Many European soccer fans penciled Spain into the final when they first saw the FIFA World Cup 2010 bracket. But only serious soccer fans had the Netherlands in the other half of their bracket. Those serious fans knew these two were among the best European teams in the field, and they have both lived up to expectations.
Netherlands is undefeated in World Cup 2010. After a perfect run through group play Netherlands held on to beat Slovakia 2-1 in the round of 16, and rallied in the second half to beat Brazil 2-1 in a huge upset in the quarterfinals. Netherlands beat Uruguay 3-2 in a wild, high-scoring semifinal game.
World Cup 2010 has been a challenge for Spain.. Since an opening game defeat to Switzerland, coach Vicente Del Bosque’s team has been forced to fight for its life in a series of tight matches. La Furia Roja did control the match in the round of 16 vs Portugal but only managed a 1-0 win. The quarterfinal match against Paraguay was another typical nail-biter, with both sides missing penalty shots in the second half, and the Spanish side only pulling out the win with David Villa's goal in the 82nd minute. Spain defeated Germany in another tight match in the semifinals, this time 1-0 on Carlos Puyol's goal in the 73rd minute.
Playing to win the World Cup trophy is the aim of the Netherlands’ national soccer team. The country have struggled to impose themselves on the international stage, with a fourth place finish at the World Cup being their best record in the past two decades.
The Netherlands have shown a lot of hunger lately and it was probably a bad day that saw their wonderful run cut short by Russia at the 2008 European Championships. The Oranje have the ability to beat some of the world’s most decorated teams and they showed that by defeating both Italy and France in Euro 2008.
But one might argue about the weakness of Italy and France in that particular tournament. So to engrave their mark in the history books, the Netherlands will need to outshine the rest in their bright orange kits at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Looking at the Netherlands national football team, some names are poised to come out and make the difference.
Robin Van Persie
If he gets to feature for the Netherlands during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, then Robin Van Persie could turn out to become one of the Netherlands' most influential players. The attacker is one of the English Premier League’s finest footballer but his career has lately been shattered by a long term injury.
There might be concerns over how Van Persie will adjust and perform during the World Cup. However, if his health presents no worries come June, then expect the striker to dazzle in front of goal. Robin Van Persie will be driven by his desire to be recognized as one of the world's best players.
Wesley Sneijder
The former Real Madrid and current Inter Milan player is set to impose himself as one of the world’s best midfielders. Wesley Sneijder is positive in his thinking on the field of play and his ability to push the game forward should very much benefit the Oranje.
Sneijder can also be spectacular with great goals; goalkeepers might not want to deal with his long range shots so they'll hope that the midfielder underperforms. Well, opponents will have to bear in mind that the 2010 UEFA Champions League winner looks set to add more silverware and medals to what he already has in his cabinet.
Arjen Robben
He claims he cannot and is not in the class of Lionel Messi. But your eyes will tell you something else. Arjen Robben is the second fastest footballer on the planet after Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo. His quick feet perform wonders.
He disturbs defenders with his trademark runs as he drifts from the wings, cuts into the penalty area, and lashes his shots much to the dislike of goalkeepers. Arjen Robben's health is fragile though, but if he can put his injury worries behind, then expect him to contend as the most outstanding player of the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament.
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