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7/10/10

2010 World Cup Final Preview: Why Spain Plays Soccer Like Holland

The Spanish team that will start the World Cup final against Holland in Johannesburg is likely to feature seven Barcelona players. Spain is heavily indebted to the Catalan club, from the make-up of its team to the style of soccer it plays. So, it is interesting that Spain's quest for World Cup glory depends on a match-up with Holland, the country that did so much for Barcelona.

There is a twist in this tale as Spain’s path to success is blocked by a Holland team playing a style of soccer a long way from Total Football. Holland has reached the 2010 World Cup final through a mixture of tough tackling, luck, gamesmanship and the occasional piece of flair. If there is one team it resembles most from World Cup history it is the team that defeated Total Football in 1974, West Germany.

In a twisted reversal of that final, if Holland wins this World Cup it would do so in the traditional manner of its hated neighbor.

For more: 2010 World Cup Final Preview: Why Spain Plays Soccer Like Holland | Bleacher Report

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