Frank LorenzoThe rematch of the 2010 South Africa final takes the stage on June 13 when the current champions, Spain, take on the runner-up, Netherlands, at the Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador, at 3 PM ET, in the first match of group B.
The rematch of the 2010 South Africa final takes the stage on June 13 when the current champions, Spain, take on the runner-up, Netherlands, at the Arena Fonte Nova, in Salvador, at 3 PM ET, in the first match of group B.
Spain beat Netherlands in the final four years ago with an extra time goal by Andres Iniesta; it was the Spanish first World Championship and they know the Dutch will try to have some sort of payback.
The Spanish are different from four years ago, and one of those players that wasn’t on the field in the final but will try to take the team to glory again is Diego Costa, a Brazilian playing for the enemy.
“I’m certain that he will prove to be one of the best in the World Cup and will bring Spain great success. I hope he stays on at Atletico, because, in my opinion, he’s one of the best players in the world,” said teammate Juanfran about Costa.
Netherlands Coach Louis Van Gaal knows the Spanish team quite a bit; he was the coach at Barcelona a decade ago and saw a few of his young players developed into stars.
“I’m proud not only of Xavi and Iniesta but also Puyol and Valdés, who are injured and not playing against us. I’m proud, but we can resist against these creative midfielders – although it shall be difficult.”
Spain leads the series against Netherlands 5-4-1, but they haven only met once in the World Cup, at South Africa’s final. The soccer odds for this one have the Spanish rated -115 to win the match, and Netherlands is +450; the draw was set at +240.
