LAHORE, Dec 11: Appearing in the Champions Trophy final for the first time ever, Spain challenge the defending champions The Netherlands in a European battle for supremacy on Sunday.

The Spaniards, who made it to the Trophy final for the first time in history after a decisive 3-0 victory over Pakistan in the last league game, say they will be looking to lift the first title at National Hockey Stadium.

"It is the first time that Spain have reached the Trophy final and we should make use of it by winning the title," Spain coach Maurits Hendriks told Dawn.

The coach regarded the Dutch the toughest opponents with free-flowing game and accurate passes as the major qualities that could rattle any opponent.

"I have respect for the Dutch side. They are a very tough side. They know when to slow down and when they should accelerate. Fast free-flowing game and accurate passes are some of the qualities they have."

Hendriks said Spain were equally a talent side having few very attacking players who could pose a serious threat to any side.

"Traditionally Spain have few attacking and quite talented players. I think they are capable of challenging any side. But obviously tomorrow's final will be very tough," he said.

The final will also be a clash between two foreign coaches as both sides have hired experts from outside. While Hendriks is a Dutchman, The Netherlands have Australian legend Terry Walsh at the helm.

Hendriks, former The Netherlands coach, agreed the final would be interesting to watch since the two sides had foreign coaches, saying expertise and foreign input could yield better results.

"I believe foreign coaches could make difference. If foreign input is properly utilised without disturbing traditional style and background of the team, better results could be expected," the Dutchman said.

However, he said his side would not be having an advantage since he was the former Dutch team coach.

"I would not agree that we can gain some advantage as I am former Dutch team coach. The reason being the present set of players is entirely different to what I had when I was the coach," he said.

The best performance in the Trophy by the Spaniards was the bronze in Adelaide in 1997 which they claimed after defeating The Netherlands 2-1 with a Xavier Arnau's match-winner.

While it was Arnau who helped Spain win their first Trophy medal, adept midfielders Juan Escarre, Albert Sala and penalty corner striker Santiago Freixa, will be giving the Dutch a new challenge.

Walsh also expected the final to be a tough and had said that he would be looking forward to playing Spain who had performed well during the toughest six-nation tournament.

Seven-time champions The Netherlands, having an array of dexterous players like veteran Teun de Nooijer, Karel Klaver, Floris Evers, Jeroen Delmee and short corner expert Taeke Taekema, will be looking for the third consecutive title.