Showing posts with label Vicente Del Bosque. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vicente Del Bosque. Show all posts
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Sunday, July 11, 2010
FINAL - NETHERLANDS vs SPAIN - Preview
FINAL
18:30 GMT, July 11, 2010
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Netherlands
v
Spain
World Cup final
Football's biggest game will be played in front of around 85,000 fans at Soccer City and sees European champions Spain, in their first World Cup final, up against Netherlands, who are seeking to bury the ghosts of Total Football in 1974 and 1978 when they were losing finalists. Two of the most attacking sides in the tournament will be expected to put on a show.
For both of the nations competing in football's biggest match, the World Cup final represents a chance to bury the ghosts of the past and look forward to a glorious future. However, for the loser, the pain of defeat may linger long after the dust has settled at Soccer City.
Somewhat surprisingly, the two sides have never met at a World Cup and, in fact, have only clashed nine times in history, with each side claiming four wins and one draw. They have met in one final before - the Olympic Final in 1920 when Spain won 3-1 - but in recent results Netherlands have come out on top, with Spain's last win back in 1983.
Netherlands have made it to their first World Cup final since back-to-back defeats in 1974 and 1978 and have the weight of history heavy on their shoulders. The spectre of Johan Cruyff's Total Football has hung over the Dutch side for years and, now Bert van Marwijk's men have a chance to surpass their achievements, suddenly comparisons are being made again.
Certainly, the side's style under van Marwijk has not been 'Total' but the functional and destructive talents of Mark van Bommel and Nigel De Jong knit well with the attacking prowess of Robin van Perise, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben. As the only unbeaten side in the tournament, coming from behind to beat Brazil in the quarter-finals provided the Dutch with the confidence they need to re-write history in the final, but one feels they may still come up short.The main reason for that is because they face arguably the best side in the world at the moment, European champions Spain, whose Golden Generation have made it past the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.With years of disappointment at international level now behind them after their win in 2008, Spain have a bright future and play the kind of attacking football that guarantees them fans across the globe. Maintaining control of the ball with expert technique, the likes of Xavi,Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso provide the ammunition for the star strikers of David Villa and Fernando Torres, with Villa in the form of his life after a summer move to Barcelona.Spain have conceded just two goals in the tournament thus far, while Netherlands have netted 12 goals in their six matches - so it should be an intriguing contest.
Competition Stats
Netherlands player to watch: Mark Van Bommel. The defensive midfielder has been a crucial part of Netherlands' success and somehow he managed to avoid a booking until the final few minutes of their semi-final. Sharp in the tackle, van Bommel is charged with winning the ball back, pressing the opposition and general causing havoc in the middle of the field. Without him, there would be no space for the likes of Robben and Sneijder to operate.
Spain player to watch: Carles Puyol. For all the attacking talent Spain have on show, their style is based on solid defending and they don't come much more solid than Puyol. Showing he has the ability to turn a game by scoring the winner in the semi-finals, he has also been outstanding at the back alongside Gerard Pique and uses his considerable experience to slam the door shut on opposition attacks. Overall, he is a strong defender and while his lack of pace may be an issue, he will be key in keeping Netherlands off the scoresheet.Key battle: Gregory Van Der Wiel v David Villa. The young Ajax right-back will take his place in the side again after suspension cost him a place against Uruguay. Strong and full of running, he provides an attacking outlet down the flank, but also has an important role to fill in defence as well. In the final, that will be to stop Villa drifting onto the left side and finding space to either shoot or cross. The new Barcelona man has been the in-form striker at the tournament, but has enjoyed most freedom from the left-hand side where he cuts in and causes problems for the defenders.Trivia: Ten players - including seven players from the 1974 Bayern Munich and Germany side, plus Christian Karembeu, Roberto Carlos and Gianluca Zambrotta - have won both the European Cup (UEFA Champions League) and the World Cup in the same year. Wesley Sneijder could be added to this list if the Dutch win the title. Italy's Marcello Lippi is the only coach to have won the Champions League and World Cup - Spain's Vincente del Bosque could follow him.Stats: Spain have the most World Cup wins of any country that has not lifted the World Cup trophy, while the Dutch have the second most. No team has ever lost their opening game (as Spain did against Switzerland) to then go on and win the World Cup.Odds: Netherlands (3.75), Spain (2.10) and a draw (3.25) are on offer at Bet 365, while Villa to score first in a 2-1 win comes in at 26.00.
