Spain’s Busquets says Barcelona are the basis for World Cup success

STV
Old head on young shoulders: Spain's Sergio Busquets is ready to shut down Sneijder in the World Cup final.© Reuters

Sergio Busquets was one of seven Barcelona players who took to the field for Spain against Germany and the midfielder says that the club bond is the key to success for the nation in the World Cup. The Camp Nou connection could be crucial against Holland in the final and Busquets said the similar style of club and country made his job simpler at the heart of the team.

"The footballing philosophy and playing style are very similar with both my club and La Selección,” Busquets said.

“In my opinion that’s a real bonus, because things come much easier when you’ve been working alongside your colleagues for the whole season."

The 21-year old Barca midfielder was joined by Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Pedro, Gerard Pique and new signing David Villa in the starting line-up for the semi-final. Club captain Puyol scored the only goal of the game and Busquets had nothing but praise for the defender’s contribution.

"It doesn’t matter who it is, as long as someone scores," he said.

"And there’s nobody more deserving of a goal than Puyol. He can do anything.

“He’s one of the best defenders in the world and, given this is sure to be his last World Cup, let’s hope he has happy memories of this tournament after all he’s done over the course of his career."

Although one of the youngest members of Vicente del Bosque’s side, Busquets will be asked to keep the shackles on Holland’s midfield schemer Wesley Sneijder in the  final. The Dutchman came out on top when Inter knocked Barcelona out of the Champions League last season by Busquets said Spain would have to close Sneijder down if they were to lift the World Cup.

"The Netherlands are a great team,” he admitted. “They’re very effective on the break as they have very quick forward players.

“I think that Sneijder is always behind their most dangerous moves, because he’s the one who pulls the strings for them in attack. But we’ll do our best to stop him playing.”

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.