The first ever final that will not involve one of the big four. The first match of any consequence in living memory between these two teams. The first time that a European team will have won a World Cup outside Europe. And the first time that one of these teams will have won a World Cup.
Didn’t realise that his previous yellows had been wiped and genuinely celebrated when he got booked in the semi. Thought he’d miss the final. I’ve hated that man for years. Approximately 4 years now.
The first World Cup Final proper involving two monarchies.
There was the Spain & Sweden clash in 1950 but it would be a stretch to claim that was a final – as in 1950 there was no final as such, just a final pot of 4 including Spain and Sweden. And secondly in 1950, King Alfonso de Bourbon was in exile at the time (although he remained King) with the General very much ruling the roost.
On the whole monarchies have been poorly represented in World Cup Finals. You’re really just looking at 1958: Sweden, 1966: England and 1974 & 1978: Netherlands
As regards the game itself, Spain will start as favourites but I suspect on the night of the 11th it will be orange clad Netherlands led by Giovanni van Bronckhorst who will be lighting the bonfires in the land they once colonised.
Of course, a glaring oversight on my part. Although much like the plight of Alfonso de Bourbon in 1950, Victor Emmanuel III was very much playing second fiddle in 1934 & 38 to his Prime Minister.
He’s been excellent in fairness in the games i saw him do. I’d say its a piece of piss reffing international games at this pace than EPL with retards running around everywhere.