Netherlands will play Spain in the first ever World Cup final in South Africa, when two of Europe’s greatest football nations never to win the biggest prize in football, take on each other at Soccer City Stadium on Sunday at 19:30 BST in Johannesburg. Will Spain finally get their breakthrough or will Oranje finally win in their third World Cup final? Read the full match preview and prediction below and find the best betting tips for the World Cup final.

Match Preview

Spain made World Cup history by making their first ever World Cup final after their semi-final win against Germany. Their previous best result was a fourth place back in 1950, but this year they finally made the final and will get a opportunity to wash away their image as one of the football world’s greatest underachievers in major tournaments. At the same time they get a chance to confirm their pre-tournament favorite status and show the world they are the best team in international football.

The Spanish side never looked back after their shocking defeat to Switzerland in their first match. Since then they have won all their games impressively by playing their beautiful passing game to reach the World Cup final. The only thing missing might be a big win, but nevertheless they won their games comfortably by exhausting and demoralizing their opponents. Spain has now won 50 of their last 54 matches and must be considered the favorite tonight in South Africa.

Netherlands have reached the World Cup final two times before in 1974 and 1978. Back then they invented their own brand of football, but even though Total Football was greatly entertaining, it never managed to win the trophy. Today coach Bert van Marwijk have introduced a new Dutch playing style, which may not be as entertaining, but has proved just as effective. Actually it might be even more effective with 25 games unbeaten and a chance to emulate the Brazillian record from 1970, as the first and only team to have a perfect winning record in both the World Cup qualifiers and tournament.

Winning all their previous games at this year’s World Cup is impressive in itself, but the Dutch will face their toughest opponent so far in the tournament tonight and are slight underdogs. For many Dutch players it will be special match as well, as Sneijder, Robben, Huntelaar and van der Vaart all were deemed to be surplus in Real Madrid. However tonight they can show the Spanish side club side made a major mistake and punish Spain in their first ever World Cup final.

Team Updates

The Dutch defence will be strengthened for the final, as suspended right back Gregory van der Wiel and midfielder Nigel de Jong return to the starting line again tonight. Key player Wesley Sneijder has been struggling to become fit, but will likely play regardless of minor problems. Most questionable is Demy de Zeeuw after receiving a kick to the face against Uruguay, which damaged his teeth and makes his playing status unclear.

The Spanish side can pick from a full and fit squad for the final match after the return of Cesc Fabregas, who is thought to be fit again after his leg injury. It is still unknown whether coach Vicente Del Bosque will choose Pedro again or recall Fernando Torres to the starting line tonight.

Netherlands vs Spain betting tip

Our betting pick will be Spain as outright winner at odds 2.10 at 888 Sports.

Remarkably Spain and Netherlands have never met in a major tournament before, despite making their 13th and 9th appearance at the World Cup. The two sides have actually just played each other nine times before in 90 years of football history and have four victories each. Their last encounter was a friendly match in 2002 in Netherland, which ended up with a 1-0 victory for the Dutch.

Essentially the statistical facts are few and quite evenly matched up between the two sides, but should we expect an evenly played match again tonight? The Spanish side has managed to dominate and put high pressure on all their opponents so far, which has worked perfectly in their previous games at the knockout stage. On the other hand the Netherlands have been playing well-organized and used their world class counter-attacks and good passing game to perfection, which has been enough to win all their games so far. However we believe they will have trouble using their normal playing style against Spain tonight, who does not allow opponents to control the ball and put high pressure on opponents quickly after losing the ball. Germany played in a similar way to the Netherlands and never really managed to get in the game against Spain. We believe the same scenario will happen tonight for the Dutch and our match prediction will be 1-0 or 2-1 to Spain.

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Denmark will play Japan in their deciding World Cup match in group E at 19:30 BST in Rustenburg. Surprisingly Japan is still in position to qualify for the last 16 at the World, but Denmark still remain in competition and could take the spot from the Japanese by winning the match today.

Match Preview

After their somewhat surprising victory against Cameroon in their first match, Japan is now close to making history by qualifying to the knockout stage for the second time ever. The match against Denmark will decide which of the two teams that will follow the Netherlands into the 1/8-finals from the group. In this quest Japans superior goal score could prove important, as they can settle for a draw against the Danes in Rustenburg tonight. The Japanese have shown stunning strength so far and especially their 1-0 win against Cameroon demands respect, while their loss to the Netherlands was expected. Based on a solid defensive tactic and incredible physics, they have impressed most people at the World Cup so far, but still need to finish their accomplishment against Denmark.

