We have reached the final and, as predicted right here on the AubieVegas blog, it is Netherlands vs Spain. Needless to say I am sticking with my original pick of a Dutch win. Here are three reasons why they will win along with two why they may not.
Reasons why the Netherlands will win
1. Wesley Sneijder might be the best player in the world. No that is not heresy in the Messi-Ronaldo realm. If Sneijder wins here, he will be the World Player of the Year. Consider he would have assisted on two goals in the Champions League final, been the best player on an Inter Milan club that won the treble and then been the leading scorer and best player on the World Cup champion. Sneijer is playing for history here and it won't overwhelm him.
2. Arjen Robben has finally overcome his injury issues. Robben has been very well thought of for a long time except for injuries that he finally seemed to get past at Bayern Munich this last season. While not 100 percent early in the tournament, he has rounded into form looking especially dangerous against Brazil and Uruguay. His runs from the flanks could be the thing that finally breaks the Spanish defense.
3. The Dutch defense is actually competent. Remember the great Dutch attacking teams of the 90s. What was their problem. The defense was awful. The Dutch attack had to be great even for survival and when it lagged just a little bit in 2001, the Netherlands missed the World Cup entirely. This unit, while not great, is finally good enough to prop the offense up i the case of a bad day and it doesn't even need a superhuman goalkeeping performance like it needed in years past either. Spain will not find this team easy to break down.
Reasons why the Netherlands could lose to Spain
1. The Spanish midfield is simply incredible. Being able to leave Andres Iniesta on the bench to start games is a incredible luxury. The Spanish have incredible depth. This also means they can mix and match at forward to determine the best course of action whether that be David Villa, Fernando Torres, both, or someone else (not likely save for injury)
2. The Dutch always choke. Scoring just two minutes into the game on a penalty against West Germany in the 1974 final then not threatening again despite some of the best offensive talent ever. The 1998 loss to Brazil where they dominated the game and looked like Brazil, except in their finishing. Blowing countless European Championships despite having the best team. I could keep going, but I won't. Just know that they have tried and won despite themselves this time. Late goals conceded and un-Dutch like defensive postures have made things more difficult than it really has had to be and expect this to be the same. It could be the undoing.
Final Prediction: Netherlands 2, Spain 1 (Extra Time, no penalties)
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