TEAM NEWS
Diego Costa is the big new face in Spain’s tournament-winning side, leading an otherwise familiar line-up in Salvador with defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, and Jordi Alba in front of goalkeeper Iker Casillas, and the dynamic midfield of Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Silva, Xavi and Iniesta helping Costa unlock a Dutch side set-up to counter.
The Dutch side will include include a rejuvenated Wesley Sneijder, who has bounced back from losing the captaincy and his place in the side to take a key role as provider for Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie. Sneijder will play just in front of midfield enforcer Nigel de Jong – fortunate to stay on the pitch in the 2010 final after a kung-fu kick on Alonso – and Jonathan de Guzman (if fit) or Jordy Clasie. Jor Ron Vlaar will lead a back line including the promising Daley Blind, son of Danny who becomes Dutch coach in 2016.