The 19th World Cup final takes place in Johannesburg on 11th July, with both teams looking to win the competition for the first time in their history

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The last five World Cup finals suggest that we might not see a goalfest at Soccer City on Sunday 11th July, which could be a good pointer for anyone wanting to back Under 2.5 Goals (4/7 Coral) when this match takes place. However, the teams involved this time around are more attack-minded than their predecessors.

Four years ago, Italy and France played out a 1-1 draw in a match that will always be remembered as the “Zidane World Cup final”. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, it was his headbutt on Marco Materazzi and not his well-struck penalty that will live long in the memory.

Indeed, it hasn’t been since 1986 when Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 that we have seen any more than two goals scored in a World Cup final. On that particular occasion, Diego Maradona inspired La Albiceleste to victory, although he won’t be doing the same as manager this time around.

The Argentines were knocked out by the Germans last weekend, who were in turn defeated by Spain on Wednesday night. The European champions are no bigger than 4/7 (William Hill) to now lift the trophy. It might be worth considering a bet on them to win in normal time at odds of 11/10 (Sky Bet), with another 1-0 victory on offer at 11/2 (Blue Square).

In addition to the Italy v France final of 2006, the Brazil v Italy of 1994 also went to a penalty shoot-out and we certainly can’t rule out the possibility of this happening once again at Soccer City. The two teams that have reached the World Cup final have done so because their defence has stood up when it mattered, not just because they have quality attacking players.

Since the group stages, the Spanish defence hasn’t been breached and you can get 5/4 (Sporting Bet) that Spain keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet at the 2010 World Cup. With Carlos Puyol and Gerard Pique both looking sturdy against Germany, that could be a decent bet to have.