Spain player to watch: Carles Puyol. For all the attacking talent Spain have on show, their style is based on solid defending and they don't come much more solid than Puyol. Showing he has the ability to turn a game by scoring the winner in the semi-finals, he has also been outstanding at the back alongside Gerard Pique and uses his considerable experience to slam the door shut on opposition attacks. Overall, he is a strong defender and while his lack of pace may be an issue, he will be key in keeping Netherlands off the scoresheet.Key battle: Gregory Van Der Wiel v David Villa. The young Ajax right-back will take his place in the side again after suspension cost him a place against Uruguay. Strong and full of running, he provides an attacking outlet down the flank, but also has an important role to fill in defence as well. In the final, that will be to stop Villa drifting onto the left side and finding space to either shoot or cross. The new Barcelona man has been the in-form striker at the tournament, but has enjoyed most freedom from the left-hand side where he cuts in and causes problems for the defenders.Trivia: Ten players - including seven players from the 1974 Bayern Munich and Germany side, plus Christian Karembeu, Roberto Carlos and Gianluca Zambrotta - have won both the European Cup (UEFA Champions League) and the World Cup in the same year. Wesley Sneijder could be added to this list if the Dutch win the title. Italy's Marcello Lippi is the only coach to have won the Champions League and World Cup - Spain's Vincente del Bosque could follow him.Stats: Spain have the most World Cup wins of any country that has not lifted the World Cup trophy, while the Dutch have the second most. No team has ever lost their opening game (as Spain did against Switzerland) to then go on and win the World Cup.Odds: Netherlands (3.75), Spain (2.10) and a draw (3.25) are on offer at Bet 365, while Villa to score first in a 2-1 win comes in at 26.00.
Field Report
| Jul 6, 2010 | Uruguay 2 - Netherlands 3 | WC10 |
| Jul 2, 2010 | Netherlands 2 - Brazil 1 | WC10 |
| Jun 28, 2010 | Netherlands 2 - Slovakia 1 | WC10 |
| Jun 24, 2010 | Cameroon 1 - Netherlands 2 | WC10 |
| Jun 19, 2010 | Netherlands 1 - Japan 0 | WC10 |
| Jul 7, 2010 | Germany 0 - Spain 1 | WC10 |
| Jul 3, 2010 | Paraguay 0 - Spain 1 | WC10 |
| Jun 29, 2010 | Spain 1 - Portugal 0 | WC10 |
| Jun 25, 2010 | Chile 1 - Spain 2 | WC10 |
| Jun 21, 2010 | Spain 2 - Honduras 0 | WC10 |
- World Cup 2010: Netherlands Captain Giovanni Van Bronckhorst Desperate To Beat Spain In Last Ever Appearance
- World Cup 2010: Netherlands Coach Bert Van Marwijk Hails Oranje's Perfect Record
- World Cup 2010: Netherlands' Perfect Winning Streak Can Match Historic Feat Of Brazil 1970
- Goal.com Poll: Netherlands vs Spain - Who Will Win The 2010 World Cup?
- World Cup 2010: Netherlands Captain Giovanni Van Bronckhorst Desperate To Beat Spain In Last Ever Appearance
- World Cup 2010: Netherlands Coach Bert Van Marwijk Hails Oranje's Perfect Record
- World Cup 2010: Spain Defender Carles Puyol Delays Retirement Decision
- World Cup 2010 EXCLUSIVE: Germany Can Play Like Spain - Bayer Leverkusen Coach Jupp Heynckes
Prediction: The game may turn out to be similar to that of the Germany semi-final if the Dutch don't stay true to their attacking style. They can't afford to sit back and, unless they go a goal up early, Spain may take control. Hard to see anything but a Spain win, yet in a World Cup final, the pressure can effect even the most experienced players.
