Striker David Villa says Spain will need to stifle the Netherlands' attack if the Spanish are going to lift the World Cup today after reaching their first final.
With five goals to his name, Villa has a chance of winning the Golden Boot if he can score in Sunday's final at Soccer City, but Barcelona's latest signing says Spain must first stop the Dutch getting the ball.
Having starved Germany of possession to dominate Wednesday's semi-final and secure a 1-0 win in Durban, Villa says Spain will need to be just as good technically against Bert van Marwijk's Holland.
"In the semi-final, Germany wanted to have the ball and play with their own weapons, but we took possession and forced them into defence," said Villa. "We forced them to go backwards. We expect the Dutch to want to have the ball, they like to play and they will want to attack.”
Midfielder Xavi agreed that while football fans are eager to see whether Holland's Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder can match Spain's attack in a potential goal bonanza, possession could well decide the winners. "Whoever has the most possession will probably win the match. We have to make sure we get as much of the ball as we can. But the Dutch are very good at holding possession and we have to contend with that."
