Spanish fleet to combat the flying Dutchmen

2014 FIFA World Cup’s Group B opener to host last edition’s finalists in a heated clash.

SALVADOR:

Holders Spain open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands in the early hours of Saturday in a repeat of the 2010 final with the Dutch out for revenge.

Andres Iniesta’s strike four minutes from the end of extra-time in the Johannesburg final crowned Spain as world champions for the first time and now, four years later, the European giants clash again at Salvador’s Arena Fonte Nova in the opening match thriller of Group B.

Captain Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Nigel de Jong and Dirk Kuyt are the five survivors from the 2010 final in the current squad and the Dutch have made no secret of their desire for revenge.



“It was a big chance for us to win the World Cup and we were really close,” said Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.

“To play against them now in the first game is a great challenge.”

Veteran midfielder Wesley Sneijder said the wounds of that defeat were still raw.

“It’s like a scar that hasn’t yet healed,” said the Galatasaray star. “It always gets me down when I think about it.”

As the double European and reigning world champions, Vicente del Bosque’s Spain are bidding to join Brazil and Italy as the only teams to have enjoyed back-to-back World Cup wins.

“We don’t have any fear,” said Del Bosque. “But we do have respect.

“Holland are a well-organised team, well-coached, and I am sure they will make things difficult for us.”

Spain can expect a hostile reception in Salvador, judging by last year’s Confederations Cup when they were widely booed on their run to the final where they lost 3-0 to hosts Brazil.

Mexico face tough yet struggling Cameroon

Mercurial Mexico host a troubled Cameroon in the sides’ World Cup Group A opener in Natal on Friday night looking to take the first step towards an eventual first appearance in the quarter-finals in nearly 30 years.

Now coached by colourful Miguel Herrera, Mexico have in recent editions failed to live up to expectations.

In the past five tournaments the Aztecs have failed to get to the ‘fifth game’ and make the quarter-finals they last reached as hosts in 1986 when they bowed out 4-1 on penalties to West Germany.

In addition to qualifying difficulties, Mexico have hardly lit up the world footballing stage of late, losing their last two friendlies 1-0 to Bosnia and Portugal.

In the latter encounter, Mexico spurned a host of chances and when they took their eye off the ball late on Bruno Alves struck the winner for Portugal in the 93rd minute.

“We haven’t been that convincing when facing the goal, so we have to work on it,” admitted Herrera.

“We have to work on keeping focus all the way to the finish. We can’t be losing games in the last 30 seconds.”

Like Mexico, Cameroon endured a tough qualifying campaign that again underlined the central African country’s reputation for internal strife.

Much of that in recent years has revolved around superstar Samuel Eto’o, whom the Cameroon federation once issued with a lengthy ban.

Although Cameroon possess class midfielders in the shape of Alex Song and Enoh Eyong, all eyes will likely be glued on Chelsea striker Eto’o – a four-time African Player of the Year who will be appearing in his fourth finals.

Meanwhile, Chile will be taking on Australia in a Group B match after the Spain and Netherlands encounter on Saturday.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2014.

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