Ferguson, Redknapp and other top bosses go for a Spanish victory
Published:Who will win the 2010 World Cup is the final question left in South Africa, and a number of leading managers have answered it with Spain.
That’s the favourite outcome with the odds at 4/7, while a Dutch triumph is 6/4.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson says: “Spain are in the best form of the tournament, improving with every game after a slowish start. They passed the ball brilliantly against Germany.”
Another 1-0 Spanish victory is 11/2. While a repeat that scoreline plus Puyol’s unlikely goal is 150/1.
Tottenham Hotspurs boss Harry Redknapp agrees: “Xavi and Andres Iniesta prove size doesn’t matter – it is ability that counts.”
Xavi is 16/1 to open the scoring, while Andres Iniesta is 9/2 to repeat his goal feat against Chile here, by scoring at any time.
“Holland will be worthy opponents for Spain,” reckons Everton gaffer David Moyes. “They have excelled themselves to get this far and only a fool would write them off in what will be a very close final.”
Holland to win in normal time, like all their other World Cup matches, is 5/2.
Slaven Bilic is more scathing of the Oranjes in his assessment. “Holland have not impressed me as much as they did in Euro 2008, yet they are in the final,” the Croatia boss says. “Spain were very good against Germany and will be better against the Dutch.”
Spain beat Holland 3-1 in their first ever encounter, which was an Olympic final in 1920. Another win by that score in South Africa is 18/1.
Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill is another in the Spain camp. “Spain seemed to have scrambled through and you always feel there is a major, major game for them to win.”
A 2-1 win, to mirror their early struggle against Chile, is 8/1.
Even Dutch legend Johan Cruyff is sceptical of Holland’s chances, saying, “If Spain get into their rhythm, they should win.” A 2-0 Spanish triumph is 8/1. See the full Holland v Spain match betting market.
