Jolly Boys Outing!

So buyers of Spain in the mid forties on the 100 Index are laughing as the pre tournament favourites are guaranteed a 75 make up, with the huge gamble on Holland also paying dividends. Bookies will be crying into their Sangria if the European Champions complete the ultimate double, and the pain will be compounded by the fact that it is, somewhat fittingly, the eighth and final leg of Paul the Octopus’ World Cup Acca!

Whatever the result, there will be a new name engraved on the World Cup Trophy come Sunday evening, Holland having been runners up in ’74 and ’78, while Spain make their debut in the last two. Unlikely as it may seem, this is the first meeting between the countries in a major tournament.

It’s one for the footballing purists alright, and although both teams have been more workmanlike than expected in progressing to Soccer City, a goals quote of 2.1-2.3 may prove tempting to buyers given the creativity in the two lineups. David Villa and Wesley Sneijder both have an eye on the Golden Boot with five goals each so far, and their Goal Minutes are quoted at 28-31 and 9-12 respectively.