Denmark was expected to fight Cameroon for the second spot in the 1/8-finals in group E, but instead they will be facing Japan in the group final. The Danes was almost eliminated in their last match and only goals from Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl saved them from a terrible start against Cameroon being down 1-0. Despite coming back, the Danes were far from impressing and the match could have gone either way. Luckily for Denmark they managed to secure a win and are now hoping to reach the knockout stage. It will require a win, but Denmark has never left a World Cup so far before the knockout games in four previous attempts. However comforting their stats, they must still play better tonight against Japan than in their previous games, which was also emphasized by coach Morten Olsen after their match against Cameroon.

Team Updates

Denmark has several doubtful players for the match against Japan, including Nicklas Bendtner, Jon Dahl Tomasson and Daniel Jensen. At the moment all but Daniel Jensen is expected to play, but Bendtner will have to be tested before game. In addition Simon Kjaer will be out with a suspension and will be replaced by Per Kroldrup.

The Japanese squad is reported fit for the game and coach Takeshi Okada could likely set the same team for the third match in a row.

Denmark vs Japan betting tip

Our betting pick will be Denmark at odds 2.15 to win at 888 Sports.

It is now or never for Denmark, that must win to qualify for the knockout stage. Japan could settle for a draw and will once again apply their defensive line-up to keep Denmark from scoring and play on counterattacks. This could prove dangerous against the Danes, if they do not manage to hold their wings in the match. The Danes are way taller than the Japanese on average, which could cause the solid Japanese defence more trouble than we have seen so far. Of cause it will not be easy for the Danes to score, but we do not expect the Japanese to hold them off in 90 minutes. At the same time Denmark is known for their great defensive work, although not showing against Cameroon, which will make it tough for the Japanese to score themselves. Our match prediction will be a 1-0 victory for the Danes.

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USA plays Algeria in their final group match at the World Cup in Pretoria at 15:00 BST. The objective for both sides is clear before the match and nothing but a victory would likely mean early exit for either team, although USA could settle for draw depending on the match between Slovenia and England.

Match Preview

With only one possible winner and team progressing from the match today, the game is crucial for both sides World Cup success. The American side is possibly still feeling a sense of injustice after their beautiful comeback against Slovenia, where their late 3-2 goal was mystically disallowed by the referee. The goal could have send USA on top of group C before the game today, but instead they are likely forced to win to avoid elimination from the World Cup later this afternoon. Injustice or not they have to turn their frustration into something positive and concentrate on the task at hand. In any case their comeback must have given them confidence before the match, which will be an advantage coming into this crucial game.

Most people remember Algeria’s exit at the 1982 World Cup, where West Germany and Austria eliminated them after contriving a 1-0 result to make them both progress in the tournament. The match actually prompted the current format of playing simultaneously to prevent collusion in future games. Algeria stands on the edge of elimination again today and must win to have a chance of progressing to the 1/8-finals. However they need England to fail as well or on the other hand England to win by enough to cause a two goal swing between Algeria and Slovenia. Before the game today they did get some deserved confidence after 0-0 against England, which will be needed against a solid playing American side. This said they are yet to score at the World Cup and must do so to progress to the last 16 for the first time ever.

Team Updates

USA will be without striker Robbie Findley, who picked up his second booking against Slovenia. In light of this Clint Dempsey might be offered a bigger role forward in the match, while Benny Feilhaber is expected to take his place in midfield.

Algeria will get reinforcement up front with striker Abdelkader Ghezzal returning from a suspension against England. Furthermore their normal first goalkeeper is back from injury, but it is questionable whether he will play after reserve Rais M’bolhi managed their first clean sheet in World Cup history.

USA vs Algeria betting tip

The betting pick for the match will be USA as outright winner at odds 1.85 at 888 sports.

The two sides have never played each other before and actually the Americans have only played African opposition one time at the World Cup. In 2006 they lost 2-1 to Ghana, but their situation has changed since then and their opponent is different. Not many would disagree they have a stronger side than Algeria and it would be a huge disappointment, if they lose the match. After a horrible first half against Slovenia, they showed their abilities in the second half coming back from 0-2 and should have won the game, if not for their disallowed goal. We predict them to dominate the match against Algeria and likely win comfortably with 2 or 3 goals today.

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England will play Algeria in Friday’s last World Cup match at 19:30 BST in Cape Town. The pressure is on England after goalkeeper Robert Green’s fatal drop against USA, while Algeria stands to be eliminated, if they should receive their second defeat in successive matches.

