World Cup Preview: Finals and 3rd Place Game

After roughly a month, the final is set and a new world champion will be crowned on Sunday. The Netherlands utilized enough of their balance to get past Uruguay despite their tenacity. While Germany came into its game against Spain having scored 8 goals in back-to-back games. But Germany would meet a similar fate as all of Spain's opponents: they were slowed down and had one goal put past them. Spain does not play flashy, but they crack teams. The Netherlands has be opportunistic during their run as well. Germany and Uruguay had hoped to win it all, but as we most World Cups; the third place game is more than a little something to play for. After 62 games, my record stands at 40-22. Spain and the Netherlands have never won and we are guaranteed a new winner. Germany and Uruguay will most likely be the more offensive game and for that reason is worth the watch.

Third Place Game:
Uruguay vs Germany: Both teams had stellar runs, but could not get that one necessary goal each needed. Germany was in this game four years ago and this is Uruguay's best run in 40 years. Germany has probably been the best offensive team this year with Uruguay being in the running for second. This is the type of game that can be tough on players who are still reeling from missing out on the championship final. Uruguay will have Luis Suarez back for this one and they sorely missed him against the Dutch. Diego Forlan has been the one who has carried Uruguay the most, but has begun to show some signs of looking worn out. Germany, too, gains one of their top players in Thomas Mueller back. Miroslav Klose has also been a major part of the German team and sits one goal from tying the all-time World Cup career goal record. Between Forlan, Mueller, and Klose; they have scored 12 goals this year. Ironically, these two met in 1970 with West Germany, at the time, defeating Uruguay. Germany has held the advantage in the series. With that said, it looks like those trends will continue. Both have had great runs, but Germany is still very dangerous; they just ran into possibly the best defensive team in Spain. PREDICTION: URUGUAY 1, GERMANY 3

Championship Final:
Netherlands vs Spain: Seven nations have held up the championship trophy over the years. No matter the result on Sunday, an eighth nation will join them. The Netherlands have been 0-2 in the finals and this is Spain's first time. For years, the Dutch have been called the best soccer nation without a title. The loser of this one will certainly have that title heading into 2014. Spain is the top ranked team in the world and the Netherlands aren't too far behind in the top 5. Both David Villa of Spain and Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands have been the top two goal scorers this year and should shape their respective teams' success. Spain seems to have the edge, but not by much in this one based on their games. Spain's style took a team like Germany and made them play to the way that Spain preferred. They broke down what seemed like an offensive juggernaut. However, the Dutch deserve credit for getting to Brazil in the quarters and also scoring enough on a very good defensive Uruguay team. Spain would make history not only for winning their first World Cup title, but would be the first team to rebound from an opening loss to win it all. The Netherlands can also make history themselves as they would be the first team since Brazil in 1970 to win every game en route to the title. These two have been nearly flawless in terms of losses over the last couple years and it seems fitting they are squaring off. Both have come a long way and it sucks for the losing team, but that is part of the game. The Dutch have been adapting their playing style, but will have a tough time cracking how Spain plays. Part of me really wants the Dutch to finally break through and win it all, but Spain has shown a style of play that is hard to beat. PREDICTION: NETHERLANDS 0, SPAIN 1

It has been an exciting month of action. Thrilling goals. Surprise teams. Some great play and two teams playing for their first title. The game might not be pretty, but we have seen a lot of not so pretty play and might almost be fitting. The third place will be the one to watch if you want offense and high risks. A couple more games and then the wait for Brazil and 2014 will begin.