Holland vs Spain – finalists need to conquer penalty demons
Published:The last World Cup final was decided by a penalty shoot-out, and if this year’s final is to be settled by the same means, Holland and Spain will have to exorcise their shoot-out ghosts.
In 2006, Italy edged France in a dramatic shoot-out after a highly tense and incident-packed 1-1 draw, and a repeat scoreline after 90 minutes at this year’s showpiece event is priced at 11/2.
Holland’s match with Spain is 4/1 to be won on penalties, and both sides will be wary of such an outcome having suffered the agony of shoot-out defeat in recent history.
Holland lost their 1998 World Cup semi-final to Brazil on penalties, and they are 9/1 to rid themselves of this pain by beating Spain in a shoot-out.
Having been knocked out of the 2002 World Cup and Euro 1996 on penalties, Spain will be wary of a spot-kick showdown.
La Roja did, however, defeat Italy in a shoot-out at Euro 2008, and they are 9/1 to lift the World Cup by edging out Holland on penalties.
The drama of penalties could also feature during the 90 minutes, as there have been five spot-kicks in the matches involving Holland and Spain at this World Cup.
You can bet on a penalty to be scored in normal time at a price of 2/1, while a penalty to be missed is available at 9/1.
Will this finally be Spain’s year? They are 8/15 to lift the World Cup. See the full Holland vs Spain market.
