World Cup Final divides ex-Dutch players
Final divides ex-Dutch players
Posted: 2010-07-11 09:15
Dutch football legends Ronald De Boer and Patrick Kluivert differ in their opinion as to whether their native country can beat Spain tonight at Soccer City, in Johannesburg.
The two Dutch legends engaged the media at the Nike Football Training Centre in Soweto ahead of the World Cup Final sharing their views on the epic clash between the Netherlands and Spain.
Former Netherlands midfielder Ronald De Boer, twin brother of current Netherlands assistant coach Frank, picked Spain as the favourites for the match. "Of course I agree with those who say Spain are a little bit the favourites. But in a Final you can never tell who will win it, but Spain look the favourites for this match," he said. Another former Dutch great Patrick Kluivert differed with De Boer's assertion.
"I don't agree that Spain are the favourites. I think the two teams are equal and there is no favourite," he said. Kluivert, however, admits he is wary of the threat posed by La Roja striker David Villa, who is one four top scorers with five goals.
"We have to watch David Villa. He likes coming from the wing, but I think he could be more dangerous playing centre forward. He could be more dangerous facing goal whenever he is in possession, but having said that he is a great striker who needs special attention," said Kluivert.
South African legends on the podium Shaun Bartlett and Tebogo Moloi were coy over their predictions. Bartlett said: "I think a great match-up will be Wesley Sneijder and Andres Iniesta. If they are allowed space and time on the ball they can be match winners for either team" and Moloi said: "I think Spain have been playing good football and I wish the Netherlands can match them," said 'Tebza'.
However, two of the legends were unanimous in their choice for the Golden Ball award, an honour bestowed on the Player of the Tournament immediately after the Final. "I think Diego Forlan did an excellent job for Uruguay and if I ever had to choose it will be him," said De Boer.
Bartlett added: "Forlan doesn't only score the goals he also assist a lot going forward and the way he's led the team as captain was great to see. I think he is the only player who managed to get the Jabulani ball on target from distance," said the former Bafana Bafana striker.
: 2010-07-11 14:07
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