Kritt:, external A lot of the Dutch back line is relatively unknown. This is a good time to showcase what they can do. Big clubs are watching

Azhar:, external If Lous van Gaal manages to beat Spain, the prospect of him in charge of Manchester United will be more than exciting as it already is!

Great chance for the Netherlands!

Arjen Robben picks open the Spanish defence with a click throughball, Wesley Sneijder is in behind and he's one on one with Iker Casillas. He tries to give the Real Madrid legend the eyes, but the keeper makes a big strong save.

How costly will that be?

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Sport's David Ornstein in Salvador

Image source, @BBCSPortDAvid

"Nice show of togetherness from the Spain media team during the Spanish national anthem. Still plenty of empty seats."

Diego Costa's first real touch is met by noticeable boos and jeers from the Brazilian crowd. They won't let him forget his defection in a hurry.

Image source, AFP

Diego Costa lasted about quarter of an hour of the Champions league final before going off injured. How fit is he and will he keep himself on the pitch for the full 90 minutes?

Tony Pulis
Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"We've already seen some controversial decisions in both games of the tournament so far, so it's important the referee has a good game tonight. He has experience in the Champions League, so he should keep things ticking over nicely.

"I think Spain and Netherlands will both look to settle the game down as early as possible, neither will be concerned by scoring straight away but rather by keeping the play moving in their direction. It might be a steady start, but I hope it isn't and someone scores quickly and the game opens up."

Scoobs, Hebden: One for the Stattos. Is the Spain v Holland game the first time in World Cup history that a side has consecutively played the same opponent?

Spain start as they always do, by keeping the ball for a considerable spell, before Diego Costa is launched up in the air by Aston Villa's Ron Vlaar.

We are under way in Salvador...

The Spain line-up average 77 caps each. But Diego Costa has just two - the same number he won for his homeland of Brazil.

Everyone ready...?

Image source, AFP/GETTY

David:, external Both potentially great teams. Prefer the Dutch formation overall but Spain so strong in the middle. Have to give it to them.

Alan Shearer
BBC Sport

"Spain's players are all comfortable on the ball and sometimes they pass it just to get a rest. Sometimes people look at it and think they're not passing it with a purpose but they are. They're passing it to get a rest."

Thierry Henry
Former France and Arsenal striker

"Spain will have the ball. That is the way it is. What I am expecting is a big game from David Silva because he was so important in helping Manchester City in winning the Premier League title."

The Spanish anthem goes down a storm. Expect the Dutch one to be significantly louder though, few sides travel in the numbers the Netherlands can muster...

South American football expert Tim Vickery, speaking on BBC Radio 5 live: "Firstly, I think Luiz Scolari the Brazil manager did not treat Diego Costa very well. He gave him a few minutes off the bench in friendlies and then dropped him, so Costa didn't feel well treated."

"Secondly, and this is something I have encountered when my girlfriend, who is from Brazil, comes over to England, Costa feels his native country has not invested in him as much as Spain has. When I take my girlfriend to England she is bowled over by the quality of life for poor people. Diego Costa grew up the hard way in Brazil but moved to Spain, he speaks the language and has adapted wonderfully well."

Lawro has killed the anticipation there...

There must be a sale on in the club shop.

Both sides are wearing away kits tonight, as Spain line up in white and the Dutch are decked out in royal blue. Here they come down the tunnel...

Rio Ferdinand
Former England and Manchester United defender

"Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets allows the others to play. The others don't have to think too much about the defensive side of things as he is standing there with the keys to lock the door. Also, when he needs to foul he will do. A fantastic and real team player."

Tony Pulis
Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"No disrespect to Cesc Fabregas but I think Diego Costa makes Spain stronger. With him they have a man to play off and a target man. If he needs to get on the end of a ball in the box then he will, his work off the ball has been fantastic for Atletico this season.

"Cesc is a great signing for Chelsea, he could end up being what Didier Drogba was for them three or four years ago, I think he is that good a player."

Anyone up for a possession sweepstake? I'm going to say that Spain will have at least 65% tonight.

The defending champions have only won their first game in three of the last 10 World Cups (D4 L3), with Italy drawing 1-1 with Paraguay last time out.