There's European football taking place all over the continent right now.

And it's possible that your attention is diverted elsewhere.

I wouldn't blame you.

But the Netherlands in Rod, I'm at the Cup, host Spain tonight, Thursday,

in what is the first leg of the playoff that should see, I hope, Spain through to defend their Nations League crown in the summer.

A venue yet to be determined.

In theory I should be sitting here telling you, this is a grudge match, people.

I want to still dip into my memory banks and tell you things that perhaps you don't know,

because this is a fixture that's quite special to me.

When it was the final of the World Cup in South Africa, held at Soccer City,

it was a pretty extraordinary experience.

I've been filming with Spain right throughout the World Cup.

I'm flying with them, living in the same hotels,

going to the training camp every day, recording interviews and really genuinely having the flipping time of my life. And on the drive from the training camp into Jobberg on the day

before the game, Saturday, I think probably the 10th of July, phone call from the big boss.

Right, you've done very well.

We've all enjoyed your content.

All the features and the training ground reports.

Now, talk your way into the dressing room if they were in

and onto the bus to the airport if Spain are leaving

Soccer City with the trophy.

Gulp.

...