Durban- The Spaniards do not boast a celebrated past at the World Cup. In the 19 years of World Cup history, they have only managed to reach the final for the first time in 2010.
Prior to this achievement the furthest they have gone was to the quarter-finals on three occasions.
The Spanish team did not enter the first World Cup in 1930 and in 1938. Also, they failed to qualify for four World Cups in 1954, 1958, 1970 and 1974.
Their place in South Africa was booked in September 2009. They were beyond impressive in their qualifying games, winning ten allotted matches.
Spain defeated Belgium, Turkey, Estonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Armenia in their group. Not surprisingly, it was David Villa who was the top scorer for Spain with seven out of 28 goals scored in the ten games. They only conceded five goals during this period.
In South Africa, the Spanish got off to a shaky start with a loss against Switzerland. But they finished first in their group after beating Honduras and Chile. They played their second round match against Portugal and sent Cristiano Ronaldo's men packing with a 1-nil victory.
La Roja had to then overcome Paraguay and Germany in the quarter and semi finals respectively to book their place in the final.
They came into the tournament as one of the favourites - armed with a redoubtable midfield - they got to the final without having to find the net too many times.
Coach Vincent del Bosque is spoilt for choice at midfield with Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Xavi Hernandez and Sergio Busquets justifying their selection time and time again.
The Spaniards in Iker Casillas have a captain and goalkeeper with nerves of steel. The Real Madrid man is one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
Casillas has been seen making a few dashing saves on the odd occasion when the Spanish defence have come under fire.
Spanish striker Villa is one of the most lethal strikers, he doesn't hesitate and often scored from the 30m outside the box.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed where it matters, as the new Barcelona signing is nominated for the Golden Ball award.
The Dutch have a better record at the World Cup than their competitors, Spain. They have reached the finals in 1974 (losing to West Germany) and 1978 (defeated by Argentina).
They also came fourth in France.
Out of 19 World Cups, the Dutch only played in six. There were absent in 1930, 1950 and 1954. They have failed to qualify on seven occasions - 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970, 1982, 1986 and 2002.
The Netherlands won UEFA group nine, that comprised of Norway, Scotland, Iceland and Macedonia. The Oranje won eight out of eight games, and their biggest victory was against Macedonia with a 4-nil victory. The top scorers for the Dutch were Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Dirk Kuyt with three goals each.
It has been a very bright road to the finals for Bert van Marwijk's men. They finished on top of group E, they defeated Cameroon, Japan and Denmark. Slovakia was next on their hit list in a round of 16 match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
In the quarter-final the Dutch shocked Brazil and ended the five-time champions' dream of another Cup.
They then beat Uruguay in the semi-finals and will now face Spain for a chance at World Cup glory.
The Dutch team has a philosophy: One team, playing and fighting together. This is evident in the results they produced of late, managing 14 consecutive wins and staying unbeaten in 25 games.
As much as the Dutch have functioned as a unit, Mark van Bommel being singled out for attention can be justified. The defensive midfielder has played an integral role in his side's success with some sharp tackles and creating space for Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.
Sneijder's year has only got better during this World Cup. At club level at Inter Milan, he enjoyed a unique treble.
A World Cup win will ensure the perfect year for Sneijder who has been shortlisted alongside Robben for the Golden Ball award.
