While the Netherlands preferred to sit back and attack on the counter, the Spanish chose to pressurise and attack from the back.

The superb Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg saw just fewer than 85,000 spectators take to the stands for what was a nail-biting experience.

The current European champions and now newly anointed champions of the world started strong, and while dominating the tempo of the game, struggled to execute in front of goal.

While neither side had lifted the trophy before, it was an Andres Iniesta 116^th minute strike which saw the difference between the two European nations, and took Spain onto their fourth consecutive 1-0 win.

It was a game of passion, with thirteen yellow cards shown all over the park, while John Heitinga copped two which resulted in a red.

Opportunities flowed in both directions, and while the Netherlands preferred to sit back and attack on the counter, coming close to goal on several occasions, the Spanish chose to pressurise and attack from the back.

While Maarten Stekelenburg was impressive for the Dutch in goal – saving the nation with the tip of his fingers, he could not stop Iniesta just four minutes away from penalties, and while being a man down, the men in orange did all they could to come back to no avail.

So as Spain lifted the golden cup, ready to take it home and place it next to the European championship trophy, certainly not looking to stop the partying anytime soon – the Dutch were doubled over with grief, unable to stop thinking about what could have been as they fell at the final hurdle for the third time.

For punters who have wagered throughout this tournament, it is interesting to note that despite a 1-0 loss to Switzerland in their opening match, Spain came into the tournament as favourites to emerge triumphant, and for those who backed them – a lucrative sum will have been made.

So while the 2010 World Cup has come to an end, the next major international football tournament is Euro 2012, which Sportsbet already has a market open for, and with no surprise the Spanish side making their impact on global football at the moment are at $6 to retain their title in Poland and Ukraine.

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Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to back a Spain lead at half time but overall loss at $12, as the payout is certainly handsome.

With defending champions Italy not making it past the group stages, a new nation will take home the crown, and with the Netherlands and Spain the remaining contenders, the all-European affair few picked to happen will result in a new name engraved on the cup at the Soccer City Stadium.

Kicking off at 8.30pm on Sunday night local time, making it 4.30am on Monday morning AEST, SBS will start their live coverage from 3.30am from South Africa.

At the moment, the current European Champions Spain are the warm favourites to add another piece of silverware to their collection at $2.10 with SportsBet – and travelled to South Africa as the tournament favourites.

Their opponents – the Netherlands, are at $3.75 for the win and seeing they have not been beaten for 25 matches, will certainly provide a challenge.

Spain started the tournament in a way no-one predicted; a loss to Switzerland, and since then have slowly improved, with their performance against Germany in the semis the most convincing for them in South Africa.

The Netherlands have won every fixture they have played in the 2010 World Cup, and with the ultimate prize now within their reach, need just one more victory to claim the title.

Both teams boast fantastically skilled players, and David Villa has been superb for the Spanish, pulling his side from the depths of defeat on a few occasions.

The striker is at $3.75 to score first in the 2010 World Cup final, and $1.80 to end up as the overall top goal scorer of the tournament, while Fernando Llorente is at $7.50 to score first.

Wesley Sneijder has been the dark horse of the tournament for the Dutch, scoring five goals so far – all in the second half, and is at $8.50 to score first and $3.75 to finish the tournament as the top goal scorer – longer odds than Villa despite being on the same tally as him.

Robin Van Persie is another threat to the favourites, and the Arsenal striker is at $6 to score first despite having just a single goal to his name in South Africa so far.

The two have varying attributes, so for those not convinced the nations will be separated by the 90^th minute, a draw is a bet to consider at $3.20, while extra time sees a Spain win at $8 and Holland at $12, with penalties at $10 for both.

The difference here lies among the teamwork, and while Spain may have the better line up on paper, the Dutch have seemed uniformed and solid throughout the park, and so Spain may see their luck which has seen them through several fixtures so far, catch up with them.

Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to back a Spain lead at half time but overall loss at $12, as the payout is certainly handsome, and with Sneijder on top form will hopefully step up to overcome any half time deficit the Dutch may have.

While the final dominates the proceedings over the weekend, it should still be pointed out the play off between Uruguay and Germany for third place will go ahead on Saturday night at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Germany are currently dominating the odds at $1.80, while Uruguay are at $4.50 – and could be a worthy wager considering the South Americans have been the surprise package of the tournament.

So if you want to get in on the last two matches of the 2010 World Cup final, back our tips, or just check out a variety of odds and markets, then head to SportsBet now so you can truly get the best options!

The 2008 European Championships final, overcame Germany by a single goal to get one step closer.

