Who saw that coming? Spain kicked off their World Cup campaign in the most disappointing of fashions as they were downed by a hit and run show from Switzerland. Spain enjoyed a healthy 73% possession, yet a whole host of wasted chances and failed final passes allowed the Swiss to mount a couple of second-half counters that created the only goal of the match from Gelson Fernandes and almost saw their second as a splendid run and shot from Swiss striker Eren Derdiyok rebounded off the foot of the post. Where did it all go wrong? To be honest the Spanish experienced more than a fair share of misfortune. Several chances flying inches wide or, in the case of Xavi Alonsos thunderbolt, crashing against the crossbar. A couple of decisions from Howard Webb went against them, but by no means read anything into the press' post-match witchhunt against the English ref. A shameful attempt to gloss over Spains failings. And then you have that wily old fox, Ottmar Hitzfeld. The ex-Bayern managers tactics were spot on. Round up Xavi Hernandez and you take away Spains heartbeat. Run and defend as if your life depends on it, soak up some intense pressure and hit your opponent on the break and you've always got a chance. The Swiss deserve huge credit.
So let's move onto the Alonso-Busquets dilemma. While the rest of Spain believes that the two cannot start in the same XI, Del Bosque continues to employ them in a five-man midfield. Both play the role that Marcos Senna so admirably carried out in Euro 2008. Break up the play and start attacks. So why start with both? Surely the way forward would be to stick Xavi Alonso between midfield and defence and stick Busquets on the bench, freeing up a position which could be filled by Cesc Fabregas, or start with two upfront bringing Fernando Torres into the equation. In any case, todays midfield line-up looked a little confused, short of ideas and lacking their usual sharpness. Roles were not clearly defined. Andres Iniesta was a constant threat but his influence was nullified out wide. David Villa was out of sorts and even Torres looked decidedly rusty when he came on. Anyhows, it's not the end of the world. Better lose now with two games left then fall at the last group hurdle. Victories against Chile and Honduras will see them through, but a second round match-up against Brazil is looking increasingly likely. That said, if you want to win the World Cup, you'll have to knock out the big guns sooner or later.
So far I have to say this World Cup, in terms of quality, is one of the worst I can remember. USA '94 wasn't great, but at least it had Romario, Roberto Baggio and Ray Houghton in their prime. All excelled in their national teams. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo just look lost. France, Portugal, Italy, England, Argentina and Brazil all looked poor, while only a youthful Germany looked anything like world beaters in their match against the Aussies. Heres hoping things heat up now we've got the nervy openers out of the way.
I kind of disagree with you. This WC has the lowest scoring tournament indeed but it is not boring. I think the World is showing its parity. International players are being exposed all around the World and because of that they were able to share their experiences with their national teams and in turn prep for their WC opponents. Besides, I think fatigue plays a big factor. Imagine most of these players playing at least 3 to 4 trophies per year and on top of that trying to qualify their Nation. I think the best of this WC is yet to come but boy watching the mesmerizing passing by Spain, Brazil, Argentina, German, Chile, and Netherland and the hearts of New Zealand and Japan and the courage of N. Korea make me proud of this WC.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your comment, I'm inclined to agree. I guess what I was trying to get across was quality on an individual level, no stand-out performances from anyone. That said, your point about fatigue is more than valid. And you're right to point out some gutsy team performances from N. Korea, New Zealand and Japan. I'm sure the best is still to come....first round of matches in any tournament are always nervy affairs. Everyone is set on not losing instead of gunning for a win. That'll change ;)
ReplyDeleteI also think the Shock & Awe the World experienced from the Swiss/Spain game kind of give the host nations a glimpse of hope. I think if Argentina can take care of S. Korea then Nigeria can slowly see a small light at the end of the tunnel. I would love to see at least 2 or 3 African countries in the next round. Great for the tournament. Or else it will be too predictable and who would want that for a tournament that happens every 4 years. ;)
ReplyDeleteAMJLE I follow you on Twitter. Go Barcelona.
and I am in this WC pool. http://www.wkvoorspellen.nl/poules.asp?id=28585
Hey Steve, I was hearing plenty of people complain that Jesus Navas didn't put a single cross in for Torres.
ReplyDeleteWhile I didn't see him get out wide that much, that isn't really the type of player he is, right?
Just wanted to hear your thoughts on this.
AMJLE: Would be great to see some African teams go through. Nigeria could certainly make it and Ghana too. Cameroon desparately need to beat Denmark. Which team are you in that pool? Cheers for the comment ;)
ReplyDeleteSP: Navas is a strange one. With his pace you would think he's the ideal wideman/winger but his crossing is woeful. Still young so time to improve, but I guess for now the plan for Navas would be to create panic down the wing, and cut in to either shoot or slip in Villa/Torres. Most people over here are complaining about Del Bosque....that his tactics are holding back the team (much like Capello) and that he isnt preparing the team well psychologically....something Aragones was fantastic at.