The last time Spain and the Netherlands met at a World Cup, Andres Iniesta etched his and his country's name in history in a dramatic and chaotic 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.
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The stakes are not quite as high this time as the Spain vs Netherlands rivalry is renewed with the two heavyweights of football facing off in their first match at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Group B looks like ending up one of two ways – with Spain winning the group and Netherlands finishing second or with Netherlands ending up as top dogs, with Spain right behind.
Chile and Australia will have a lot to say on that of course, but it is defending champions Spain and Netherlands' group to lose, making this game extra important as the winner of this match will probably end up topping Group B and with it avoid a last 16 clash with hosts Brazil.
"We will try to repeat what we did in South Africa," Spain captain Iker Casillas said. "We have the role of favourites and we know all the other teams want to beat Spain. We are motivated to win a second star on our shirt for our country.
"Spain have been the best team in the world for the past four years and, if we have the humility and ambition that we did in South Africa, the team will be strong and have a clear chance of defending the title."
While Spain are in essence the same team that won the World Cup four years ago as well as the 2012 European Championships, Holland have changed quite a bit over the last couple of years. Coach Louis Van Gaal has made several changes to this side, with youngsters forming a major percentage of the team, even if the likes of Robin Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder still play a big role.
Much will depend on how the experienced trio perform at this World Cup – if Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder strike form, then the Netherlands will go a long way in the tournament.
"It's true that Netherlands have changed a lot over the last few years," Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque admitted. "We've done the opposite more or less. We have a very stable squad. But for Netherlands, there is a very good manager at the helm now who coached in Spain. He's maintained the essence of Dutch football and I hold him in the highest esteem."
Van Gaal and his personality will play a key role as well – Netherlands hopes lie on three aspects, Van Gaal's coaching, the experienced players' performances and just how the young guns react on the big stage.
At the other end, Spain, who have a pretty even overall head-to-head record with Netherlands of five wins and four losses in ten matches, will again thrive on their trademark tiki-taka style of play. Tiki-taka might seem on the wane of late wit opposition teams figuring out a way counter the style, but as far as Spain and one of the tiki-taka's greatest exponents are concerned it will remain the tool for success irrespective of the results.
"It's a repeat of the 2010 final, so we know Netherlands are a very tough rival," Spain midfielder Xavi said. "They have very fast attackers, so they're very good at the counterattack, but also strong in defence.
"But we have our own style of play. We've been playing that way for many years and we'll try to impose our style on them. Our style of play is very clear. We want to dominate the game; keep possession. We've had this style for many years and had a great many successes, so I think it would be a mistake to change it.
"All of our players have adapted to it by now. We're going to win or die with this style of play. We want to make history again with this style of play."
Team news: Spain: Diego Costa has insisted he is fit and raring to go and the Brazil-born striker is expected to feature from the start if Del Bosque goes with a conventional striker up front. However, Cesc Fabregas might get a game from the beginning if the coach decides to go with a "False 9" against the Holland's expected five-man defence.
Netherlands: Jonathan De Guzman might miss the game through injury, which should mean a start for exciting youngster Jordy Clasie in midfield.
Key men: Spain: Iniesta will want to add his name to the scoresheet yet again after that monumental goal in the final.
Netherlands: Arjen Robben missed a few presentable chances in that 2010 final, and the Dutch winger is again likely to get a few opportunities on the counter.
Expected lineups: Spain: Casillas; Azpilicueta, Ramos, Pique, Alba; Alonso, Busquets, Xavi; Silva, Costa, Iniesta.
Netherlands: Vorm; Janmaat, De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Blind; De Jong, Clasie; Sneijder, Van Persie, Robben.
Prediction: 2-1 to Spain
