Rio Ferdinand
Former England and Manchester United defender

"The dynamic changed. Once Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United, Robin van Persie went from being the star player to a sideshow. David Moyes was talking up Wayne Rooney and maybe he didn't feel as loved."

Alan Shearer
BBC Sport

"Robin van Persie needs to show the form of two years ago if the Netherlands are to progress. He needs to get back to his arrogant self and the happy Van Persie. We all need to be loved.

"Louis van Gaal is his manager now who does love him. At times we all need an arm around our shoulder. Ruud Gullit didn't want me at Newcastle and it might have been a similar situation for him at Manchester United last season."

We are 15 minutes away from kick-off. This could be a classic. Who's your money on?

Thierry Henry
Former France and Arsenal striker

Henry on the physical approach by the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final against Spain: "I've always been an admirer of Dutch football and can't believe they played like they did in the World Cup final four years ago. It is the first time I have seen a Dutch team playing like that."

Ceri:, external The Spain line-up is ridiculous. How people can have Brazil as favourites ahead of them is berserk!

Will Spain hit the big man? That would be a huge change in approach. We shall see...

Alan Shearer
BBC Sport

"Spain have got several players who are the wrong side of 30, like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, and when you reach that mark you're not allowed a bad game. Once you get over that 30 barrier it's always your age.

"I spoke to Roberto Martinez this morning and he said expect Spain to be a little bit more direct with Diego Costa."

Tony Pulis
Crystal Palace manager on BBC Radio 5 live

"Robin van Persie is a fantastic player, the most important thing is to stay in touch with him all the time. His movement is first class. At Crystal Palace, our defenders, if they have to, drop an extra yard so they have man and ball in view, because if you lose him you're in trouble.

"What I think Louis van Gaal may do is have Arjen Robben and Van Persie play out wide, with Wesley Sneijder coming through the middle, because the Spanish full-backs really push forward. I think the Netherlands will try to expose Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos in the centre of Spain's defence."

How fit is Diego Costa? Every time he came back in the last few weeks of the season for Atletico Madrid, he pinged a hamstring again.

He was born in Brazil of course and could get an interesting reception throughout the land...

Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst

"It's not the end of an era. Four years ago Spain were brilliant and they're still very good. If Diego Costa plays well, they've got the centre-forward and not a false nine.

"Four years ago the Netherlands turned up to spoil and got their just desserts but they'll be looking to play today."

Image source, AP

Louis van Gaal - who will take over at Manchester United after the World Cup - is not afraid of another bruising encounter tonight.

"Physical resistance is part and parcel of football, it's part of the profession," he said on Thursday.

"There is a referee that will point out what the limits are. I don't think the team crossed the line four years ago in the 2010 final."

Rian:, external Spain have better quality all over. Only Robben, Sneijder and Van Persie would stand a chance of competing alongside them.

"They get you on that carousel and they make you dizzy with their passing," was the image Sir Alex Ferguson conjured before the 2009 Champions League final.

The then Manchester United boss was talking about Barcelona of course, but the key men were the same as they are for the Spain national side now.

Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets can leave you chasing the ball for a long, long time. The Dutch may have to be patient, well drilled and very organised.

What does gaffer Louis van Gaal say?

If you saw the Cameroon v Mexico game earlier on you will know that as well as searing heat and humidity, Brazil offer a mean line in serious rain.

I'd never really seen a miserable Brazilian until this afternoon, but two hours in a Salford-esque downpour can reduce even the most joyous lover of joga bonito to a shivering wreck. Nobody looks good in a plastic mac.

And we may be in for more of the same in Salvador. Our friends at BBC Weather say there is a high chance of showers tonight.

BBC pundit Phil Neville

"Looking forward to Netherlands v Spain - got a feeling Netherlands will struggle in the group. Chile are my surprise package."

BBC Sport's David Ornstein in Salvador

"The various sights, sounds, colours and cultures on display are in keeping with a melting pot of a city known to be one of Brazil's most eclectic.

"While fans of Spain and the Netherlands are obviously here in greatest number, I've also spotted representation from the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia and Peru, not to mention this group of American men dressed in Superman costumes. Some activity for a stag do. Outside the stadium it feels like one big carnival and that will shortly transfer inside judging by the absolutely ear-splitting noise that greeted Spain as the came out to warm up."

We are LIVE on BBC One and at the top of this page. Watch and read along...

Spain: Casillas, Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Pique, Jordi Alba, Alonso, Xavi, Busquets, Silva, Diego Costa, Iniesta. Subs: De Gea, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Villa, Torres, Fabregas, Pedro, Mata, Koke, Cazorla, Reina.

Holland: Cillessen, Janmaat, Vlaar, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Blind, de Guzman, Sneijder, De Jong, van Persie, Robben. Subs: Vorm, Verhaegh, Veltman, Kongolo, Kuyt, Clasie, Lens, Fer, Huntelaar, Wijnaldum, Depay, Krul.

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy)

Spain, and by association Barcelona and even Bayern Munich, have been called boring at times by many. Myself included. They love a pass. They could well have over 70% of possession in every game this summer, and they won't concede many. But is it entertaining?

Spain midfielder Xavi doesn't care. He says his team will "win or die" by their tiki-taka style of play.

"We've had this philosophy now for a number of years and I think it would be a mistake to change it," he said.

"We know that we're going to win or to die with this style of play."

BBC Sport's Jason Mohammad in Salvador: "Great support once again by the Dutch fans. They're painting Salvador orange and making a lot of noise. I was at Louis van Gaal's news conference yesterday when he said his team could make the semi finals - even the final - and with support like this, he may be right. Incredible.

"But what a tough start for them. Iker Casillas yesterday said Spain "want another star on their shirts" and Vicente del Bosque looked slightly annoyed when reporters asked him if this tournament would be "the end of an era" for his wonderfully gifted team. Cannot wait for this one to start!"