Brazil vs. Spain: Mesmerizing, but what we should learn!!

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The purpose of this blog is to bring critical analyses of local and international tournaments and players around the world to all football aficionados eager to stay on top of what’s occurring in the world of football.

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Brazil vs. Spain-- what we should learn

This football clash that has culminated in a complete dominance by the Brazilian side had long been awaited and one of the most anticipated affairs between two giants of the world of football:  Brazil with a total of 5 World Cup trophies and Spain who had surged in the last 10 years as a real contender to win all championships they have participated in. This clash was meant to be the best rendez-vous football lovers could dream of for a long time.

The game which had prompted amongst its fans huge anticipation of great tactical football, great techniques, lot of ball possession, magnificent tricks and fantastic execution of all 22 players had delivered to the world one of the most mesmerizing spectacles witnessed by all football lovers around the globe.

What we witnessed...

Brazil’s early victories in the tournament had raised the team’s confidence level to build a wonderful momentum that carries throughout the first 45 minutes of the final. Being the host of the Confederation Cup and with an impending World Cup which it will host in 2014, the Selecao simply could not afford any defeat in front of its home crowd.  

A huge defeat of the Brazilian side would have casted tremendous doubt on the players’ quality, the coach’s selection of players a  nd deepened even further doubts that economically Brazil should launch and invest financially in such enormous infrastructure building when social services are lacking.  Despite all this popular unrest that had dominated the nightly news, Brazilians who are amongst the most fervent football lovers on the planet would have had more reasons to be angry--had their favorite team lost to Spain.

Tactically composed and disciplined, the Selecao came out swinging and scored the first goal that set the tone for the rest of the game. They were physically engaging Spain’s midfielders and attacking players making sure that the boos coming from the crowd would be followed and sanctioned with fouls that consistently disrupt and disturb Spain’s typical rhythm and fluidity.  As a result, Spain never regained its composure and looked shakier and shakier on defense as Pique collected a red card while fouling Neymar who exploited all space left uncovered.

In sum, Spain’s performance was lethargic and possibly the worst shape we have seen them in. The players looked tired and uninspiring. Beyond the obvious though, we must also ask if this was the line-up that Del Bosque should have had for a game we know was going to be physical.  Was the choice of Albeloa against Fred and Neymar the best one? Suffering already of a huge deficit of attacking players that can truly score for the team, one must wonder why was Fabregas kept on the bench?  

The future of Tiki Taka Football

While Tiki Taka is truly the most pleasant football to watch, it definitely has its drawback. To reach its climax, its execution calls for the right personnel and a solid defense. That’s how Barcelona won many trophies with Pep Gardiola. I think Del Bosque had underestimated Brazil’s tactical predisposition and willingness to win at home to which he had no coherent reaction. 

Does this blatant beating afflicted to the masters of Tiki Taka mean the days of Tiki Taka football are completely numbered? I would caution those who tend to believe so to not be so quick to draw that conclusion. Barcelona with Neymar in its squad will be a joy to watch for at least the next 5 years and ironically a real contender to Pep Gardiola’s Bayern!