Van Persie is team player

Robin van Persie knows his Holland team–mates have the chance to become immortal on Sunday.

Victory over favourites Spain in the World Cup final at Soccer City would finally erase the bitter taste of defeat from 1974 and 1978.

Yet the total football created by coach Rinus Michels and put into practice by Johan Cruyff has become a millstone around Dutch necks.

Even now, as they approach their date with destiny, there are some who argue this is not a true Holland team because Bert van Marwijk's well–drilled outfit lack the same stardust.

But Van Persie knows all that will be forgotten on the streets of Amsterdam and Rotterdam on Sunday night if Holland can win.

"It is a bit difficult because you have to fight against the generation of 1974 and 1978," said the Arsenal forward.

"You grew up with their names. When those people say anything in the press or on a TV programme everybody listens because of what they have achieved.

"But somehow, we have a chance to do it. If we win it for the first time it will be unbelievable because basically it means that we have done better than them."

The current Dutch line–up lacks that immense individual talent but one reason put forward for their success is the close–knit bond Van Marwijk has been able to create.

There was supposedly one argument this time around involving Van Persie and star man Wesley Sneijder, but coach Van Marwijk quickly put a lid on the trouble before it could escalate into anything more serious.