Four years have passed since Andres Iniesta thumped the back of Martin Stekelenburg’s net as the perennial underachievers Spain finally won the World Cup in South Africa. In what would be a fascinating repeat of the last edition’s final the two teams square off once again in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup in Sambaland. One of the standout ties of the tournament comes our way fairly quickly as new Manchester United manager Louis Van Gaal directs his troops against Vicente Del Bosque’s record achievers. The Group B encounter will see both the sides go hammer and tongs each other to start the showpiece event on a bang.
Team news and tactics:
The La Roja in all probability lineup in their slightly altered 4-2-3-1 system to accommodate soon to be Chelsea striker Diego Costa. While Iker Casillas starts under the sticks, Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta might displace Atletico’s Juanfran at right back while Jordi Alba fills in on the left back spot. Spain will be depend on Sergio Ramos and Gerrard Pique in the centre back positions while the other spots are self explanatory. Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets will hold fort in midfield while Xavi, Iniesta and David Silva will look to feed Costa up front.
Louis Van Gaal has been known to be extremely versatile in his tactics and strategy and with his pre tournament setup, it looks like the Oranje will line up in a 3-5-2 tactically flexible setup. Robin van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntellar will lead the line for the Dutch while the midfield balance will depend on Wesley Snjeider and Nigel de Jong as Kevin Strootman appears to be a big miss for Van Gaal’s outfit. Arjen Robben will the focal point to instigate attacks from the wings as he will have the upper hand against Alba on the right wing.
What to expect:
Will be a tight affair with both teams appearing to be cautious in their very first game of the tournament. While Spain are expected to have a lot of the ball, the Dutch will sit back and absorb pressure, but as Van Gaal’s sides have shown they will be proactive in their organized pressing where the two centre forwards in Van Persie and Huntellar will incessantly charge down Ramos and Pique. The Spanish midfield is expected to overwhelm their counterparts in the middle of the park.
Stats (Courtesy Independent):
- This is only the second time these two sides will face off in the World Cup.
- Spain have not conceded a single goal in their past three matches where they beat Italy, Bolivia and El Salvador. Netherlands are undefeated in their past three fixtures as they beat Ghana and Wales but drew Ecuador.
- This is the first time ever where the same teams that played in the previous World Cup final will be squaring off in the group stage opening match.
- Robin van Persie is Netherlands’ all-time top scorer. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas and striker David Villa have amassed the most caps and goals respectively than any other in the history of the Spain national team.
- Louis van Gaal has won every major title available in Netherlands, Spain and Germany as well as the Champions League, UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. However, he has never won a trophy at international level.
Possible lineups:
Spain: Casillas; Azpilicueta, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Alonso, Busquets, Xavi; Silva, Costa, Iniesta
Netherlands: Cillessen; Janmaat, De Vriij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Blind; Robben, De Jong, Sneijder; Van Persie, Jan-Huntelaar
Predictions:
A tight affair will see the Spanish Armada edging out the Oranje in a 2-1 win a game which will be a tactical one right from the first whistle.