Spain and Netherlands, the two countries that went up against each other in the infamous 2010 World Cup final, will collide in their tournament opener on Friday at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil.
Spain, who scored a 1-0 win in the 2010 final, will look to jump start their campaign with a bang against Netherlands in a match that is expected to dictate the outcome of World Cup 2014 Group B competition.
The defending world champions will lean on their veteran-laden squad led by goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso, and Xavi Hernandez, who are probably playing their last World Cup for Spain, and coach Vicente Del Bosque is confident about his team's chances heading into Friday's showdown.
"We don't have any fear. But we do have respect," Del Bosque said of their opponent via Yahoo Sports UK. "They are runner-up from the last World Cup so we have full respect for Holland. We're very optimistic after our training and two friendly matches. We are meeting our expectations. We are confident heading into the World Cup."
Spain will look to add another title in their haul, which includes the 2008 and 2012 European title, and 2010 World Cup. Team captain Casillas knows that extending their winning run won't be easy, but they will be up to the challenge.
"Our team has a strong desire to go as far as possible and to defend this title, which won't be easy. The pressure motivates us," Casillas said via Fox News. "Our objective is to always beat the rivals in front of us and make our country proud. Spain will do everything possible to win it."
But while Spain is slightly favored heading into their highly anticipated showdown, Netherland coach Louis Van Gaal is also confident that his team, led by their famous trio of Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, and Robin van Persie, is capable of avenging their painful defeat four years ago in South Africa.
Van Gaal made an interesting change from his trusted 4-3-3 formation to 5-3-2 in hopes of maximizing the potential of his vaunted trio.
The Spain vs Netherlands match will kick off at 3 p.m. and will be broadcasted live on ESPN. Fans can also catch this anticipated World Cup 2014 showdown via live stream through WatchESPN.
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