Iker Casillas has admitted there are some nerves in the Spain camp ahead of their World Cup final with Holland on Sunday. The captain, who will lead his team out at Soccer City in what will be his 111th appearance for his country, says the weight of expectation for the European champions to prevail on the world stage is causing “a few butterflies” amongst the squad.

Spain were the pre-tournament favourites but that tag eased after a surprise 1-0 loss to Switzerland in their opening match, where Vicente del Bosque’s team’s lack of versatility was exposed by a tightly packed Swiss midfield.

La Roja won their subsequent five matches, proving their ability to dominate their opponents with their intense passing style. Their three knockout games have all been narrow 1-0 victories, Spain just doing the necessary to live up to what was expected of them and reach the final.

They will have to produce the goods for one final time against a Dutch side who have also played their way to the final harnessing a more pragmatic approach. Goalkeeper Casillas, who has conceded just two goals so far, says the pressure is on his team in what will be their first ever appearance in a World Cup final.

“We've felt a bit anxious all the way through the tournament, even the early matches,” said Casillas “This is a very important match - the most important of our careers - and we do feel nervous.

“We are all aware how vital this game is. It is only natural to have a few butterflies.”

Spain ended a 44-year wait for a major trophy when they prevailed at Euro 2008 two years ago. But amongst two high-scoring wins against Russia, they were similarly effective in winning games with little to spare.

Sweden and Greece were dispatched by a solitary goal in the group stages, while penalties were needed to see off Italy in the quarter-finals. Germany were then overcome 1-0 in the final in Vienna, an approach they have taken forward and largely succeeded with in South Africa.

Whether they can maintain their form to see off a Holland team with a similarly conservative approach remains to be seen. But having regained their favourites tag, many are of the opinion Spain will do what they do best and stop their opponents from getting a sniff.

Watch Holland v Spain in the 2010 World Cup final. STV will be showing the final live online in HD and you can join in the discussion of all the talking points from 6.30pm.