They were accused of being boring, tactically inept and exhausted after a long season, however the Euro 2012 final saw one of the great European Championship performances. It is rare that a football audience is awestruck by a complete ninety minute performance, but last night was a quite incredible display of vision and creativity by a group of players that play in an almost instinctual manor.
It is fashionable to mention that Spanish players are taught at an early age to pass and move and think more about the team than the individual. However, the varying styles and even tempo within the team is an aspect which is discussed less.
The creator is Xavi, not since Zidane has a player been able to dictate the way a team plays. He is truly an artist, spreading the ball around the pitch and producing perfectly weighted passes. The midfield that also includes Iniesta, Busquets, Alonso, Silva and sometimes Fabregas functions as one unit. Short passes and fantastic off the ball movement forms a network of possession which even the toughest of hatchet men find excruciating. This centre of midfield although brilliant, can come up short on occasion so the next style comes into play.
The dynamism and energy of the team is supplied by Ramos, Alba and Arbeloa. These athletes provide an outlet to the creativity in midfield, they are slightly less cultured but provide a brutal amount of energy which rather than mesmorises the opposition defence into submission but batters their way through. Jordi Alba was particularly impressive considering it was his first international tournament.
Although these styles differ dramatically, this Spanish team fuses it into one. They really are the realisation of 'Total Football'.
Image courtesy of: thehindu.com
