WC Match Preview: Spain vs. The Netherlands

WORLD CUP MATCH PREVIEW: SPAIN VS. THE NETHERLANDS

Normally, this matchup wouldn’t necessarily be one to write about on the blog page, but it holds significance because it’s the first time that both team from the previous World Cup final open their group stage against each other. Having won the 2010 World Cup, Spain is looking to repeat with perhaps a stronger squad this time around while the Netherlands has a younger group that’s looking to find its footing. Both teams have their share of experience, whether it comes down to some of the older players on the teams or the managers that patrol the sidelines. How do I think this match will play out? Here are a few, key points that I believe will have an outcome on the game.

1. THE MIDFIELD: Take a look at Spain’s midfield, take a look at the Netherlands’ midfield, and tell me that you don’t like the Spanish in this department. While you do have Robben, Sneijder, and van der Vaart with the experience of some big time football, the Spanish have playmakers that can match up with those three gentlemen in Koke, David Silva, and Iniesta. Compliment those gentlemen with Jesus Navas and Cesc Fabregas, and it would be hard pressed to give the Dutch the hand in this one.

2. HEALTHY VAN PERSIE OR HEALTHY COSTA?: Perhaps the two most focused on strikers on both teams are looking to shrug off the injury bug that has been following both Robin van Persie and Diego Costa since the beginning of 2014. After netting a hat trick against Olympiacos in Champions League play, van Persie injured his ACL and has been working his way to make sure that he is 100% for the World Cup, while Diego Costa has been dealing with hamstring issues throughout the latter part of his season with Athletico Madrid, affectedly forcing him to miss the CL final against Real Madrid. While both athletes say they are ready to go, this matchup will be a good test to see how fit they are and while van Persie may be the more experienced one, he may have to show the most to carry his squad.

3. THE MEN OF THE SIDELINE: Both Louis van Gaal and Vicente del Bosque have experience managing big time teams and have both won numerous titles to their name. How the managers are able to maximize the talent on their respective squads will determine who gets the edge in this area because quite honestly, I can’t see one here.

I feel that this will end up being one of the better group opening matches to take place, considering what’s at stake and the recent history between the two. While I do see the Netherlands putting up a good fight, I think Spain’s overall experience will be too much for the Dutch to overcome.

SCORE: 2-1 SPAIN.

*This article was contributed by Executive Producer Gregory Delaney, and completed before matchplay*