Sharkey says:

First, congrats to Germany for winning 3rd place yesterday.  Can I have it marked down now that that team will win the 2014 World Cup?  Book it.

Should be a great match this afternoon.  Netherlands is looking to become the second team to win every World Cup qualifying match and go 7-0 in the World Cup, while Spain is looking to be the first team to be European Champions and World Cup Champions since West Germany defeated the Netherlands in the 1974 World Cup (they won the 1972 European Championship).

Spain has a stifling defense, which isn’t getting enough credit.  They are absolutely capable of controlling the tempo against this Dutch side, and winning the game 1-0.  The interesting thing about the Dutch, though, which Spain hasn’t faced yet, is their ability to shoot from outside the box.  Spain wins games by controlling the tempo, not allowing the other team to get fast breaks, and by making them take bad shots.  Netherlands wins games by taking those bad shots and turning them into goals.

This one could go either way, and I truly believe the World is in store for an all-time classic final this afternoon.  I hope I’m right.

I’ll be wearing oranje, but I see the Spain getting their first championship.  2-1, in extra time, no penalty kicks.

Let’s hope it’s a great end to what has been a mostly great World Cup!

ManInBlack says:

I picked this matchup before the start of the World Cup as the final, with Spain winning it all.  Since then, I’ve repeatedly picked against Spain and been wrong every time.  Lets keep that streak going.  I’ll pick the Netherlands to win, 2-1 in regulation.  Just to disagree with Sharkey.

Sharkey vs ManInBlack Watch

Sharkey has been killing MIB in the soccer picks, so expect Spain to come out with the victory today.