A speedy forward/winger who earned his first start in the semifinal, Pedro is coming off a dream season for Barcelona that saw him supplant Thierry Henry in the pecking order. There is no guarantee the 22-year old will keep the starting role, but his speed and ability on the left flank make him a useful option for Vicente Del Bosque, who could go back to starting Liverpool striker Fernando Torres in the final.

--Ives Galarcep

The most dangerous striker during this World Cup, Villa is a deadly finisher who is enjoying a strong run of form during this World Cup. The newly-signed Barcelona standout makes perfectly-timed runs and needs very little room to get off accurate shots. He’s tricky in the area, capable of putting a move on a defender as well as laying off the right pass.

The orchestra leader in the Spanish midfield, and one of the best players in the world, Xavi is always in position to receive the ball from teammates, and always quick to find and make the right pass. His touch, patience on the ball and vision are unmatched and he is key to the Spanish attack, much as he is for Barcelona.

Arguably Spain’s most dangerous midfielder, Iniesta is mobile, if not fast, and he can deliver the killer pass just as easily as dribble around defenders. His ability to combine with Barcelona teammate Xavi is masterful and his versatility makes him hard to keep tabs of when he’s floating between central midfield and the wings.

A deep-lying central midfielder who often switches from defensive midfielder to a more advanced role, Alonso will be key in slowing down Sneijder as he and Busquets look to crowd the middle and get balls to Xavi. The Real Madrid midfielder is tenacious, and will look to get forward when he can.

Completely overshadowed by his fellow Spanish midfielders, Busquets is an underrated defensive midfielder who’s mobility and length can cause problems for opposing playmakers. The Barcelona midfielder helped shackle dangerous German midfielder Mesut Oezil and will be called on to contain Wesley Sneijder, who got the better of him in the UEFA Champions League semifinals.

The rampaging right back has been one of Spain’s better attacking options, racing forward on the right flank and giving the Spanish midfield a vital passing outlet. He’s a good defender, though he can be troubled by good wingers. Dirk Kuyt might not pose a menacing threat, but the Dutch could flip Robben to Ramos’ side to slow down the Real Madrid fullback.

The Spanish left back is arguably the weak link of the Spanish back four, but he’s far from a pushover. The Villareal fullback is better at getting forward than defending one-on-one. He will have a major task in the final as he takes on red-hot Dutch winger Arjen Robben.

One of the most skillful central defenders in the world, Pique’s touch and vision make him an underrated asset who does a good job of providing a link from the defense to the Spanish midfield. The Barcelona center back is strong and has good speed for his size, but as good a defender as he is, Pique is also a threat going forward.

The veteran defender is fearless, tenacious, but above all more intelligent than he’s given credit for being. The Barcelona captain reads the game extremely well, isn’t afraid to deliver tough tackles, and is commanding in the air.
 

Long considered one of the top goalkeepers in the world, Casillas has done little to change that reputation. The Real Madrid star has been instrumental in Spain’s march to the final, with his penalty save in the quarterfinals among his best. His cat-quick reflexes and decisiveness make him extremely tough to beat.

Meet Netherlands' World Cup final team