Friday 13/06/2014, 21:00, World Cup Group B, Spain vs Netherlands

Spain vs Netherlands Betting Preview

Arguably the most important match of Group B, this one pits Spain versus the Netherlands and it is not very easy to predict the outcome. The reigning European and world champions will travel to Brazil knowing that they have some big boots to fill and with a squad that is not in great shape. On the other hand, the Netherlands have suffered a humiliating elimination at Euro 2012 and their fans won't accept another early exit from the World Cup 2014.

Spain vs Netherlands Betting Odds

At Bet365

Spain 2.00, Draw 3.20, Croatia 4.00

Spain vs Netherlands Betting Tips

Spain won the last three major competitions and they did it relatively easy, with the last difficult match being the World Cup 2010 final against the Netherlands. It is only fair to say that the Dutch had a decent chance at winning the trophy, but they suffered a late meltdown that denied them victory.

Virtually all players in their starting formation compete for major European clubs and the midfield features players who would always have a place as top teams. The problem is that the Netherlands don't play too well as a team and these otherwise extraordinary players are subpar when competing for the national team.

Louis Van Gaal makes no effort to conceal his intentions of fielding an overly aggressive starting formation, with three strikers. Robben and van Persie are the ones that opponents fear the most, but it would be a mistake to underestimate Lens on the left flank.

Spain's biggest problem is the fact that the team is aging and overall the replacements are hardly a match for the players they are supposed to substitute. For many players, this will be the last major tournament they play and several of them have won virtually everything that can be won in football.

Key Facts

• Experienced trumps in major competitions and Spain has a proven record, while the Netherlands are perpetual favorites but failed to win anything notable.
• Spain's superior midfielder can create a gap between the Dutch defense and strikers, and the impeccable game of possession can render Robben and van Persie useless.

Spain vs Netherlands Betting Odds Prediction

Punters were probably hoping for better odds for this flagship fixture, but even value is decent enough when backing the world and European champions. The two teams will play cautiously in the first half, knowing that a draw would keep their chances intact, but they will risk more in the second. If Spain manage to take an early lead, they have the ability and experience to consolidate that advantage and a narrow margin victory for the defending champions is a likely scenario.

Bet: Spain @ 2.00 with Bet365