By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports

32 national teams started their battle for glory exactly a month ago. Today we’re left with two teams who have never won the Cup before – Holland and Spain.

The Dutch will be hoping it will be third time lucky for them after losing against Germany and Argentina in their 1974 and 1978 Final appearances while the Spaniards will be hoping to strike it in their first ever final appearance.

Paul the Octopus says Spain while Mani the Bird says Holland. Let’s put them aside for now as we bring you our final predictions.

Kenneth Says: 2-1 to Holland
I’m a Singaporean, so obviously I support Mani in his prediction! Okay, Spain have been growing in stature since losing that opening game against Switzerland and even beat the most impressive team in the tournament, Germany, in the semi-finals. But taking on this Holland team will be a different task altogether.

Yes, they do not play ‘Total Football’ anymore but they are ruthlessly efficient in their way of overcoming opponents. Inferior in skill and quality and being a goal down from the first half, so what? They managed to overpower the mighty Brazilians in the second with their teamwork.

Having won all six World Cup matches so far and being on a 25-match unbeaten streak, their team’s confidence is at the utmost high.

And I’m a football purist – I firmly believe if a team wants to win a tournament, they should not lose any game. (Sorry Spain.) Remember the Brazilians’ triumph in 2002 when they won all seven matches without going into extra time? Back the Dutch to emulate their feat tonight.

Erwin Says: 1-0 to Spain
With Spain passing Germany to death in the semi-final, flavour of the month Holland were suddenly yesterday’s news, and with good reason to.

There are many sub-plots in this intriguing final, what with Wesley Sneijder and David Villa going for the Golden Boot award and several others involved in the discussion for the Golden Ball prize, but championship winning rule number one says: Defence wins games.

Spain have not conceded a goal since the knockout rounds began and four of the previous five finals have seen the eventual winner not let in one during normal time.

Their rearguard is solid enough to keep another clean sheet, and with their attacking options at hand, they can score anytime.

Once the final is over, take your buddies or loved ones out for a meal to celebrate the end of a sleepless month. You can foot the entire bill, or opt to split it equally.

But just for tonight, don’t go dutch.

Les Says: 0-0 at full time. Spain to win 1-0 in extra time.
Assuming Holland don’t kick Spain off the park, Spain should win this one with one moment of brilliance after passing the Dutch to death.

The weirdness of the Jabulani ball also favours ball players who pass it around in short, neat passes. Let’s hope the winning goal doesn’t come because one goalie misjudges the flight of the ball as has happened repeatedly already.

More News and Build-Up
BBC Sport: Defining moment for Spain’s golden generation
BBC Sport: Can the Dutch shut down Spain?
Goal.com’s preview
Goal.com: Previous Encounters between both teams
Guardian Online: Spain and Holland fight it out for winning philosophy
2002 Friendly: Holland 1-0 Spain
Referee Howard Webb ‘can’t control his own kids!’