World Cup 2014 Schedule: Spain vs. Netherlands Preview

The betting odds are in favor of Spain in the 2014 World Cup in their match against Netherlands. Experts predict that the game, however, will be scored 1-1, according to International Business Times.

The game commences on June 13 (Friday) at 8 p.m. In their three previous meetings, Spain won against Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final with a score of 1-0. At an international friendly in 2002, Netherlands won against Spain with a final score of 1-0. In an international friendly in November 2000, Netherlands also won against Spain with a score of 2-1.

In a report by The Independent, Spain has not given up one goal in their last three games. They won against Italy, El Salvador and Bolivia previously. Netherlands also avoided losses in their last three games, beating Ghana and Wales and ending in a draw against Ecuador. The odds for Spain to win are 10.11 while the odds for Holland to win are 4.1. The odds for the game to end in a draw are 23.10.

The Spanish team is aiming to become the first and only one to win both European championships and World Cups in a period of six years. Spain will be relying much on striker David Villa and Andres Iniesta to score and goalkeeper Iker Casillas to keep the Oranj team at bay. Spain is banking on the idea that striker Diego Costa will remain healthy throughout the tournament. Netherlands also hoped that striker Robin van Persie will continue to perform well after his groin injury.

As for the Netherlands, Louis van Gaal, manager of the team, has proven that he is an expert at winning. However, he has yet to prove that he can win at the international level. Other players who can increase the chances for the team are Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, both of whom also played at the 2010 World Cup. It will be the 11th time that both teams will battle each other in the World Cup.

In a report by Sporting News, Cesc Fabregas may start in the false nine position, described as a center forward but with some midfielder functions. Spain is expected to take a lot of time trying to break the Dutch defense. The game will most likely end with low scores only. Experts predicted in favor of the Spanish team, saying that Netherlands did not look very strong in their warm-up games and that the 2014 lineup is weaker compared to the 2010 roster. Only three of the seven who played in 2010 will be returning in Brazil.