The World Cup final might not involve Australia, but one man on its shores is sure to be watching to see if his native Netherlands can do what no other Dutch side has done and win it.
Gold Coast United’s Dutch defender Bas van den Brink is hoping his World Cup tipping proves to be misguided after naming Spain as his favourites to take out the title prior to the tournament-s kick-off in June.
Spain are of course Holland-s opponents in the final with many pundits and fans believing their talented squad has what it takes to claim their first ever World Cup final victory – except van den Brink.
“When we did our tips at the start of the tournament I said Spain would be world champions and now I really hope I-m wrong about that,” the defender joked.
“It-s the first time Holland have been in the World Cup Final since 1978 so for us Dutch it-s a great moment and we-re all very excited to have something to celebrate.”
“The feeling of watching Holland in the World Cup Final from Australia is a little strange to be honest. I-ll be watching the game at home with my wife and my in-laws who are here at the moment, but we-ll be getting lots of text and picture messages from friends and family back home.”
“I-m sure they will all be going completely bananas and enjoying what is going to be a great game. No matter what happens or what the result is we will all be proud of what they have achieved.”
Although he may be watching the match from distant shores, van den Brink is one Dutchman who will feel a little closer to the action having played with or against a number of the current national team during his football career.
“I-ve played against Robin van Persie and with Rafael van der Vaart and I know a few more of the guys in the team as well as some of the support staff,” he said.
“I-ve had a few text messages go back and forth with them during the tournament just to keep in touch with how things have been going.”
