As usual Spain dominated the beginning of the first half with their pass and move style of play but just couldn’t find the back of the net.

Holland soon got wise to the fact they couldn’t outplay the Spanish and changed tactics to a much more physical game. At times the Dutch players went way beyond just playing physical, resorting to what was pure thuggery.

Van Bommel cut down the Spanish players time after time and should really have been red-carded for his efforts. The really dangerous and completely unnecessary foul came from De Jong who flew with his studs, in what could only be described as a flying kick, into Alonso’s chest.

That should have been the end of De Jong’s world cup, but he was only handed a yellow card for his efforts.

Now all you readers of Asian soccer star should have picked up on a valuable lesson from the world cup 2010 final between Spain and Holland.

How did Spain overcome the Dutch thuggery to win the game?

As a strategy Holland were spot on because they obviously rattled the Spanish and disrupted the flow of their game; the manner in which they went about it wasn’t very sportsman like. The game ended with a record 14 yellow cards and a red card for Holland’s Johnny Heiteinga.

The reason Spain came through in the end, and if you’re a budding Asian soccer star pay particular attention, was because the players had self-confidence and belief in their individual abilities and as a team.

They stuck to their game plan.

The Spanish are all comfortable on the ball, they have terrific awareness which allows them to play their pass and move game. Every player knows what his job is and is very confident in performing that job.

This sort of confidence only comes about by practise and really getting to ‘know’ the ball.

Research says that it takes 10,000 hours of practise to master anything in life. The Spanish players all look like they have surpassed that 10,000 hour mark.

I believe, to become an Asian soccer star you will have to hit and exceed that 10,000 hour mark; so go out and get practising with the ball until it feels a part of you.

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