Spain should bury tiki-taka

Final Score Spain 1 – 5 Netherlands

The much anticipated “Re-match “ of the 2010 World Cup finals turned out to be a shocker. No body would have expected a thrashing for the current World Champions, as Netherlands effortlessly exposed the weakness of the Spanish passing game that had dominated the World of football for the past 6 years.

First Half: 1-1

Spain got off to a good start in the first half and seemed comfortable going about their business with their two-touch passing game. The Dutch side under Van Gaul, who will be departing to United, were showing through aggressive tackles that they had not forgotten the 1-0 loss they suffered in the finals 4 years back. The tiki taka football being played showed a new dimension though which was inspired by their new in-form front man Diego Costa. Playing a true No.9’s game, he seemed to be the focal point of their game in the first 10 minutes where Ramos and Pique were seen sending uncharacteristic long balls to him. The Dutch, who were playing a high pressing game, almost scored from a through ball to Sneijder in the 8’ where Casillas showed his brilliance from a fine save. Iniesta almost scored again to break Dutch hearts as he did 4 years back in the 10’, but was a foot above the goal. Diego Costa received constant ‘boos’ from the crowd and the Dutch started indulging in unnecessary and harsh challenges. Costa received a through ball in the box and made a sharp turn, only to step on a defenders trailing leg and earn a penalty. After the referee’s controversial decisions in the first two matches, it seemed to be a trend now and a penalty was awarded to Spain in the 26’, which seemed a little harsh on Netherlands. Alonso was quick to step up and net the ball in the 28’.

The tone for the match seemed to be set and the Dutch started attacking and playing higher up the field. They began crossing the ball across the box and were trying to play to the far end of the box from both ends. However, after a few fruitless balls, a cross from the half-line saw what could go down as one of the goals of the tournament from Van Persie in the 44’, with a beautiful diving header that left St.Iker a mere spectator. Game on and the neutral spectator got geared up for a competitive match. AS both teams went into the tunnel level at half time it seemed equally poised and anyone’s game to take.

Second Half: 4-0

The second half got underway and it saw a completely rejuvenated Dutch team, making the attacks, breaking the Spanish passing and showing more eagerness to score. The 53’ saw some magic from Arjen Robben, when he received a well timed pass, controlled it and his third touch ended up in the back of the net. 2-1 and still there was a feeling that there was more coming from the defending Champions. However, things were not to be the same for long as Robben won a free kick on the left of the box. A well curled free kick found Cassilas groping the air and Stefan de Vrij heading the ball into the net in the 65’. 3-1 up and the Dutch had that spark in their eyes that said it was not over yet. Spain seemed to get some grip back for a few minutes, and Silva found the net, in the next 2 minutes, only to be called offside.

The Spanish team seemed a little shaken and the Dutch seemed more “United” than ever. Conceding so many goals in one match was something Casillas had rarely done and it showed on his mind when he made a silly mistake with a heavy touch on a back pass, only to find Van Persie running in to poach another goal which was the Dutch team’s 4th.  77’ and the score stood at 4-1, the crowd shocked, the commentator almost speechless! A 62’ double sub by Spain had seen Torres and Pedro come on, but they duo made no impact whatsoever. Again, Silva was taken off and Cesc Fabregas brought on. Van Persie was also brought off and Lens got a chance to play for Netherlands. The Dutch midfield controlled the space and the defense was not ready to make any mistakes. An attack by Spain in the 80’, saw the ball intercepted by the Dutch defense and a long pass was played forward. Robben, who had been spoken about as an “older” player, made a sprint and outran Ramos to get the ball and score the 5th of the day for Netherlands. The last 10 minutes, still saw Netherlands attack and finally Casillas made a couple of good saves in the 86’. Torres, true to his form at Chelsea missed a sitter, but it would not have made a difference anyway with time running out. As it stood at the final whistle, Netherlands 5 – 1 Spain.

Analysis: Final Score Spain 1 – 5 Netherlands

Spain seemed to have no clue of the match after they scored. It seemed that Ramos and Pique had no co-ordination and did not cover for each other, letting strikers run freely in between them. The Dutch broke the Spanish short passing early and capitalized on their opponents panicking after conceding 3 goals. Spain still have not learned from Bayern’s defeat to Madrid in the Champion’s League semis and the 2 defeats of Barcelona to Chelsea 2 seasons back that tiki taka is not complete and plan B is always required. Direct and high work rate football showed tiki taka’s weakness and Netherlands got more that they would have anticipated as revenge. Spain lost 6-2 to Scotland in 1963, which was their last horrible defeat.

Football is continuously evolving and today’s game showed how a style of football is emerging as the dominant one. It seems that the short-passing and possession oriented style should be laid to rest. The loser of this match in all likelihood will qualify second from the group and will have to play winners of group A which will probably be Brazil. It remains to be seem how Spain can change their strategy in this short period and adopt a more direct style of football that could probably take them ahead. If there is a time to show their true worth as Champions, then it is now!