Spain have divided not only the critics but my mates this tournament. They've divided me a bit too.
In certain moods, I find Spain's dissection of defences fascinating. But even in those moods, I never really find it fun. Fascinating on its own isn't really enough; not without enterprise and drama. And when it's not quite working for them, as against Portugal, it gets very sterile.
I'm not saying they should abandon it in favour of hoofing it up to the big lad at the front, but I'm not sure I can be doing with the "false nine" and all that. (I didn't really feel this way at the World Cup, but now the novelty's worn off...)
Perhaps Portugal are harbingers; perhaps other sides are close to finding a way to play against it. Every tactical innovation is self-limiting in the end.
What's the verdict of OTF's collective wisdom?
In certain moods, I find Spain's dissection of defences fascinating. But even in those moods, I never really find it fun. Fascinating on its own isn't really enough; not without enterprise and drama. And when it's not quite working for them, as against Portugal, it gets very sterile.
I'm not saying they should abandon it in favour of hoofing it up to the big lad at the front, but I'm not sure I can be doing with the "false nine" and all that. (I didn't really feel this way at the World Cup, but now the novelty's worn off...)
Perhaps Portugal are harbingers; perhaps other sides are close to finding a way to play against it. Every tactical innovation is self-limiting in the end.
What's the verdict of OTF's collective wisdom?
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