The Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal defended his country s tactics in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, ahead of their rematch with Spain.
The Dutch were widely lambasted four years ago in South Africa for their physical approach in the final in Johannesburg, which Spain won 1-0 in extra time.
In a performance that was in direct contrast to the traditional Dutch style of football, the Netherlands under then coach Bert van Marwijk tried to knock Spain off their game with referee Howard Webb dealing out five yellow cards in the opening half-hour, including three to the men in orange.
Nigel de Jong s flying kick to Xabi Alonso was the most controversial with Webb later admitting he should have shown a red card to the Dutch defensive midfielder.
In all, eight Dutch pla…