The key to tomorrow's World Cup final

So what else can be said that already hasn't been said about tomorrow's world cup final? We all know it'll be a sexy match full of wonderfully talented players, it will be also be a tight game with a lot of the play happening in the midfield. Most will point to the two star players as the keys to victory for either side. I agree that David Villa for Spain and Wesley Sneijder for the Netherlands will have to play massive roles for their clubs in order to win, however this will not be as big a factor as which team will be able to contain their emotions and execute their manager's game plan.

This final presents something we haven't seen since 1978, two teams that will be chasing their first World Cup title. For all the players, manager's, coaches and supporters this will be a new and exciting experience. The emotion of potentially being called the best in the world is something that can be daunting for any seasoned professional, especially when representing their country on the highest stage of the game.

The question will be, which side is best suited to deal with the pressure of entire an nation's expectations and dreams? Both are accomplished footballing nations with proud histories. Both countries have also been world football's two biggest underachievers, each having disappointed in World Cups past.

With no players on either side having World Cup final experience it will be interesting to see how the captains will try to calm the players down in the first 10-15 minutes. Not only will they have to manage the weight of their own responsibilities on the pitch, but now they will have to be an on pitch manager controlling the emotions of their team mates. The squad who can cope with the pressure first will have a decided edge in who will lift the World Cup trophy at the end of the match.

This element of the unknown is what makes this world cup final so attractive, this really in my opinion is a real toss up game in terms of trying to pick a winner. Both teams are treading into uncharted territory and the team that handles the big stage the best will have won their country the biggest sporting prize in the world....No pressure boys!

Cheers,
Mike

The makings of a classic: Spain v Netherlands

As I was doing my research for Sunday's World Cup final I became incredibly excited about the possibilities this match up brings to the table. As both sides have never won a World Cup before it promises to be a very aggressive match full of goal chances and hard tackles. I also expect to see the tears flow at the end of the match as either grown men will be crying over winning the World Cup, or over losing their one chance at football immortality.

I actually have no actual idea who's going to win this game, as both teams are very strong and match each other in just about all parts on all parts of the field. In overall big game experience I would have to tip my hand to Spain as the majority of the team was around for the 2008 European final. Also based on the strength of the Spainsh defence through out this tournament they may have a slight edge over the Dutch in the back four.

However despite this, I think that squad with more desire to be called the world's best will win out. As we've already seen in this tournament talent can only take you so far, if you don't believe me ask the Brazilians, French, English, Italians and Germans who it can be argued have more talent then our two finalists.

Frankly I'm seeing this as a pick em' type final and I'm not going to spend too much time anaylsing the game, I think it's time to sit back and enjoy what will be a beautiful final!

Cheers,
Mike N

Why Brazil lost and why Holland is making me rethink things.

So as I sit here I've just returned from The Point Bar where I watch Ghana lose in heartbreaking fashion to Uruguay more on that in the next post. As for this post I'll be looking at the sudo upset that took place earlier today as The Netherlands defeated Brazil 2-1.

Scanning the headlines it seems the world has been rocked by the fact that the 5 time world champions were defeated by Holland. It seems that most of the world has forgotten that the Dutch are a world class side as well, in fact they are currently riding a 23 match unbeaten streak. They are also ranked fourth in the world by FIFA and contain a squad full of players just as good and skillful as Brazil's.

The issue for Brazil was not the lack of attacking football as many in the Brazilian press have stated. It wasn't really even the formation or team selection by head coach Dunga as he picked his best 11, and the formation had worked up to this point. The real issue as to why Brazil lost was their lack of discipline when things started to go The Netherlands way. After the tying own goal by the now vilified Felipe Melo, Brazil seemed to lose its focus and allowed the Dutch to carry the majority of the play. This was in stark contrast to the first half, in which Brazil had the lead and looked in complete control. The go-ahead goal was set up by poor defensive decision making by Brazil's Juan as he put the ball out for a corner when he could have kicked it into touch. The goal was scored from said corner kick. The surprising lack of discipline shown afterward was their downfall, Melo's insane stomp on Robbin's leg left Brazil down to 10 men and virtually out of the match.

As for Holland, they showed in the second half a team unity that has been missing in past World Cup campaigns. Whatever was said in the half time talk by manager Bert van Marwijk seemed to spark the team into action, and they bossed the game after that. Looking ahead to the semi final match with Uruguay, you would have to make the Dutch the odds on favorites; provided they can carry the form they showed in the second half into the semi final match. Once again mid fielder Wesley Sneijder and forward Arjen Robben were the trigger men in the "Oranje" attack. Sneijder especially as he control the link up between the rest of the midfield and the forwards.

Given they way the Dutch responded after being a goal down to the best team in the world, Bert van Marwijk's side is making me think twice about my world cup winner.

Cheers,
Mike