An extra day of rest

Six games played for both Holland and Spain, one more to go.

What value then the extra day of recovery that Holland had following their semifinal win over Uruguay? With Spain playing their semifinal 24 hours later that extra day of rest could prove to be crucial in the Monday morning final.

Holland also welcome back two suspended players. Combative midfielder Nigel de Jong and right back Gregory Van der Wiel (both products of the Ajax youth academy).

For Holland to beat Spain they will need to do something that a tired Germany were not able to do - put Spain and their ball players under consistent pressure. This means pressing higher up the pitch than the Germans did, not sitting back so deep and hitting the accelerator when required to cut down options for the Spanish man with the ball.

Paraguay was able to do this in the quarterfinal and created chances accordingly, Germany sat back until the game was gone.

Holland are unlikely to make the same mistake.