Can van Gaal provide Spain’s undoing? Spain vs Netherlands preview

The teams

 Spain arrive at this World Cup harbouring concrete designs for overall victory - and why shouldn’t they? - they’ve been undeniably the greatest national team in the world since they first set it ablaze with comprehensive victory at Euro 2008. Since then they’ve continued their supremacy, adding another European crown in 2012, after sensationally becoming world champions last time out in South Africa. But Spain enter this particular tournament with a degree of trepidation: they were thoroughly outplayed by Brazil in last year’s Confederation Cup - while tactical questions continue to be asked, namely concerning their midfield three. Does Del Bosque stick with his solid double-pivot? Does Xavi have the legs to play number 10 at 35? And - Can Spain deal with counter attacks?

Expected line-ups

Conversely, the Netherlands have experienced mixed fortunes since they met Spain in that 2010 final. They endured an utterly turgid Euro 2012, going out in the group stage with not a point to their name - but having since changed managers, they have experienced a substantial upturn in form. While the Dutch’s former manager Bert van Marwijk employed a strong midfield two of Nigel de Jong and Mark van Bommel, his successor Louis van Gaal has a abandoned this approach in favour of a more attacking 4-3-3 formation, preserving only the former at its base. van Gaal’s change appeared to have worked throughout the qualifying stage with his side delivering 34 goals in 10 games. Although, curiously, van Gaal has initiated another tactical tweak borne out of the absence of midfielder Kevin Strootman, abandoning his 4-3-3 for a 5-3-2 system.

The game

While van Gaal’s team of players are more than capable of causing problems upfront its their defending that will which surely decide the outcome of this game. It is likely that the Netherlands’ back five will be camped on the edge of their area for long points of this game and look to counterattack through the pace of Robben when they can. Expect left-wingback Daley Blind to attack high up the pitch on occasions too, more so than his compatriot on the opposite flank. The Dutch side is adept at attacking but concentration will be the key for them.

Spain will stick to their Plan A tiki taka approach throughout this game but the question is whether they have an adequate Plan B. The Netherlands’ defensive setup will mean that they will have to remain patient for long periods and feed the pace of Diego Costa in behind the Dutch defence when possible. The absence of  injured Jesus Navas - Spain’s go-to player when chasing a game - suggests that Pedro will be the man tasked with causing problems from a wide position, although he may have to do that from the bench if Silva starts ahead of him.

Prediction

I expect this will be a very cagey game with both teams out to not lose rather than win in their first game. Nevertheless, Spain have the better first XI and the better options on the bench also. This could certainly tip the balance if Spain are looking for a goal.

My prediction: Netherlands 0-2 Spain

I realise this is awful.