Nigel de Jong aims to make history by helping the Netherlands to win their first World Cup - but the midfielder has already made sure of his place in City folklore.

The popular Dutchman is the first Blues player to reach the most important football final on the planet in a tournament that was first contested in 1930.

De Jong was suspended for the 3-2 semi-final victory over Uruguay on Tuesday night but is expected to partner Mark von Bommel for Sunday's showdown with Germany or Spain.

The 25-year-old City ace said: "I was so nervous but the guys did a terrific job without me. It was a stressful night, but I am so happy we've made the final. Now it doesn't matter who we play, winning it is all that matters.

"We have a good spirit. We always play the best football we can. We had some difficult times on the pitch but we stick together. We always have the quality to score goals."

Holland's Total Football philosophy of the 70s somehow failed to earn a World Cup - they lost the 1974 final to West Germany and the 1978 final to Argentina.

Netherlands are widely regarded as the best country never to win the trophy, and Nigel said: "That is right but it is not a problem for us.

They put Holland on the map. But that was 32 years ago and this is a new generation

 

"We just have to go into the game without any memories of the past. This is our squad and our time. With all due respect, they had theirs. Now we have to do what we can. The expectancy is normal. The people want you to win the World Cup.

"It is the first time in 32 years that we have reached the final. We have to be realistic, but now we will have to see what happens."