The Different Styles of Play in The World Cup

Spain and the ‘Tiki-Taka’ saga:

World Champions Spain employed their usual tiki-taka style in the 2014 World Cup and they were completely ravaged by their opponents with Netherlands destroying the Spaniards 5-1 in their opening game and Chile beating the champs 2-0. The playing style proved to be completely obsolete as opponents picked on the vulnerable Spain defense while curbing them significantly on their offence.

Here’s a video showing how the Pep Guardiola’s style was destroyed:

Germany and the ‘Direct Attacking’ Play:

Germany has one of the best attacks on the tournament evident from their 7-1 drubbing of hosts Brazil. They have been one of the most lethal attacks in the current World Cup. Many might argue that it was Brazil’s misfortunes and their unending errors in defense, but not many teams can pick up on every tiny lapse of their opponents to punish them in such a cold-blooded manner as the Germans did. It definitely takes the right mentality to conjure such a performance.

Here’s a glimpse of Germany attacking football:

Argentina’s ‘Counter-Attack’ play:

The Argentinians employ the counter attack football. Though they have a weak defense they make it up with intent to counter the opposition’s attack with every chance they get. Alejandro Sabella’s preferred formation is the 4-3-3 which gives room for a quick counter attack with the midfielders quickly linking up with the forwards to create chances. They are disciplined yet unpredictable in their attack which has made them a tough team to beat so far in the tournament.

A highlight of counter-attack football:

Belgium’s Possession and Attacking play:

Marc Wilmots’ side used the 4-2-3-1 formation as this line-up helped maintain possession for longer time in the opposition half and then used the creativity of the midfielder to get past the otherwise ultra defensive sides by spreading the play into the flanks and opening up more space to penetrate the goal.

Belgium’s goal against Russia exactly shows the gist of their style of play. Here’s a highlight.

Costa Rica’s high work rate football:

Costa Rica’s playing style was a revelation in the 2014 World Cup as they showed that sheer hard-work and grit paired with some amazing attack can beat the big guns any day. Costa Rica proved the fact again as they beat Uruguay 3-1 in their first, beat Italy 1-0 in their second and held England to a draw in their third. They almost brought the Dutch team to its knees with their amazing display in defense and their occasional attacks.

Here’s a highlight of them playing against Uruguay: