Casillas admits to Spanish nerves

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Is this the end of Spain's World Cup pain?

Spain captain Iker Casillas has admitted they have been suffering from nerves throughout the World Cup finals.
The European champions face the Netherlands in Sunday's final at Soccer City despite not always having been at their brilliant best in South Africa.
"We've felt a bit anxious all the way through the tournament, even the early matches," said the Real Madrid keeper.
"This is a very important match - the most important of our careers - and we do feel nervous."
Spain went into the tournament as favourites to win their first ever World Cup, but lost to Switzerland in their opening group game, before recovering to qualify for the knockout stages as Group H winners.
However, the European champions have still to find their top form and each of their wins against Portugal, Paraguay and Germany in the knockout rounds have come by a single goal.
In contrast, the Netherlands have scored two or more goals against Slovakia, Brazil and Uruguay in the knockout stages to extend their winning streak to 14 matches ahead of what many saw as an unlikely final appearance.

WC 2010: HEAD TO HEAD NETHERLANDS V SPAIN
12--------------Goals-----------------7
74---------Shots on goal---------89
46--------Shots on target--------44
2-----------Clean sheets------------4
14----------Yellow cards-----------3
While the Dutch side lacks the flair of some of it's predecessors - most notably the Total Football side of the 1970s, who were twice losing World Cup finalists - current coach Bert van Marwijk is urging his players to be brave enough to go out and attack Spain, in what is the first ever meeting between the sides in the World Cup finals.
"They have to be themselves and have to have the courage to play football against Spain," said Van Marwijk. "They are two of the best teams and I emphasise the word 'team'.
"We beat Brazil and Spain beat Germany. Spain have played more attractive football than we have but the teams have the intention to play in the same way. Both teams have their own style but they resemble each other.
"We have lots of players who can score a goal and so do Spain. We have got to believe in ourselves and not be afraid. We are convinced we can win."
Spain and Barcelona playmaker Xavi revealed his side are aware things have not quite clicked from an attacking point of view, but is confident they can assert their style on the final and end the country's long wait to become world champions.



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