Spain v Holland – Prediction and 3 to Watch

In a rematch of the 2010 final European heavyweights Spain and Holland meet in the opening game of Group B on Friday.

In the South African showdown a goal from Andres Iniesta in extra time settled the tie and sealed a first world cup for the Spanish.

Just as they were then, the Spanish will head to Brazil as the current European Champions and are bidding to become the first European team to win a world cup on South American soil.

However firstly they will have to overcome the stern challenge of a Holland side that boasts a nice mix of youth and experience. Ajax pair Jasper Cillessen and Daley Blind, Feyenoord defender Bruno Martins Indi and Daryl Janmaat have plenty of talent but they will be relying on the old heads of Arjen Robben, Robin Van Persie and Wesley Sneijder to guide them through the game and group.

Ahead of their hugely anticipated clash, Footybunker make their prediction for the game and picks their three players to watch.

Diego Costa

No surprise here really. The Atletico forward seemingly on his way to Chelsea has emerged as one of the best strikers in European football after a stunning 12 months. The Brazilian born striker scored 35 goals for his club in the league and Champions league to help his side to domestic success. The twice capped striker has yet to score for his adopted country in two appearances but what better way to mark you arrival on the international scene then by scoring at a major tournament. The 25 year old has quick feet and a stunning shot on his.

His finishing is amongst the best in the game [if you need any evidence check out his goal against AC Milan in the Champions league] and he has also has an eye for a decent pass. There are questions marks over his temperament as Pepe can testify and that will be something that the Dutch will no doubt look to take advantage of. That said if he chances come his way then he will punish them.

Jasper Cillessen

The Ajax keeper is set for a busy night given the attacking prowess of the Spanish however having appeared to hold off the challenge of Michel Vorm and Tim Krul for the number one jersey the Dutch title winner will be keen to show his deserves his chance.

The 25 year old is a very good shot stopper and commands his box well, if there is weakness is at crosses although the tika-taka approach of the Spanish should ensure that he won’t be troubled too much in that regard.

Robin Van Persie

While Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder are likely to cause Spain lots of problems, Dutch hopes rest on the shoulders of their captain. The 30 year old has yet to make a major impact at a tournament with two goals his best return to date. However he was in fantastic form in qualifying with 11 goals and he will arrive in Brazil as his country’s all-time top scorer. A mixed-season with his club will ensure, similar to Lionel Messi, that he will be fresh for the tournament and if he can get the service from Robben and Sneijder then he can punish the Spanish.

Prediction: Revenge will be very much the dish of the day for the Dutch. The heart-breaking defeat in the final four years ago will be very much on their minds and while there are a lot of new faces in the team the likes of Robben, Sneijder and Van Persie will ensure Louis Van Gaal’s men are focused. The opening game of the tournament can often see sides failing to find their rhytme and with that in mind I think Holland can spring a surprise. Do you agree? If so, you can pick them up at 6/1 for the win with Titan Bet.

Trevor is a Dublin based journalist and content writer, having already written a number of sports related books, including Running through Walls, the Dave Langan Story. You can follow Trevor at Google here.

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