Gio dreaming of World Cup victory swan song

Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has admitted it is a dream come true to finish his career in a World Cup final.

Former Arsenal, Rangers and Barcelona defender van Bronckhorst, 35, will play his last professional game in Johannesburg on Sunday after spending his last three seasons with Feyenoord.

Van Bronckhorst, who will win his 106th cap on Sunday, said: “The last game in my career and it’s a World Cup final, what can you say? It could not be more beautiful.

“I hope it will be the most beautiful game of my life. For everyone, it will be the game of their life."

Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben has paid tribute to the Dutch captain, especially after van Bronckhorst’s stunning 35 yard shot against Uruguay in the semi final which is one of the goals of the tournament.

Robben said: “It was super, and great for him. He was playing the last two matches of his career and now the very last one is the final of the World Cup. It’s fantastic.”

Holland assistant coach Frank de Boer added: “It was incredibly beautiful, it was really a perfect shot. To strike a ball like that happens maybe once in a lifetime.”