Dutch finally arrive

Bob Foltman

Chicago Tribune

The safe pick would be Spain. It's hard to go against the reigning European champions, who also were one of the favorites heading into the tournament. Spain also has turned around an image of not showing up for big games. So Spain would be the easy pick, which is why I'll back the Dutch. The Netherlands knocked off Brazil in the quarterfinals and a determined and organized Uruguay in the semis.

The Spanish have done the minimum to get through, posting three straight 1-0 scorelines. That won't be enough against the Dutch. Wesley Sneijder is attempting to pull off soccer's equivalent of a grand slam — winning the league title, cup and Champions League with Inter Milan and adding the World Cup.

The Netherlands are considered the best country to never win the big prize. That will change Sunday. Netherlands 2-1.

rfoltman@tribune.com

Spain, but barely

Paul Doyle

Hartford Courant

Detractors have focused on occasional missteps — the loss to the U.S. at the '09 Confederations Cup, the loss to Switzerland to open this year's World Cup.

But let's consider Spain's success over the last three years. The 2008 European champion had a 35-game unbeaten streak before the loss to the U.S. last year.

So let's be clear: Spain is and has been the best team in the world.

That's why it's hard to pick against this team. After a well-played victory over Germany, the Spaniards are playing their best as they face the Netherlands.

The Dutch have won 14 in a row and can't be taken lightly, but Spain simply has more talent and depth. Can the Dutch play an aggressive style to scratch out a victory? Maybe, but we're going with Spain in a tight, low-scoring match.

pdoyle@tribune.com

Edge to energetic Dutch

Grahame L. Jones

Los Angeles Times

For once, the World Cup has produced a final without a team in a black hat. There are no bad guys here; both teams play splendid, stylish and entertaining soccer. So whether the Dutch or the Spanish prevail on Sunday matters only to the Dutch and the Spanish. Everyone else can sit back and enjoy. That said, who is likely to win?

The Netherlands has the weight of history, having already lost finals in 1974 and 1978 when it was the better team. Can't happen a third time, can it? Spain is the best team in this tournament. It's an absolute toss-up, but a lot will depend on whether the Dutch learned from the Germans' mistaken semifinal strategy. The Spanish players need to be pressured and harried. It takes commitment and energy, which the Dutch have.

The right game plan and execution takes the trophy to Amsterdam, 2-1.

gjones@tribune.com

Spain has total package

Brant Parsons

Orlando Sentinel

I picked Spain from the start because they are the best team top to bottom and the Spanish side will finally give its football-loving country the celebration it has been waiting decades to have. Along with having world-class talent at every position, Spain plays like a club team, where every player fits into their role and knows his teammates.

The Netherlands are hard to beat, and haven't lost in six World Cup matches and eight World Cup qualifiers, and Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben have shined. It's just tough to pick against Spain with David Villa scoring up top, Xavi and Andres Iniesta controlling the midfield, Carlos Puyol giving a little bit of everything and Iker Casillas solid in goal.

Holland invented "Total Football" in the 1970s and 1980s and Spain will win its first world title 2-1 by playing it Sunday.

bparsons@tribune.com