My prediction Spain 2 Netherlands 1
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Super Spain beats Germany and moves into Final
6:30 PM GMT, July 7, 2010
Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Germany
0 - 1
Spain
For all of Spain's brilliant passing in their semi-final against Germany, it was a Carles Puyol header from a corner that put La Roja into their first ever World Cup final.
The Euro 2008 winners dominated possession in Durban but initially struggled to create clear openings against Joachim Low's impressive young side. But after failing to break through with their subtle approach, Spain eventually brought out the sledgehammer in the second-half.
Iker Casillas deserves plenty of credit for his fine save to deny Toni Kroos moments before the goal.
But when midfield schemer Xavi curled a corner deep into the German box, 32-year-old Puyol showed the German young guns what experience can bring as he rose highest and then powered an unstoppable header beyond Manuel Neuer.
For Germany it was a game too far. But with their impressive victories against England and Argentina, they have signalled a new dawn for their national team.Spain's prowess has been known for some time. That is why they had the strength to leave out a strangely shot-shy Fernando Torres.And against Holland at Soccer City on Sunday, they will attempt to confirm their class, as FIFA waits to crown a new champion, no matter what the outcome.
It was one of those games that is usually described as being for the purist. An alternative assessment would be boring. There was nevertheless a bewitching tactical battle that Spain started in the ascendancy and Germany slowly hauled their way back into.The format was fairly predictable. Spain dominating possession, Xavi and Andres Iniesta attempting to pierce their opponent's defence with intelligent and incisive close passing, while Germany looked to hit back with greater power on the counter-attack.Aiming to become the first team since West Germany in 1972 and 1974 to follow up a European Championship triumph by lifting the World Cup as well, Spain's problem was the ferocious discipline of their opponents' defence.
On their charge to the last four, Mesut Ozil, suspended wide-man Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose have captured most of the headlines. But Germany could not function without Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker doing the business at the back.Having axed Torres, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was putting more responsibility than ever on the shoulders of David Villa. Yet the Barcelona-bound forward had just one sight of the German goal, when Torres' replacement Pedro threaded a pass through for him to run onto. Neuer was out just as quickly to make a brave block.
Germany hardly touched the ball for 25 minutes and as it turned out, would have probably benefited from a more English-style route one approach. But when Spain finally paused for breath, Piotr Trochowski, the man entrusted to fill Muller's right-sided berth, forced Iker Casillas into a scrambling low save and thereafter the Spain skipper was the busier goalkeeper until the break.The interval just triggered a repeat of the opening to the first half, as Spain totally dominated their bewildered opponents without making it count.Their best opportunity came when Pedro let fly with a speculative effort that was too strong for Neuer to hold. Andres Iniesta was onto the rebound in a flash, drilling the ball across goal from the left to where Villa, sliding in at the far post, just failed to make contact.
Germany did their best to press for an equaliser but in the end, they lacked enough nous.
Indeed, had it not been for the greed of Pedro, who could have presented substitute Torres with a late tap-in, the margin of victory could have been greater.
Man of the Match: Pedro
Man of the Match: Pedro - The Barcelona forward was picked ahead of Fernando Torres and justified the decision with a lively start. His mazy runs and slick interplay caused the German defence multiple problems and he maintained that level throughout the match. When Spain eventually made a change in attack it was David Villa that went off, not the 22-year-old.
Germany verdict: Joachim Low's side couldn't get their game going early on as Spain pressed high up the pitch and the absence of the suspended Thomas Muller deprived them of width on the right. Although the Germans happily surrendered possession they maintained a threat on the counter-attack, but after the break they lost that threat. Low tinkered with his team to try and find a spark but were reduced to hopeful punts into the box as time ticked away.