The tournament will be won by a nation never to have lifted the trophy before as Spain and the Netherlands battle it out on Sunday evening at the Soccer City Stadium.

The current European Champions are looking to add the ultimate piece of international silverware to their collection, and in a repeat of the 2008 European Championships final, overcame Germany by a single goal to get one step closer.

It was a stalemate until the 74^th minute, when Carles Puyol put Spain ahead after nodding in a Xavi corner, in a performance to top the nations’ displays in South Africa this year.

For Germany, who have been so impressive along their journey, it was a matter of how long they could stop Spain from taking the lead, not able to find the strong counter attack options they have in previous stages.

It was the third consecutive 1-0 win for Spain, and while it is not a flamboyant score line, it proves Spain can up their game no matter who they come up against, and now there is just one more hurdle to overcome before lifting the trophy, and that will come on Sunday in the form of the Netherlands.

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Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to go with a Germany win by two goals at $8.50, as their form at the tournament has been superb.

Kicking off at 8.30pm local time, making it 4.30am tomorrow morning, SBS will start coverage from 2am AEST with pre match build up.

The current European Champions Spain are heading into the fixture favourite to gain a spot in the final at $2.60 with SportsBet, however with less than convincing wins thus far in the tournament may not deliver.

Coming into the World Cup as favourites, Spain have failed to prove their dominance, relying on the likes of David Villa to pull out some superb individual displays to save them, and is at $3.60 to score first.

Germany on the other hand, with their young and relatively inexperienced team has surpassed pre tournament expectations, mauling Argentina in the quarterfinals and are at $2.80 to win.

Miroslav Klose is sitting on four goals at this point of the tournament, and is just two away from the World Cup record of 15 goals set by Ronaldo, and is at $5.50 to score again tonight or $17 to score twice.

Another worthwhile wager would be betting on Klose to score within normal time and for Germany to go on and win the match at $5.

With such a superb match up of skill and determination, some are tipping this fixture to go to extra time and perhaps even penalties, with odds of $9.50 for Spain to qualify in that period and $10 on penalties.

The difference here will certainly be goals, as the German’s have proved no matter who their opponents are they can score – and a lot at that, while Spain have managed to win their fixtures with generally a single goal difference.

Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to go with a Germany win by two goals at $8.50, as their form at the tournament has been superb, and every attacking opportunity they create seems to be converted.

With the importance of this outcome crucial to both nations, SportsBet have the best range of odds and markets available to punters, offering some hugely lucrative odds, so make sure you check them out now!

Now that the Netherlands have made it through to the final, they are at $2.30 with Sportsbet to win the title.

It was a thrilling spectacle not least expected at this stage of such a top-class tournament, and saw the Europeans come off better in the 3-2 win.

Lifting their record to 25 matches unbeaten, the Dutch provided a great first half for spectators resulting in just a single goal struck by Giovanni Van Bronckhorst in the 18^th minute.

Diego Forlan, the man to have saved the South Americans on several occasions at this tournament, did so again four minutes before the break, clinching the equaliser with a stunning left foot strike.

Wesley Sneijder claimed his fifth goal of the tournament in the 70^th minute, and with Uruguay pushing forward to get another equaliser it was Arjen Robben’s strike which extended the Dutch lead and saw the game past the South Americans despite a last minute goal from Maximiliano Pererira.

Now that the Netherlands have made it through to the final, they are at $2.30 with SportsBet to win the title, but first have to overcome either Spain or Germany, who decide which nation will be their opponent tonight.

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Spain now head into the semis where they face the in-form Germans, while Uruguay and the Netherlands will battle it out for a spot in the final.

The semi finals of the tournament will kick off on Tuesday the 6^th of July, with the second on Wednesday the 7^th, so check out the odds with SportsBet if you want to make a dollar or two.

Below is a round-up of the quarterfinals action over the weekend.

Netherlands Vs Brazil

First to take to the pitch was the Netherlands and Brazil, with the five-time world champions heading into the fixture at $1.95 for the win, and they showed why with an early lead through Robinho which capitalised the dominant start the South Americans had.

Going in 1-0 down at half-time seemed to provide the Dutch ($4.20) with the inspiration they needed; equalising within seven minutes of the restart through Wesley Sneijder who constantly caused the Brazilian backline issues.

The Inter midfielder then provided the unthinkable – the goal which doubled the Dutch lead and therefore saw one of the hot favourites for the title of world champion crash out of the 2010 World Cup – one of the shock upsets so far this tournament.

The Dutch now head into the semi finals of the 2010 World Cup at $3.10 to take out the title and $2.10 to end as runners up with Sportsbet.

