Holland v Spain preview - Bert van Marwijk shrugs off past final losses
Bert van Marwijk(credit:
Wikipedia)
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk insists his side will not be haunted by the nation’s two previous defeats in World Cup finals when they face Spain in Johannesburg on Sunday.
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The Dutch lost out to Germany in 1974 and Argentina four years later but at least the current team will not have the disadvantage of facing opponents playing on home turf.
“I don’t think in that way,” declared Van Marwijk. “I only think of that game we play in the final. Whatever happened in the past is not important and we have to prepare.”
The Netherlands boss also claimed he was not concerned if Holland were viewed as underdogs going into the Soccer City clash.
“It doesn’t interest me even if the whole world says they are favourites,” he said. “It’s a game of two countries against each other and both want to win and can win, and we have confidence in ourselves.
“We respect Spain but we are not afraid. It’s a big challenge to play against Spain and to beat them.”
Blue Square have Holland as 6/4 outsiders to lift the trophy, with Spain 8/15 to follow up their Euro 2008 triumph with another success.