La Roja Still Have Alot To Learn
Tonight at the Stade De France, Spain began rebuilding their form after a pathetic World Cup campaign. Although La Roja were not sore losers, their performance in Brazil were sore for all fans eyes. With close to 11 of La Roja’s 23 man squad being World Cup and European winners, the pace of the team overall was just not there. Diego Costa, Brazil’s bygone son, failed to be compelling for Spain and scored no goals in Brazil. Coach Vincente Del Bosque took quite a beating from the media following the World Cup; constantly being encouraged to resign from international football. I for one, am happy he did not allow the media to force him into submission, but judging by the friendly tonight, they still have alot of work to do.
Jun 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Spain striker David Villa (7) is congratulated by Spain midfielder Xavi (8) after scoring a goal against El Salvador in the second half at FedEx Field. Spain won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Some of Espana’s key World Cup winners were left out of the squad tonight, as some of them have recently retired and others were just omitted. Vincente Del Bosque seems to be firm about his use of tiki taka and his ideas surrounding Spain’s success, but France surely forced Spain into some threatening challenges that were similar to the ones they were caught in during the World Cup.
Playing a 4-4-1 formation, Espana looked to be using the same force from their back line, as they did in the summer tournament. With Danny Carvajal and Cesar Azpulicueta playing as attacking full backs, the pace and attack seem to be pushing more efficinelty than it did. But problems lie in the athleticism of the back 4 to make sure they can get back to their 18 yard box before the counter attack of France catches them. In the case of tonights match, France utilized those chances easily. One of France’s key players, former Marseille man Mathieu Valbuena is the kind of midfielder that can initiate these chances to penetrate Spain and create space of Karim Benzema or Loic Remy, who scored the decider tonight. A matter of open space is all a good striker needs, and thats what Spain allowed France to do.
Jun 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Spain defender Sergio Ramos (15) kicks the ball against El Salvador at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
This is not to say that there arent hint of light on the squad. As a whole they move with much greater force. They are not by any means subdued by weather, like they were in the Confederations Cup or World Cup. But the need for urgency just doesnt seem to click, just yet.
Although its difficult to judge Spain based on just an international friendly, some consistent problem areas lie in Spain’s attack. The hesistation is real, even though the passing is exceptional. Diego Costa always seems to constantly find himself in very awkward positions. Because of the paitence behind tiki-takas passing, too much time is being used to insiuate openings for their front men. In turn this leaves their opponents with more than enough time to capatalize on shutting down their attempt. In other words, Spains frontline havent been able to take advantage of any space, or create space quickly enough to score a goal.
Most of the time spent in front of the box is spent finding a perfect pass.
Jun 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Spain midfielder David Silva (21) dribbles the ball against El Salvador at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
While this may have been worthy during the time of passing gurus Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, now with counter attacking, there is just simply not time to dance.
I dont think tiki-taka is dead, or will die for that matter. But I do believe that tonight the athleticism of the teamhas improved, and it will secure improvement in this style. Yet, it must provide explosiveness as well; otherwise Spain could one again be destroyed.