Final reckoning: Holland's Wesley Sneijder and Spain striker David Villa will provide the main goal threat in the World Cup final
Iker Casillas: Remains one of the world's best goalkeepers with his sound handling, positioning, decision-making and, above all, his confidence. 9
Sergio Ramos: Enjoyed a terrific tournament marauding up that right flank to join in with attacks, thereby providing the team with some much-needed width. 8
Gerard Pique: Quickly developing into a world class centre-half with his aerial aggression and composure on the deck. Sir Alex Ferguson must rue the day he left Old Trafford. 8
Carles Puyol: If we're talking competitors, there aren't many better, for Puyol somehow maintains his tremendous drive. His partnership with Pique looks balanced as well. 9
Joan Capdevila: A steady left-back willing to push forward and combine with Iniesta when given the chance. Keeps things fairly simple with so much artistry elsewhere. 7
Sergio Busquets: The least celebrated part of a glittering midfield, the 21 year-old gets through a tremendous amount of work. Not the best passer but he does like a tackle. 7
Xabi Alonso: With his metronome-like passing, he keeps things ticking along at the base of midfield before picking his moments to venture forward. Won't hesitate to shoot. 8
Andres Iniesta: A gem of a player whose understanding with Xavi verges on the telepathic. Never stops moving or thinking, he's almost impossible to pin down. 9
Xavi: Along with Iniesta, the heartbeat of the team, capable of dominating a match with his wonderful talent. Holland's destroyer, Van Bommel, will surely have plans. 9
Pedro Rodriguez: Enjoyed an outstanding time in the semi-final when his passing and dribbling bamboozled Germany. His duel with Van Bronckhorst should be fascinating. 8
David Villa: In deadly form, having scored five of his country's eight goals. Does look happier, though, coming in from the left rather than leading the line on his own. 9
Fernando Torres: Hasn't looked fit and certainly hasn't looked confident but Del Bosque might yet be tempted to play El Nino so that Villa can move across to the left. 7
Vicente Del Bosque (coach): Taken over seamlessly from Luis Aragones by maintaining the spirit within the squad. Mind you, how could he fail with this group of players? 9
Holland
Maarten Stekelenburg: In trying to fill the gloves of Edwin van der Sar, the big keeper has done very well, keeping errors to a minimum behind a well-drilled defence. 8
Gregory van der Wiel: Should return from suspension to replace Khalid Boulahrouz. Only 22 but has coped admirably after starting his career in central defence. 8
John Heitinga: An aggressive centre-half who loves a scrap, the Everton man has played every minute of this tournament so far. Played them well too. 8
Joris Mathijsen: Hugely experienced, the Hamburg defender gets the job done without any fuss. In addition, he's adapted to playing with Heitinga, a new partner for these finals. 8 Giovanni van Bronckhorst: Has never looked the grittiest of defenders, but compensates by pushing his man the other way. Packs a powerful shot, as Uruguay can confirm. 8
Mark van Bommel: Can be a nasty bit of work with some cynical challenges but the 33 year-old's vast experience will be vital tomorrow. Offers protection to a grateful defence. 8
Nigel de Jong: Another tough tackler who can verge on the reckless, the Manchester City midfielder is never far away from getting booked. 7
Arjen Robben: Holland's wild card, the one most likely to produce something out of the ordinary. Will constantly duck inside on to that killer left foot. 9
Wesley Sneijder: Superb in South Africa following a brilliant season for Inter Milan. Another goal in Johannesburg could win him the golden boot. 9
Dirk Kuyt: Typically tireless, the Liverpool workhorse is also valued for his discipline in adhering to the coach's tactics. A useful shield for Van Bronckhorst. 7
Robin van Persie: Yet to truly set this tournament alight but remains a top class centre-forward who cleverly links the play. Due a goal so this might be his time. 8
Bert van Marwijk (coach): Full marks to the coach for engendering a great team spirit when previous squads have been famously fractured. Built his success on defensive resolve. 8
Years | Winners | Runner-up | Third place |
2006 | Italy | France | Germany |
2002 | Brazil | Germany | Turkey |
1998 | France | Brazil | Croatia |
1994 | Brazil | Italy | Sweden |
1990 | Germany | Argentina | Italy |
1986 | Argentina | Germany | France |
1982 | Italy | Germany | Poland |
1978 | Argentina | Holland | Brazil |
1974 | Germany | Holland | Poland |
1970 | Brazil | Italy | Germany |
1966 | England | Germany | Portugal |
1962 | Brazil | Czech | Chile |
1958 | Brazil | Sweden | France |
1954 | Germany | Hungary | Austria |
1950 | Uruguay | Brazil | Sweden |
1938 | Italy | Hungary | Brazil |
1934 | Italy | Czech | Germany |
1930 | Uruguay | Argentina | America |