Thousands of football fans have gathered at Sydney's Darling Harbour to watch Spain and The Netherlands battle it out in the final of World Cup 2010.

The official FIFA Fan Fest big screen venue is near capacity with many fans watching the all-European clash dressed in the bright orange of the Dutch or the red and yellow of Spain.

FIFA, the governing body of the world game, is analysing crowd numbers and organisation of the Fan Fest event as it considers which country to award hosting rights of the 2022 World Cup. Australia is among the countries bidding.

"I want the Dutch to win today, I think most neutral fans do," Sydneysider Craig Jones said.

"Hup Holland! Hup Holland!" shouted Simon Taylor, an Australian with Dutch heritage.

The 4.30am (AEST) kick-off appeared to do little to deter fans, with many simply staying up all night to watch the spectacle being played in Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium.

Both sets of fans appeared nervous as they watched, particularly as neither Spain nor The Netherlands have ever won the World Cup.

Spain are reigning European champions but have a relatively poor record in recent World Cups.

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