Martinez: Robben talks of 2010 miss
Spain midfielder Javi Martinez says he and Bayern Munich teammate Arjen Robben still discuss the Netherlands attacker's crucial miss when their countries met in the 2010 World Cup final.
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With the game goalless in the 61st minute, Robben was sent through one-on-one -- but Iker Casillas diverted his shot wide and Spain went on to lift the trophy after Andres Iniesta's winning extra-time goal.
Speaking as the two sides prepare to meet again in their opening game of the 2014 tournament, Martinez told Wednesday's post-training news conference that the Bayern teammates chatted about what happened four years ago.
"Yesterday I was talking with Arjen about that game," he said. "And during these two years [together at Bayern] we have spoken about the chance he had and also the one in the 2013 Champions League final, when thankfully he did not miss.
"Robben's biggest strength is on the counter-attack, and he moves very well into space."
With incoming Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal in charge, Holland's team on Friday in Salvador is expected to be very different from the 2010 side, especially in defence and midfield.
However, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque told Radio Marca he still knew what to expect tactically.
"We know what Netherlands are like, with their rapid transitions. They could play [with five defenders], or four at the back with two men open. Their strength is their quick breaks," he explained.
The Spain side has also evolved over recent years, with Atletico Madrid's Koke and Diego Costa tipped to play big roles during the coming tournament.
Koke told the news conference that his clubmate Costa had recovered from his recent hamstring injury.
"He is ready," the midfielder said. "I believe we saw that in the game against El Salvador [a 2-0 win last Saturday]. He fulfilled expectations, he felt good, he made sprints. He is doing the same in training. I see him at 100 percent. If he was not, he himself would tell the coach."