Match Preview

England can only fail tonight in their second round match against Algeria. The English media and fans demand a win and anything else would be catastrophic for the football loving nation. A situation that could have been avoided, but Robert Greens drop has left Fabio Capello’s team in an aura of despair. Essentially lose or draw against Algeria would leave England in a tough spot, where they will be forced to beat Slovenia in a make or break match to avoid exit. This said they must be confident before the match, as they showed a lot of encouraging football against USA and would have won the match, if Green had not made an error in the end.

Algeria basically stands in a similar situation to England. They lost their first match 1-0, after goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi could not hold a tame shot, which leaves them, where nothing but a win will equal an early exit from the World Cup. Despite losing they seem confident going into the match and believe they can attack the lack of pace in England’s back. However it is questionable, whether Algeria’s coach is right in his assessment, as Algeria have only scored one goal in their previous six matches. This goal come from a penalty kick, and based on their performance against Slovenia with only two shots on target, they do not have many chances tonight.

Team Updates

England will have midfielder Gareth Barry back for the match after his six weeks absence due to an ankle injury. At the same time defender Jamie Carragher will likely get his first match tonight replacing injured Ledley King. Despite his drop, Robert Green seems to start again against Algeria, which must be somewhat a confidence boost for the hard tested goalkeeper. Speculations have been made as well about Capello replacing Emile Heskey with Jermain Defoe tonight.

The unlucky Algerian goalkeeper Chaouchi was set to start again, but a sprained knee in Tuesday’s training session make him doubtful. Besides him Algeria is expected to use same line-up again tonight, although Rais M’Bolhi has been called on standby, as Lounes Gaouaoui is rumored out of favor by the coach.

England vs Algeria betting tip

It is difficult to see past England in this match, and we recommend the England -1 handicap bet to odds 1.73 at 888 sports.

The Englishmen have never lost against a team from Africa and levels above the Algerian team in terms of both playing abilities and physical strength. They will likely try to wash away the irritating result from their first match tonight and get some confidence and a much needed win for the fans and team.

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Sunderland takes on mighty Manchester United this Sunday in Premier League at 17:00 CET at the Stadium of Light. Manchester United will go into match knowing a win could give them first place in Premier League with one round remaining, but they will need help from Liverpool for that to happen.

Before today’s fixture Manchester United is trailing Chelsea by one point, which means they can only use a win against Sunderland, if they are to reclaim the title. With Chelsea having the better goal score, a draw will not be worth much, should Chelsea loose against Liverpool earlier today. Manchester United comes in to the game after winning their previous two fixtures in the Premier League, where they beat Tottenham 3-1 in their last game at Old Trafford and won 1-0 away against Manchester City before that. This must leave manager Sir Alex Ferguson with high hopes for today’s match, which at least on paper looks easier for the Red Devils.

However, Sunderland is by far no walkover for Manchester United. In this Premier League season they have beaten teams like Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool playing at home and have impressive nine wins out of 18 fixtures at the Stadium of Light with only two defeats. Sunderland also comes into the match with two fresh victories against Burnley and Hull, and manager Steve Bruce’s squad could top off a good season by winning today.

For today’s game Sunderland could see the return of Midfielder Lee Cattermole after three weeks absence, which could give them a good addition to their midfield. In defense they could also have George McCartney back after his two months injury, while duo John Mensah and Andy Reid has been ruled out for the season. Alan Hutton will surely be out after being sent off against Hull last round.

On the other side Manchester could be strengthened by the return of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand, which are both in the squad for today’s match. However, they will surely have to be tested before the game and it is questionable whether the duo will have the fitness to play a full match. Manchester United will also be missing Gary Neville due to injury along with long term absentees Welbeck, Owen and Anderson.

The result in today’s game could depend a lot on the result at Anfield 45 minutes earlier. A Chelsea win or loose will surely change the psychological pressure on Manchester United going into the game, and the question is whether Sir Alex Ferguson will even tell his players the result, if possible not to.

The match odds for the game at the Stadium of Lights are set at 9.00 for Sunderland to win, at 4.50 for the draw and at 1.36 for Manchester United to win at 888sport. The odds for Manchester United to win are very low, which are not surprising given their recent wins over wins over Manchester City and Tottenham. They are surely the big favorites today and actually have an unbeaten run of 13 matches against Sunderland, although they only managed to draw in their last game at Old Trafford this season.

Our prediction for the match will be a Manchester United win, but at the same time it will likely be a close match, and sports betters looking for more value should consider betting on the handicap draw at odds 3.40 at 888sport. We find the most likely results to be either 0-1 or 1-2 for the game today, which can also be played at 888sport at odds 6.50 and 8.50 respectively.