Fantastic performance. By far Spains most complete at the World Cup so far. Portugal set out to stem Spains passing in midfield, flood the centre of the park, and break out on the counter in the sort of devastating fashion that saw them flash seven past North Korea. Unfortunately for Carlos Quieroz and his team, Spain are not North Korea. Not even close. Today they were the same lean mean passing machine that we fell in love with in Austria and Switzerland two summers ago. Xavi was back to his mesmerising best. Xavi Alonso and Sergio Buequets were tireless behind him. Iniesta and especially David Villa buzzed around with menacing intent. The backline was simply impenetrable. Is there a better centre-back pairing at the World Cup than Pique and Puyol?
The only player to raise question marks was Fernando Torres. 'El Niño' is a shade of the player that lights up the Premiership weekend after weekend. Balls bounce of his ankles. He runs up blind alleys. He just looks clumsy. Will the real Fernando Torres please stand up? Perhaps it's simply another case of a star underperforming in the World Cup. There have been plenty. But luckily for Spain, Fernando Llorente was ushered onto the pitch after the hour, and the big man made all the difference. Suddenly Portugals defence looked uncertain. Hesitant. And how 'La Roja' made them pay. Llorente had already had a golden chance to open the scoring from point-blank range, but his header was straight at the impressive Eduardo. Then David Villa struck. Who else? It was a typically-Spanish move. One touch, superb movement off the ball, and 'El Guaje' to finish it off. The final 20 minutes would normally be a nervous affair, but bar a couple of hairy moments, and a dubious sending off for Spain looked incredibly assured. No team is as comfortable on the ball as the Spaniards.
So next up Paraguay, and you would have to think an easy ticket to the semis. No team should be underestimated...especially after recent results against the United States and Switzerland. But we are at th business end of the tournament now, and Spain are clicking into gear at just the right time. I just cannot see a limited Paraguay side causing an upset. So whilst the fans at home go crazy, Del Bosque and his backroom team would do well to concentrate their efforts on working out how they can edge past their illustrious South American rivals (with all the respect int the world for an electric, youthful German outfit that put my country to the sword so ruthlessly), as I firmly believe (like everyone else!) they will need to beat Argentina and Brazil to lift the World Cup. Both teams look efficient. Both look very very strong. We have some belters to look forward to! VAMOS ESPAÑA!!
PS. Pardon my inexcusable lack of a match report for Spain - Chile. Momentary lapse! :) Basically they played well, Villa and Iniesta scored two beauties and they qualified for the second round!
Hey Steve,
ReplyDeleteThe Spain victory was good, but I'd like to know what Del Bosque is doing with David Silva. Today we saw Spain play more of the original 4-4-2 which won them the Euros, except it was Xavi and Iniesta on the outside of the midfield.
Why is Busquets getting so much playing time in what should be Xavi's position in center midfield? This also forces Xavi to play higher up the field, and no David Silva, I'd like to know what you think.
I have to agree, hate to say it but Torres is not in his best form and for La Roja longevity in this tournament, Bosque needs to introduce both Silva and Pedro.
ReplyDeleteAfter seeing the forms of Villa, Xavi, Inesta, Pique and Messi, I just can't wait to the start of La Liga. Now only if we can get Cesc F. to move over then I will be the first to book my flight and match ticket for next May CL. Vamos Argentina!!!
SP! Not really sure what's going on with David Silva, but what a waste of talent going to Man City. I just cannot see him being successful there. I hope he proves me wrong. I reckon del Bosque has stumbled across this formation that accommodates both Busquets and Alonso and he seems reluctant to change it. But you're totally right, it forces Xavi further upfield, where he is less effective (thats not to say ineffective!), and takes away an attacking position that could be filled by Silva or Cesc. Perhaps it's the defeats against US and Switzerland that are causing him to be a little more cautious...even so I guess you don't change a winning formula....no?
ReplyDeleteNope, Torres isn't looking too sharp. Big decision whether to start with him or Llorente....cause Villa is nowhere near as lethal in the centre than he is coming in from the flank. I'd say stick with Torres and use Llorente as an impact sub....just as he did against Portugal. Yes, Barca are looking strong eh! Will be interesting to see how Mourinho and Madrid do this year too. SUERTE CONTRA ALEMANIA EL SABADO! ;)
But Steve, I talked to a Barcelona fan who told me that often after World Cups, because the Spain team is made up by so many Barcelona players, Barcelona usually arrives second in La Liga to Real Madrid.
ReplyDeleteFor example 2002-03 Real Madrid won La Liga, and 2006-07 Real Madrid won again La Liga, and both of these title wins come right after a World Cup.
What do you think about this, pure coincidence or Barca players getting tired?
But Steve, I was talking to a friend of mine who's a Barca fan and he believes that Real Madrid will win the title for one obvious reason. After recent World Cups Real Madrid have always won the La Liga because the Spain team is comprised of so many Barcelona players.
ReplyDeleteLike in 2002/03 and 2006/07 Real Madrid won the title because of the World Cup that preceded the season, what do you think of this?
Coincidence or tired Barca players?
Interesting fact! Well, will be interesting to see if history repeats itself. Messi will be getting a little extra rest time though! Guess the only ones that will be tired from Madrid will be Iker and Sergio Ramos. If you take into account the amount of games Barca have played in the last two years, they have got to be knackered. Could well be a decisive factor this season.
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