Spain v. Netherlands Preview -- Rematch of 2010 World Cup Final

The two opponents are very familiar with one another, but the players abilities are much different this time around. The reigning World Cup Champions, Spain, are once again one of the favorites to make it to the final and possibly win it. Netherlands, on the other hand, are an aging group who are not even expected to make it out of their own group (Chile is favored ahead of them). 

This strike from Andres Iniesta won Spain the World Cup
and has haunted the Dutch for four years

Spain

Top players: 

This Spanish side is fully loaded again. Players like Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, etc. make it hard to expect any other team to beat them. 

Netherlands

Top players:

An aging group, this Dutch squad still has some formidable names like Robben, van Persie, Sneijder, and Huntelaar. However, their lack of chemistry with one another makes it hard to believe that they will make too much noise this World Cup.

Costa was born in Brazil but claimed
Spanish citizenship for this World Cup

Prediction

Many believe that the Dutch are going to keep this game interesting despite their lack quality players in comparison with Spain. However, I believe that the Spanish side is going to pass the Dutch team to death, and the Dutch will not have enough firepower to be able to keep pace with Spain. Robben and van Persie are not going to have enough help up front, and the strong Spanish defense of Ramos and Alonzo will be able to track them down. An early goal by new Chelsea man Diego Costa (playing in his home country of Brazil) and a late 80' goal from Fernando Torres leave the score at...

Spain: 2

Netherlands: 0