Clashes between Netherlands and neighbours Germany always have extra spice but Wednesday's Euro 2012 Group B encounter is about much more than regional rivalry after the Dutch began with a surprise defeat by Denmark.
A World Cup soccer final disfigured by cynical Dutch thuggery was partially redeemed in extra time by the swift reflexes of Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta.
Italy and Netherlands shared a dull 0-0 friendly draw on Saturday, with home striker Giampaolo Pazzini having a late goal ruled out for handball.
World Cup final referee Howard Webb has defended his performance in Sunday's match and said he did all he could to keep control in a bad-tempered atmosphere.
Netherlands Coach Marco Van Basten named a 23-men squad on Sunday for next month's World Cup finals in Germany.
Spain have been fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($9,363) and the Netherlands 15,000 Swiss francs ($14,040) for the behaviour of their players in last month's World Cup final, FIFA said on Tuesday.
Andres Iniesta's goal deep into extra-time to give Spain the World Cup for the first time after a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in Sunday's final.
Ajax Amsterdam's Netherlands defender John Heitinga has agreed to sign a five-year deal with Atletico Madrid, he told Tuesday's De Telegraaf newspaper.
Chelsea beat Fulham 3-1 to open a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League on Saturday while Newcastle United's 4-1 win was marred by manager Alan Pardew's dismissal for head-butting Hull City's David Meyler.
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