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Spain takes on Netherlands in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final and also the first high-profile clash of Brazil 2014. My prediction is a little late on this one, so let`s get going with the analysis.
Spain looks to be the 3rd team to successfully defend its World Cup trophy, but there`s a reason for which no team achieved this feat since 1962. Spain already made history winning two European Championships and the World Cup in succession, and there`s only so much you can do with the same bunch of players. Spain will enter Brazil with a nucleus of aging and arguably out of form key players like Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Casillas, David Villa, Fabregas, Iniesta and so on. The “Furia Roja” has been disappointing in the last couple of friendly matches, having problems creating chances and did not score more than 2 goals in the last 11 matches, despite meeting mostly very poor opposition (Equatorial Guinea, Georgia, Bolivia, El Salvador, South Africa, Belarus, etc.). I have to say I am not impressed at all by Spain.
Netherlands weren`t too impressive themselves since qualifying en-fanfare to the World Cup, losing just 2 points in the qualies. The dutch side won it`s last two friendlies, but overall they need to make some improvements if they are to challenge for the latter stages of the tournament. It seems like Van Gaal has prepared a defensive lineup for this tournament, counting on Sneijder, Robben and van Persie to deliver the goods up front.
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Bet with the best odds and highest limits at Pinnacle. |
Team news & lineups
Both sides will be at full strength and ready to go for this one.
Spain: Cassilas – Azpilicueta, Ramos, Pique, Alba – Alonso, Busquets – Xavi – Costa, Fabregas, Iniesta.
Netherlands: Vorm – Jaanmat, De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Blind – Claise, De Guzman – Sneijder – Robben, Van Persie.
I can definitely say that the ~1.80 odds that Spain is getting are not justified, as Spain clearly does not have the same invincibility aura like in the last 6 years. They are struggling big time in front of goal and against a Dutch side with a defensive approach, I think there`s a solid chance that Spain can even go scoreless. Netherlands has its own issues, but they should be able to keep this game close and with a little bit of luck they may even win it. My tip is Netherlands +0,5 handicap. Prediction: Spain – Netherlands 1-2.
Pick: Netherlands (+0,5 handicap)
Odds: 2.12 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 8
Possible profit: 8.96
Event date: 13 June
