Match Preview: Spain v The Netherlands

Who is playing?
Spain v Holland, Friday 13th June Kick-off: 20:00 BST

Where are they playing?
Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

The Arena Fonte Nova replaced the old Estádio Fonte Nova, which had stood at the same place, and got designed to resemble the old one with one of the ends left open to provide for a view over the adjacent lake.


It is located right on the edge of Salvador’s picturesque historic centre (Pelourinho), which has the added benefit of being full of bars and restaurants

Iniesta breaks Dutch hearts

Can I watch it on the telly?

You can. This will be BBC One's first live fixture of the tournament

Big game?
It's a repeat of 2010 World Cup Final, making it one of the most tantalising games of the Group Stage. Holland will be burning with desire to gain revenge for their defeat in South Africa when Andres Iniesta scored the only goal in the 116th minute.

"It was a big chance for Holland to win the World Cup and we were really close. We lost," said Aston Villa skipper Ron Vlaar,  "It should always burn inside to make something right.

Penelope finds that sand gets everywhere

"Of course there are some players who played then and now, but there are also a lot of different players.

"To play against them now in the first game is a great challenge. We have to be at our best that's one thing for sure - they have a lot of qualities."

Any famous Spaniards?
Loads! There's Jose Iglesias and his lad Enrique Iglesias, Antonio Banderas that does the voice of Pss in Boots in Shrek and the delightful Penelope Cruz.

Any famous Dutch people?
Famke Janssen out of the X-Men films and Taken


Who's playing for Spain?
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).

Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).

Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).

Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid)

Who's playing for Holland?

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Michel Vorm (Swansea)


Defenders: Daley Blind, Joel Veltman (both Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, (all Feyenoord), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa).

Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Robin van Persie (Manchester United).

Any useless stats and info?
Of course, here you go:

• Historically, the teams are dead level. Having faced each other on nine occasions that have four wins each and there has been a solitary draw.

• The nations first met in Madrid in January 1957. Spain ran out 5-1 winners thanks largely to a hat trick from Alfredo Di Stefano.

• The Dutch had to wait until 1973 to gain revenge, winning 3-2 in Amsterdam thanks to last gasp goal from captain Johan Cruyff.

• Last time the teams met in the 2010 World Cup Final, English referee Howard Webb dish fourteen yellow cards and one red card.

Prediction:
A comfortable Spanish victory.

England v Italy preview
Argentina v Bosnia Herzegovina preview
Germany v Portugal preview
Brazil v Mexico preview