So we can expect an EPL-style game with plenty of hard fouls and few yellows or reds. The Dutch should do well at this, and the Spaniards will quickly adapt. It may not be as pretty a some would want, but good fodder for replays of crunching tackles.

This will provide an advantage for the Dutch, allowing for a very physical game, especially if Webb takes 3 yellow cards before sending a pleyer off on a red. :)

This is a huge advantage for Spain - no doubt about it. If it turns into a physical game give the cup to Spain. They have the most physical defense in the world and they will dominate the Dutch small forwards. Three times to the final game without winning it -- that is not a record any country wants to own -- but that is the Oranje legacy.

I was rooting for the Japan team which did an outstanding job in the Netherlands-Brazil match, but either politics won out or FIFA did not want a referee to officiate the same team again in the knockout rounds.