Holland vs. Spain.
The venue was decided months before.
The teams were decided in mid-week.
The referee was chosen a few days ago.
The stage is set.
One of these teams will become world champions in a little under 48 hours.
One of these teams will make history for their nation by becoming the 8th different world champion to lift the Jules Rimet trophy.
One question remains: who will it be?
Paul the psychic octopus has opted for Germany's conquerors Spain. So far, this tournament he has predicted every single one of Germany's results correct. But does this psychic octopus only get the German results right?
Mani the Singaporean parakeet on the other hand, has gone for the Dutch. This is turning out to be the battle of the psychic animals by the looks of it.
But what about the battle between the two teams? Here's my view, for what it's worth:
Holland: we've said it before, so we'll say it again. Clearly not the same side as we've seen in previous tournaments. Play a different kind of football, that is evidently working for them - they are 25 games unbeaten. May not be easy on the eye, but ultimately get the job done. Clinical, effective and pragmatic. Sneijder has been a major force for them so far in the tournament. He could be the one to pull it out of the bag again, and get the golden goal that wins it. De Jong and van Bommel need to be on alert. They are the insurance policy for the Oranjes in front of their back four. Have to offer protection against Spain's superior midfield domination. Robben likes to cut in on his left-foot from the right and could be a potential threat to Joan Capdevila - the only first-team Spanish player not to play for Madrid or Barcelona. More service needs to be delivered to van Persie and Kuyt - both are capable of keeping a hold off the ball and running at defenders to create chances. We've seen Holland comeback from conceding a goal, or going a goal down and winning - calm, cool and collected, they won't be too fazed if they don't get the early lead. Have the ability to apply strong pressure, work well as a team in going forward, squeeze the ball into tight areas and are always dangerous until the final whistle. They are also great when they have to defend leads - some might say cautious, but they get pretty much all men at the back. Dogged and resilient in tracking back and clearing the ball. It will be particularly difficult for Spain to try and score in the last few minutes, if the Dutch are leading. They must be careful in their tackling and so on. I read that Holland have committed the most fouls this tournament, so they have to be on their best behaviour to avoid getting sent off because it could change the game (à la Zidane). Bert van Marwijk has his team under control so it will now be down to the players to do the talking on the pitch.
Spain: much more pleasing to watch with their passing game. However, shouldn't get too bogged down in their passing that they miss opportunities and chances to score. Spain have been the most passing side of the tournament. But that should come as no surprise. They totally dominate the midfield, particularly with the likes of Busquets, Iniesta and Xavi. The 4 top players who have passed the most so far are Spaniards. Xavi is no.1 in that list with a whopping 464 passes. And it's no wonder. When he's having a good game, Spain are having a good game, making Spain less of a team and more reliant on individual talents to see them through. Nevertheless, all players should be on form tomorrow in their first-ever final. Whilst not on proper goal-scoring form as we saw in the Euros, Spain have been clinical too. Winning 1-0 in their last three games on the trot. Have a tendency of passing a lot, creating many chances and scoring late on before seeing out the win. We have not yet seen a Spain side come from a losing scoreline to win. Germany couldn't do it, but if Holland get an early lead then it will be interesting to see Spain's reaction. Spain are good at stifling the opposition, and starving them off possession so we shall see how long it takes for Holland to crack open the Spanish side. Spain have got to be more efficient and clinical though in front of goal. If they were less wasteful they would have got more than only 7 out of 103 shots into the back of the net. That amount of shots is the most for this tournament, so they definitely have something going forward. Largely due to starman David Villa. Strike partner Torres has been out of form, like many big names in this tournament so far, that's probably why they've only scored 7. Doubts over whether he will start - probably not, instead Pedro will most likely go on in his place. Talent all over the pitch, particularly midfield. Busquets is the insurance policy in front off the back four, has been untroubled so far. Not short of intelligent players, but need to be less selfish so that they can kill off the games (Pedro - against Germany, for example). Ramos, Pique and Puyol like to get upfield during the game, particularly Ramos down the right - could cause problems, if Holland break on the counter and they are short of cover at the back. Managed to deal quite effectively with Germany's counter-attacking style though, so will be looking to do much the same tomorrow. Alonso likes to shoot from range so Stekelenburg needs to be alert at all times. Spain might try to expose the weaknesses of Holland's keeper, who made a mistake against Uruguay, allowing them back into the game.
Believe it or not but Holland and Spain have never clashed before in either a Euro game or a World Cup game. Spain have always been hindered at the quarter-finals stage whereas Holland have never been able to beat the host nation in the finals, losing 2 out of 2 finals matches.
For England fans, we can be happy in the knowledge, that we WILL be represented in the final after all, as Howard Webb and his two assistants have been chosen to be the official referees in the game. A bittersweet decision, after England were kicked out off the competition over a poor refereeing decision. Speaking off, FIFA have announced that this will be the last tournament without technology. A bit late for England now and it will be interesting to see whether any controversial decisions occur tomorrow to make them regret their resistance to video technology even more. For the fairness of the game, and for the sake of the officials, let's hope not. Howard Webb has already officiated at the UEFA CL final last season, so should have no real nerves at doing the same in tomorrow's game. At least now three Englishmen will receive world cup medals, so we're not that useless after all. In all seriousness, the refereeing from the English officials has been spot-on. Darren Cann has been correct in all the offside decisions he has made, even the tight ones and Howard Webb has been no pushover, particularly when it came to players diving. I wish them the best of luck tomorrow.
Before the WC began, I chose a team to support in 'reserve', should England go out of the competition early and should my 'reserve' team still be in with a chance. That 'reserve' team? Holland.
Also before the WC began, I did one of those office sweepstake predictions chart plotting the whole thing based on recent results, form and so on. The team I predicted to win? Spain.
So: will it be three-times lucky for the Dutch? Or will 'beginner's' luck prevail for the Spanish?
More importantly, who will win in the battle of the psychic animals?
My prediction? Do I go with Paul or Mani?
Well: my heart says the Dutch, but my head says the Spanish.
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