Spain vs Netherlands - Sat 14 June, 02:00 am - Match Thread

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Spain vs Netherlands

Sat 14 June, 02:00 am Bangkok time GMT+7 - Match Thread

Venue: Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Group Stage: Group B

Take part in the pre-match build up, match discussion, goals and more with Thaivisa

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Onto Group B where World Champions Spain begin the defence of their crown. In a re-run of the 2010 final, this is the first time in the history of the World Cup that the two finalists from the previous tournament have met each other in their opening game.

If you remember the 2010 final was hardly a game remembered for great football but rather Holland's rough tactics, which saw a total of 14 bookings and 1 red card.

Kung <deleted> anyone?

What's your predictions this time around?

Can Spain defend their title?

Will it be another bloodbath?

Share your predictions below

[marko kok prong]

I don't really know what came over the Dutch in the last wc final,they can play great football,but i can only think they thought it was the only way they could win,which obviously did not work,i think it could be a little feisty,but hopefully the Dutch try to play football this time if they do we could be in for a terrific game.

[MobileContent]

My guess Spain will win against the Netherlands

[StevieH]

holland's defence looks awfully inexperienced. and/or just a bit rubbish.

[skippie999]

Spain can be nervous to defend their crown but has the advantage to be able to play in high temperatures. probably 2-2?

[Jonathan Fairfield]

With Spain, it's important to remember that this team has played a hell of a lot football in the last five years, getting to finals etc. As much as I loved watching them at the last World Cup and Euro's, I fear WC2014 will just be a step too far for them.

[StevieH]

With Spain, it's important to remember that this team has played a hell of a lot football in the last five years, getting to finals etc. As much as I loved watching them at the last World Cup and Euro's, I fear WC2014 will just be a step too far for them.

it's possible, and it's also important to remember that their first win is now six years ago in euro 08 - so they've basically just got older now. iniesta still plays like a kid but is 30. torres is finished. but they've still got a lot of knowhow in their squad, a lot of winning mentality - spain are reigning world and european champions and spanish teams won the champions league and uefa cup. if brazil don't really catch fire and argentina are below par then spain could well go all the way again. they've still enough quality and savvy.

[Bangon]

holland's defence looks awfully inexperienced. and/or just a bit rubbish.

Looking forward to seeing Bruno Martins Indi perform though.. although they are inexperienced Internationally De Vrij Blind and Janmatt are capable defenders it will be interesting to see if they pick Cillessen(another) in goal ahead of Vorm and Krul who most know well from the Premier League.

The thing with the Dutch is that they seem to have off field problems that affects the squad at times...if not they will do very well in this tournament a good mix of youth and experience same as England.

1-0 to the Dutch.

[jellydog]

I'm hoping I can stay awake long enough to see Spain whup Van Bommel and the bratty Tulip Sniffers.

I don't think its so much that Spain can be had this WC as it is that the Netherlands won't make it to the Quarters.

5'll get ya 10 that Van Bommel gets carded...or worse.

[StevieH]

holland's defence looks awfully inexperienced. and/or just a bit rubbish.

Looking forward to seeing Bruno Martins Indi perform though.. although they are inexperienced Internationally De Vrij Blind and Janmatt are capable defenders it will be interesting to see if they pick Cillessen(another) in goal ahead of Vorm and Krul who most know well from the Premier League.

The thing with the Dutch is that they seem to have off field problems that affects the squad at times...if not they will do very well in this tournament a good mix of youth and experience same as England.

1-0 to the Dutch.

yeah i like the look of martins indi, and daley blind is a smashing player. still think the dutch will lack experience and big game mentality though.

[FritsSikkink]

holland's defence looks awfully inexperienced. and/or just a bit rubbish.

Looking forward to seeing Bruno Martins Indi perform though.. although they are inexperienced Internationally De Vrij Blind and Janmatt are capable defenders it will be interesting to see if they pick Cillessen(another) in goal ahead of Vorm and Krul who most know well from the Premier League.

The thing with the Dutch is that they seem to have off field problems that affects the squad at times...if not they will do very well in this tournament a good mix of youth and experience same as England.

1-0 to the Dutch.

Dutch defense is useless.

[bubblegum]

I'm hoping I can stay awake long enough to see Spain whup Van Bommel and the bratty Tulip Sniffers.

I don't think its so much that Spain can be had this WC as it is that the Netherlands won't make it to the Quarters.

5'll get ya 10 that Van Bommel gets carded...or worse.

Van Bommel retired years ago.

[jellydog]

I'm hoping I can stay awake long enough to see Spain whup Van Bommel and the bratty Tulip Sniffers.

I don't think its so much that Spain can be had this WC as it is that the Netherlands won't make it to the Quarters.

5'll get ya 10 that Van Bommel gets carded...or worse.

Van Bommel retired years ago.

Nice to hear !

[marko kok prong]

Struggling to stay awake for this one,maybe need a blood infusion,and ditch the beer,still should be a good game,bit different to the first 2 matches,as 2 european teams going at each other.

[EricBerg]

I'm hoping I can stay awake long enough to see Spain whup Van Bommel and the bratty Tulip Sniffers.

I don't think its so much that Spain can be had this WC as it is that the Netherlands won't make it to the Quarters.

5'll get ya 10 that Van Bommel gets carded...or worse.

Van Bommel retired over a year ago...

[mrbojangles]

I'm hoping for a Spain win. Not only because David Silva plays for them but also I hope Van Gaal has a mare of a tournament to set him up nicely for when he takes over at United

[mrbojangles]

Hey jellydog. Did you know van Bommel has retired

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Pretty quiet start so far

[KhunKone]

Well not much change after 4 years, still some delicate defensive skills of the dutch team...

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[Jonathan Fairfield]

Penalty!

Crazy challenge to dive in like that in the penalty area

[Jonathan Fairfield]

GOAL! - Alonso 1-0 Spain

Hopefully that will liven things up a bit now

[KhunKone]

Good! And what a pass just before the fault... Iniesta? (Didnt get it with their thai comms )

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[HeavyDrinker]

Whats the point if every spic has now been given the green light to dive and get a penalty?

May as well give football to the culture of Spic cheats

[mad mary]

Whats the point if every spic has now been given the green light to dive and get a penalty?

May as well give football to the culture of Spic cheats

I reckon you're a racist .

Just sayin'

[Jonathan Fairfield]

What a pass from Iniestsa, Silva should have scored.

Lovely stuff

[Jonathan Fairfield]

GOAL!

Equaliser for Holland.

What a header Van Persie.

1-1

Game well and truly on.

[KhunKone]

Nicely done...

Good game so far!

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[Jonathan Fairfield]

How on earth do you lob a goalkeeper with a diving header? What. A. Goal

[dabhand]

Well, that was a cracking header from RVP!

Should have been 2-0 and, as so often happens, straight down the other end and.....!!