10 Jul 2010

Spain and Netherlands battle to claim their first world cup

7:09 pm on 10 July 2010

The football World Cup winners club will enrol a new member on Monday morning, whatever the outcome of the Soccer City final between the Netherlands and Spain.

Spain is appearing in the World Cup final for the first time, while the Netherlands are hoping it's third time lucky after placing runner-up to West Germany in 1974 and then again to Argentina in 1978.

The Netherlands' path to the final has been flawless, and if they win the trophy, the fourth-ranked team will become only the second side, after Brazil in 1970, to win all of their matches on the way to the title.

But it's the second-ranked Spain who start as favourites, following their 1-nil semi-final triumph over Germany.

Spain and the Netherlands have never played each other at the World Cup.