Rivals figure out Spain's formula for success
Source: Agencies |
June 5, 2012, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
Opponents may have figured out how to counter Spain's formula for success that proved so effective at recent tournaments.
In its last warm-up before the European Championship, Spain's 1-0 victory over China on Sunday displayed all of the World Cup champion's virtues: possession, slick passing and intricate combinations. But it also highlighted the notable absences of David Villa and Carles Puyol.
The Spanish defense was lucky to escape without conceding a goal after several lapses, and its wealth of midfield talent can be rendered ineffective without a striker capable of converting numerous chances.
Fernando Torres and Alvaro Negredo failed to score, a concern going into Sunday's Euro 2012 opener against Italy, a more formidable opponent.
It took Andres Iniesta's entrance after halftime to sway the game in Spain's favor, as the World Cup hero linked up perfectly with David Silva for a late winner with the pair of playmakers gelling naturally while Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso struggled to break through China's disciplined defense.
"We're going into games well-prepared. The thing is that our rivals are better prepared for us and make it more difficult," said coach Vicente del Bosque, who surpassed Luis Aragones as the longest-serving national team coach after his 55th match.
"Spain believes in its qualities, it has absolute confidence in its style of play," said China coach Jose Antonio Camacho, who previously led Spain. "All teams will try to play like us against Spain - to defend well and try to take advantage of the counter."
Del Bosque wasn't pleased with his team's "lazy" start when uncharacteristic turnovers from sloppy passing built up China's confidence. The Chinese would have taken the lead had it not been for Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who has repeatedly bailed out the defense with spectacular stops like the save against the Dutch in 2010.
With Puyol out, Del Bosque has to decide whether Gerard Pique or Raul Albiol partners Sergio Ramos in the center of defense.
In its last warm-up before the European Championship, Spain's 1-0 victory over China on Sunday displayed all of the World Cup champion's virtues: possession, slick passing and intricate combinations. But it also highlighted the notable absences of David Villa and Carles Puyol.
The Spanish defense was lucky to escape without conceding a goal after several lapses, and its wealth of midfield talent can be rendered ineffective without a striker capable of converting numerous chances.
Fernando Torres and Alvaro Negredo failed to score, a concern going into Sunday's Euro 2012 opener against Italy, a more formidable opponent.
It took Andres Iniesta's entrance after halftime to sway the game in Spain's favor, as the World Cup hero linked up perfectly with David Silva for a late winner with the pair of playmakers gelling naturally while Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso struggled to break through China's disciplined defense.
"We're going into games well-prepared. The thing is that our rivals are better prepared for us and make it more difficult," said coach Vicente del Bosque, who surpassed Luis Aragones as the longest-serving national team coach after his 55th match.
"Spain believes in its qualities, it has absolute confidence in its style of play," said China coach Jose Antonio Camacho, who previously led Spain. "All teams will try to play like us against Spain - to defend well and try to take advantage of the counter."
Del Bosque wasn't pleased with his team's "lazy" start when uncharacteristic turnovers from sloppy passing built up China's confidence. The Chinese would have taken the lead had it not been for Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who has repeatedly bailed out the defense with spectacular stops like the save against the Dutch in 2010.
With Puyol out, Del Bosque has to decide whether Gerard Pique or Raul Albiol partners Sergio Ramos in the center of defense.
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