The first FIFA World Cup™ on African soil continues to throw up historic moments at every turn, with the Netherlands and Spain emerging victorious from two tense, close-fought semi-finals to set up a Final that will guarantee a new name on the Trophy.

Up against two-time world champions Uruguay and three-time winners Germany in the last four, the Oranje and La Roja won through in Cape Town and Durban respectively and will now square off at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium, with the winners becoming only the eighth nation to claim the coveted crown.

Both teams can offer compelling arguments for the favourites’ tag going into a showpiece occasion that will be the Netherlands’ third Final appearance and Spain’s first. Bert van Marwijk’s Dutch charges’ efficient brand of football has brought them an unbeaten run of 25 games and they are also on the verge of becoming only the second team to follow up a 100 per cent record in qualifying by winning each and every game at the final tournament. The only side to do so previously was the legendary Brazil squad of Mexico 1970.

Spain, for their part, are the reigning European champions and will be buoyed by their elimination of a Germany side that pummelled England and Argentina in reaching the last four. Can Vicente del Bosque’s classy, short-passing side become the first national team to follow up UEFA European Championship success with a global triumph since West Germany in 1974?

Results
Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands
Germany 0-1 Spain

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Source: http://www.fifa.com

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