounded by defenders in the box, his confidence seemed to falter. Del Bosque’s assessment of personnel could ultimately be the deciding factor for the pre-tournament favorites.
Netherlands
Netherlands traveled a different road to the finals than Spain. Accomplishing a victory in every match throughout the World Cup, Netherlands has followed through with their enormous potential. Preserving the lead against Uruguay and staging an epic comeback against Brazil have shown that they can win in a multitude of ways, and just about every player has contributed to the cause equally. However, Netherlands has looked vulnerable in a few areas. The backline, consisting of John Heitinga, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, and Joris Mathijsen, has yielded easily preventable goals in each of their last two matches. Spain has the talent to capitalize on defensive breakdowns, so these Dutch backs must remain well positioned and disciplined at all times. Additionally, Robin Van Persie, once thought of to be the team’s main scoring threat, has all but vanished from the tournament. Van Persie’s lone goal came in Netherlands’ final group match against Cameroon, a match that had little implications on how the finality of the group played out. It wouldn’t be completely out of reason for Bert Van Marwijk to substitute Van Persie out relatively early in the match if he were not able to spring a run or two. By and large, Wesley Sneijder is probably the most important player in this match altogether. If Sneijder can exploit holes that present themselves in the attacking third, Netherlands should be able to control the pace of the game.
Match Prediction: Spain 2 – 1 Netherlands
Man of the Match: Andres Iniesta
Robert Klimowicz’s Analysis:
Spain
Spain came into the 2010 World Cup as one of the favorites to win it all, along with Brazil. After an upset by Switzerland in group play, Spain looked to be joining Italy and France on their way out of the World Cup. However, La Furia Roja still underachieved on their way to the Finals, although they are rounding into form at the right time. Too often, Spain relied on the brilliance of potential Golden Boot winner David Villa to score goals for them. Fernando Torres has become the weak link on this side. His poor play has moved Pedro into the starting lineup and Spain has generally played better without Torres on the pitch. The defense and goalkeeping has been stellar for the Spanish side, allowing only two goals the entire tournament. With Iniesta and Xavi finally widening the pitch against Germany, Villa should be able to take open shots from beyond the box. His command of the much maligned Jabulani ball has been matched only by Uruguay’s Diego Forlán. If Spain can execute a team effort as they did against Germany, they will be difficult to defeat.
Netherlands
The Netherlands have remained undefeated in this World Cup, accomplishing a record of 6-0. Defeating the mighty Brazilians after being down by a goal in the quarter-finals has given the side inspiration and a clear purpose. After missing the first two games due to injury, Arjen Robben has come on strong and formed a formidable tandem with Wesley Sneijder. Between the two of them, they have scored seven of the twelve Dutch goals. Sneijder’s passes have been on target and Robben’s crosses have provided great opportunities for the Dutch. If Oranje have a weakness, it is their backline. The Netherlands have had more fouls called on them (98), more handballs (10), and more yellow cards (15) than any other team in the tournament. This has directly led to opportunities for free kicks and corners. The Spanish can certainly take advantage of these free kicks and corners that the Dutch will give them. Maarten Stekelenburg has given up soft goals throughout the tournament, and with Spain having taken the most shots in the tournament, there’s a good chance another soft goal could be in the making. Holland must be patient and work the ball around the attacking third and wait for the opportunities that the Spain side will eventually give up.
Match Prediction: Spain 2 – 2 Netherlands a.e.t. (3 – 5 PSO)
Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder
Third Place Game
Uruguay vs. Germany
Ian Price’s Analysis:
Uruguay will see the return of Suarez. However, more importantly, Germany will see the return of Thomas Müller. Although they are clearly devastated to not be in the finals, Germany should be able to get back to their fast-paced style of play and defeat an inferior Uruguay squad.
Match Prediction: Uruguay 1 – 3 Germany
Robert Klimowicz’s Analysis:
Uruguay almost upset the Netherlands, but in the end they just didn’t have the firepower to knock off Oranje without Suarez. Even though he will return for this game, Germany will take their frustration out on the overachieving Uruguay side.
Match Prediction: Uruguay 0 – 2 Germany
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Unassisted Sports, Unassisted Sports. Unassisted Sports said: 2010 World Cup Finals Preview and Predictions http://bit.ly/cIiikY [...]
Rate this comment!
0 
0
Leave your response!