
In a repeat of the 2010 final, Spain meet Holland in the pairs 2014 World Cup opener on Friday evening, with the game live streaming from 20:00 GMT.
Spain edged the final four years ago, thanks to an extra-time winner from Andres Iniesta, in a far from enjoyable spectacle but hopes are that tonight’s game will be a cracker.
Both sides comfortably topped their World Cup qualification groups, with Holland running riot in Group D.
Spain have left the likes of Jesus Navas and Alvaro Negredo at home, whilst Holland’s preparations have been ruined by injuries to key players (Kevin Strootman and Rafael Van Der Vaart).
In 2014 Spain are yet to concede a goal, having won all three friendlies, most recently against El Salvador 2-0.
Holland had a recent run of four matches without a win, however edged past Ghana and Wales prior to the tournament.
Both sides have won four of the nine international meetings between the two, with Spain winning the most important and recent!
Prior to the 2010 World Cup final, Holland were unbeaten in four against Spain, including a 1-0 friendly win in 2002.
World Cup best: Spain winners (2010); Holland three time runners-up (Most recent 2010)
2010 World Cup: Spain winners; Holland runners-up
Squads in full
Spain
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David De Gea
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Cesar Azpilicueta, Juanfran, Jordi Alba
Midfielders: Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Koke, Javi Martinez
Forwards: David Silva, Diego Costa, Fernando Torres, Pedro, Juan Mata, David Villa
Holland
Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen, Tim Krul, Michel Vorm
Defenders: Daley Blind, Joel Veltman, Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, Paul Verhaegh, Ron Vlaar
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie, Jonathan de Guzman, Nigel de Jong, Leroy Fer, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Georginio Wijnaldum
Forwards: Memphis Depay, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Dirk Kuyt, Jeremain Lens, Robin van Persie
Team news
Spain have numerous midfield options making Vicente Del Bosque’s call a hard one.
Barcelona’s Xavi may miss out in favour of Xabi Alonso, whilst David Silva is likely to get the nod over winger Pedro.
Diego Costa looks to have shaken his injury problems off and may start up front ahead of Ney York bound David Villa.
Swansea midfielder Jonathan De Guzman is another who will miss the game for Holland, meaning Jordi Clasie will start in midfield.
Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie have both claimed they are fit to play and almost certainly both will.
PSV’s Georginio Wijnaldum will be hoping to have done enough to earn a start, after impressing in the recent win over Wales.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Casillas, Juan Fran, Ramos, Pique, Alba, Xabi Alonso, Busquests, Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta, Costa
Holland (4-3-3): Cillessen, Janmaat, Vlaar, Martins Indi, de Vrij, Clasie, De Jong, Sneijder, Robben, Van Persie, Wijnaldum