Spain verdict: Vicente Del Bosque's decision to finally drop Torres initially seemed to hamper Spain as the change meant goal-machine David Villa had to abandon his normal tactic of cutting in from the left and instead led the line. After the break Del Bosque got it right as his team upped the tempo and began to carve through Germany. It was only a matter of time before they got the goal their slick possession football deserved. However, when it came it was from a corner - Carles Puyol heading in after 73 minutes - not from open play. But another 1-0 win will do.
Could do better: Piotr Trochowski - The Hamburg SV midfielder was unable to fill the rather large boots of Muller, refused stay out wide and deprived the Germans of their safety valve. He couldn't really get into the game and was replaced by Toni Kroos after 62 minutes as Germany looked to get something going.
Stat attack: Since the statistic was first tracked starting in 1966, Spain have now become only the third team to complete 3,000 passes at a single World Cup. (Brazil, 1994 & Netherlands, 1998)
Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa
Germany
0 - 1
Spain
For all of Spain's brilliant passing in their semi-final against Germany, it was a Carles Puyol header from a corner that put La Roja into their first ever World Cup final.
The Euro 2008 winners dominated possession in Durban but initially struggled to create clear openings against Joachim Low's impressive young side. But after failing to break through with their subtle approach, Spain eventually brought out the sledgehammer in the second-half.
Iker Casillas deserves plenty of credit for his fine save to deny Toni Kroos moments before the goal.
But when midfield schemer Xavi curled a corner deep into the German box, 32-year-old Puyol showed the German young guns what experience can bring as he rose highest and then powered an unstoppable header beyond Manuel Neuer.
For Germany it was a game too far. But with their impressive victories against England and Argentina, they have signalled a new dawn for their national team.Spain's prowess has been known for some time. That is why they had the strength to leave out a strangely shot-shy Fernando Torres.And against Holland at Soccer City on Sunday, they will attempt to confirm their class, as FIFA waits to crown a new champion, no matter what the outcome.
It was one of those games that is usually described as being for the purist. An alternative assessment would be boring. There was nevertheless a bewitching tactical battle that Spain started in the ascendancy and Germany slowly hauled their way back into.The format was fairly predictable. Spain dominating possession, Xavi and Andres Iniesta attempting to pierce their opponent's defence with intelligent and incisive close passing, while Germany looked to hit back with greater power on the counter-attack.Aiming to become the first team since West Germany in 1972 and 1974 to follow up a European Championship triumph by lifting the World Cup as well, Spain's problem was the ferocious discipline of their opponents' defence.
On their charge to the last four, Mesut Ozil, suspended wide-man Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose have captured most of the headlines. But Germany could not function without Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker doing the business at the back.Having axed Torres, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was putting more responsibility than ever on the shoulders of David Villa. Yet the Barcelona-bound forward had just one sight of the German goal, when Torres' replacement Pedro threaded a pass through for him to run onto. Neuer was out just as quickly to make a brave block.
Germany hardly touched the ball for 25 minutes and as it turned out, would have probably benefited from a more English-style route one approach. But when Spain finally paused for breath, Piotr Trochowski, the man entrusted to fill Muller's right-sided berth, forced Iker Casillas into a scrambling low save and thereafter the Spain skipper was the busier goalkeeper until the break.The interval just triggered a repeat of the opening to the first half, as Spain totally dominated their bewildered opponents without making it count.Their best opportunity came when Pedro let fly with a speculative effort that was too strong for Neuer to hold. Andres Iniesta was onto the rebound in a flash, drilling the ball across goal from the left to where Villa, sliding in at the far post, just failed to make contact.
Germany did their best to press for an equaliser but in the end, they lacked enough nous.
Indeed, had it not been for the greed of Pedro, who could have presented substitute Torres with a late tap-in, the margin of victory could have been greater.
Scoring Summary
Man of the Match: Pedro
MATCH SUMMARY
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