The final of every single World Cup since the tournaments inception in 1930 has been played out by at least one of the following four teams: Italy, Brazil, Germany and Argentina. For the first time in the history of the World Cup, the 2010 situation finally broke the 80-year monopoly.

The 2010 World Cup final was held between Spain and Holland, and the guess was which one will win the cup for the first time. The last time a new country won the World Cup for the first time was France in 1998, and previous to that it was Argentina in 1978. The final soccer scoreboard from this year`s semi-finals was Spain 1 – 0 Germany and Holland 3 – 2 Uruguay.

Holland has reached the final twice, but they lost both times; in 1974 and 1978 to Germany and Argentina respectively and both times undeservedly. Spain has never reached the World Cup final, and in fact was considered the most underachieving of the top teams. However, two years ago Spain won the European Cup, and was ranked as one of the favourites to win the 2010 World Cup by many people at the beginning of the tournament.

The last time Holland was just one win away from winning the World Cup was in 1978. They played a controversial game with the host team and winners Argentina, after which they walked out on the press conference, and since then have they never reached the finals again until this year. The Dutch blamed their opponents for delibrately delaying the match. Argentina entered the field late, and in addition unnecessarily questioned the legality of a plaster cast on one of the Dutch player`s wrist. The Dutch claimed that this allowed considerable tension to build up in front of what was a hostile home crowd.

Four years previously they lost again to the host nation, this time to Germany. If they lose in the final again this year it will be difficult not to feel sorry for them. Three final loses out of three would be very unfortunate.

This final is difficult to predict but many pundits had Spain as the favourite, with the scoreboard being 2-0 or 2-1to Spain. World Cup finals in recent years have been very cagey affairs, but this one had a lot in the balance to be more open and exciting. Holland`s big task will be to deal with Spain`s possession game. No other team is so confident on the ball and so good at keeping the ball. In addition, as soon as Spain loses the ball they fight back for it straight away and often get it back within seconds.

For this reason Holland look to score on the counter attack with the help of their pacy winger Robben. As can be seen from their previous matches, they have had a lot of success from set pieces so everyone hoped that they would develop that part of their game in the final against Spain.

Spain is capable of playing gorgeous attacking football with quick flicks which put their players through right down the middle. They have developed this quality better than any other team in the world. What can be a little maddening however is the Spanish habit of attempting to pass the ball all the way into the goal instead of simply taking a shot when that clearly seemed to be the better option.

The World Cup final of 2010,proved to be an historical event and a great occasion.

Comprehensive information about the World Cup can be found here: news.bbc.co.uk