WC Day 31: The Final Match

Posted on 7/11/2010

Discuss It With Asif On: Twitter

Day 31 - 11:00 a.m. EST

David Villa is one of two remaining candidates for the Golden Boot along with World Cup Final opponent Wesley Sneijder. (Getty)

The day roughly one out of every sixth person in the world waits four years to see has finally arrived. It's the World Cup Final and this edition features a first-time matchup in the most advanced stage of the tournament, pitting the Netherlands versus Spain.

The Dutch have been here before in 1974 and 1978 while it's Spain's first trip to the final.

Neither country has ever lifted the most coveted prize on the planet and whoever leaves South Africa with the FIFA World Cup Trophy will only become the eighth nation to do so. 

Added intrigue is provided by Wesley Sneijder of Holland and Spaniard David Villa, who are tied with five goals each for the tournament's Golden Boot along with Thomas Müller of Germany and Uruguay's Diego Forlan.

My pick is Spain, it has been since before the start and I'll go down with that ship if it comes to it - though unlikely to happen.

The match kicks off at 2:00 p.m. EST. Here is a collection of stories looking ahead to the Final.

David Villa wants Spain to stifle Dutch attack
Gio van Bronckhorst hails Dutch spirit
Spain seeks unity over World Cup
Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk stays focused
Spain defined by its heroes
Netherlands practices pragmatism
World leaders and celbrities to attend the Final.