Uruguay Vs Ghana

The second fixture of the weekend was a true heartbreaker for any neutral fan, as Uruguay and Ghana both took to the pitch determined to make the semis.

As the remaining African nation in the competition, Ghana felt the pressure from the masses, and rather than crumbling, stepped up to the plate with a fantastic lead through Sulley Muntari during the first half’s extra time.

Diego Forlan provided the equaliser for the Uruguayans with a superb free kick in the 55^th minute, which keeper Richard Kingson was just inches from, but kept the Africans within contention on several other occasions.

With controversial actions and decisions continuing at this 2010 World Cup, 90 minutes could not separate the two, and with the last kick of extra time headed for the back of the Uruguayan goal to send Ghana through to the semis, Luis Suarez handled the ball off the line and saw a red card and penalty given against him.

It seemed to work in his favour, as Asamoah Gyan stepped up to the spot and struck the penalty off the crossbar into the rafters, to see the game into penalties – with many football fans upset by the etiquette seen at this year’s tournament by some of the most known faces in the sport.

Ghana was left devastated, with two penalties saved by Fernando Muslera and saw Sebastian Abreu convert the penalty which saw Uruguay through to the semis, as they are outsiders at this stage in the tournament to claim the crown at $12.

Argentina Vs Germany

Next over the weekend was the thriller clash between Argentina and Germany – with many unable to predict who would claim the win, some even pointing towards a penalty finish, but nobody picked what was about to happen.

While the Germans have been impressive this tournament – a notable solid team with little in the way of big names and individuals, complete contrast to the Argentinean side; but it seems the former is the way to win a World Cup as they overcame of the pre tournament favourites to win 4-0.

Germany looked dangerous, with speed on the counter attack one of their best attributes which the Argentineans seemed unable to handle, and immediately put them on the back foot with a third minute goal through Thomas Mueller.

Germany went into the fixture as outsiders at $3.20, but with their precision passing and selfless choices looked every part the champion as Miroslav Klose got closer to the Ronaldo World Cup goal record tally as he netted two, with Arne Friedrich also getting his name on the sheet.

The Germans are now second favourites to claim the title of World Champions once again at 3.10, second only to their semi final opponent.

Paraguay Vs Spain

Rounding off the quarterfinals, Paraguay and Spain provided the 2010 World Cup fans with the only expected result of the weekend with the Europeans coming away with a 1-0 win.

As they have throughout the tournament, Spain looked quietly troubled and saw David Villa save the day once more as he provided the winner seven minutes from time – putting him as the tournament’s top goal scorer and at $1.44 to retain that spot.

As he has so many times for Spain this tournament, skipper and keeper for the European Champions Iker Casillas saved a penalty from Oscar Cardozo around the hour point, which would have seen the South Americans take the lead.

Just a minute later, down the other end of the pitch Spain had the opportunity to rub salt into the wound with their own penalty awarded, and saw Xabi Alonso hit the back of the net, but due to encroachment had to take it again with his second effort saved by Justo Villar.

The Spanish, despite looking rather vulnerable at times this tournament are at $2.88 – favourites, to win the tournament overall.

It was a lucky win for Spain, who now head into the semis where they tee up a superb all-European clash with the in-form Germans, while Uruguay and the Netherlands will battle it out for a spot in the final.

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Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to go with a Paraguay half-time lead but overall loss at $12, as the South Americans will push for an early goal.

Scheduled to start at 8.30pm tomorrow night over in Johannesburg, time difference will see it kick off at 4.30am AEST on Sunday morning, with SBS starting their coverage from 4am.

This fixture is widely tipped as the easiest to predict, with Spain dominating the odds at $1.50 with SportsBet, although at this stage of the competition, anything can happen.

The Europeans travelled to South Africa with the title of favourites stamped firmly on their backs, and so the South Americans who exceeded expectations by progressing through the group stage, let alone making it to the quarters, are at $7.50 to continue their fairytale.

While it may seem a tall order for Paraguay, Spain can be beaten – just ask Switzerland who sent a shockwave through the tournament beating them in their opening game.

However with the help of David Villa leading Spain from the front, they have come back in epic proportions with the striker scoring four himself and is at $3.50 for the Man Of The Match and $2.88 to be the first scorer.

For the South Americans, this is the first time they have made it to the quarterfinals of a World Cup, and so the magnitude of the game could either work against them, or drive them forward and they are at $11 to score in both halves.

On paper, this is the most one-way of all four fixtures, although that often comes back to haunt teams nodded as favourites – so can Spain live up to expectations?

Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to go with a Paraguay half-time lead but overall loss at $12, as the South Americans will push for an early goal, but Spain will no doubt come back and prove why it is they are touted as tournament favourites.

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Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to back an Argentina win at $2.30, with the manner in which they win your decision, as it is simply too close to call!

Kicking off at 4pm locally, it will be a midnight start tomorrow night AEST and so SBS will start their coverage from 11.30pm for this thriller.

In a rematch of the 2006 World Cup quarterfinal where 90 minutes could not separate the two, and saw Germany advance on penalties, the Argentineans take the title of favourites as they go into the match at $2.30 with SportsBet.

This is the point in the tournament where overall predictions can realistically be made, and so the youthful German side which has done so well so far, will need to prove themselves against one of the biggest forces in international football at the moment, as they are outsiders at $3.20.

The two nations have different playing styles, with the South Americans’ individual flair driving them forward, and the German solid teamwork preventing many from breaking through – but which style produces World Champions?

The best player in the world at the moment, Lionel Messi did not train on Thursday with Argentina, but has confirmed he is not in doubt for tomorrow’s game and the football wizard is at $3.50 for the Man Of The Match Award, and $4 to score first – both realistic punts.

Germany’s Miroslav Klose could be a good bet at $18 to score two or more goals, as the striker has a record of 12 at the World Cup finals, three off the Brazilian legend Ronaldo’s 15-goal record, and has his eyes firmly on the challenge.

In what is set to be an incredibly close game, our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to back an Argentina win at $2.30, with the manner in which they win your decision, as it is simply too close to call!

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Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to go with the odds and back a Uruguay 2-1 win at $9.50, as the monumental fixture could overawe the Africans.

Kicking off at 8.30pm tonight locally, the fixture will start at 4.30am AEST tomorrow morning, and so SBS will start their coverage from 4am with lead up program content.

The odds are currently implying a closely run game, with Uruguay just claiming the title of favourite at $2.10 with SportsBet.

Claiming in-form strikers Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez – at $4.50 and $5.50 respectively to score first – helping them to three consecutive victories in South Africa, Uruguay will be hoping they can deliver once again tonight.

Ghana, the remaining African nation still vying for the crown and the youngest to have competed at South Africa, are at $3.75 for the win, and will the pressure felt from an entire continent push them on to win? Or will they crumble?

It looks as though Kevin Prince Boateng could be out for the fixture, with the striker worsening a hamstring injury recently and so Asamoah Gyan – the man who scored the winner over the USA will have to step up and is at $7 to score first.

Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to go with the odds and back a Uruguay 2-1 win at $9.50, as the monumental fixture could overawe the Africans, and by the time they compose themselves, may well be too late.

If you would like to back our tip, or check out the other markets available on the game such as the total number of goals, or the number scored in each half, head to SportsBet now for the best options on offer!

Our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to back Holland to score first and fail to win at $3.10.

Kicking off the action as the round of eight starts wheedling down will be between the Netherlands and Brazil – a thrilling spectacle of top quality football, perfect for a neutral fan to appreciate.

Scheduled for a 4pm start locally, SBS will begin coverage at 11.30pm tonight for the pre match chat and midnight AEST kick off.

Brazil is the out-and-out favourite to win this fixture at $1.95 with SportsBet, and with the stunning Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium providing the backdrop for the action, will fancy their chances.

The Brazilians never quite reached their full potential in the group stage despite topping it, and so doubts were raised as to overconfidence and too high an expectation, but then came the round of 16 – and Brazil proved they have what it takes beating Chile 3-0.

But this will be their first true test, as the Dutch were pipped before the tournament as a top five or six contender for the crown, and heads into the game with long odds of $4.20.

While it may be unfair these two meet at this stage of the tournament, better than others which will make it to the semis, the fixture will provide fans around the world with a great Friday night.

Both have played a similar, more cautious style of football than they are known for – holding opposition’s attacks and breaking on the counter, a tactic which has worked so far, but which has conquered it more so.

From the two, Holland have won all their games so far, with Brazil drawing to Portugal in the group stage, yet the Dutch have looked slightly more vulnerable along the backline when pressured and so Brazil to score first is at $1.67.

However, our ‘Tip Of The Match’ is to back Holland to score first and fail to win at $3.10, as they know they need to score at some point and will look to get it in early, but over the course of the match, the Brazilians will keep their composure and push through for the semis.

If you would like to check out our tip, or the other range of markets available, such as the team to score in both halves or to win to nil, head to SportsBet and check it all out right now!