Brazil Must Capitalise on Early Opportunities to Down Spain’s Enduring Dynasty

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 28, 2013

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Spain refuse to be beaten when it matters. Not since Switzerland inflicted an attritional 1-0 defeat in their opening game at the 2010 World Cup have the tiki-taka torturers been felled in a meaningful match.

Via World Cup and Euro 2012 glory, Spain are now 16 games into an unblemished tournament stretch that has carried them to the Confederations Cup final and a most romantic of meetings with hosts Brazil.

Might Vicente del Bosque's pass masters be back at the Maracana in a year's time, staring down a fourth straight major tournament success and with their unbeaten run still alive? You'd have to say it's entirely plausible.

All this talk of their potential demise, of the inevitable fall of a dynasty, yet still La Roja's rule is unchallenged. Xavi and Andres Iniesta are still world-beaters. A new generation rises around their fabulous fulcrum.



Italy had their chances in Thursday's Confederations Cup semifinal and should have been at least two clear by halftime, but it was Spain who finished strongest. It was Spain who were going for the kill in extra time and Spain whose nerve held to win a technically magnificent penalty shootout.

Brazil will go into Sunday's final knowing they can not afford to be as wasteful. Should they ride the euphoria of home support to an early period in the ascendancy, it is absolutely vital Luis Felipe Scolari's team capitalise with a goal.

Remarkably, Spain have not conceded first for a run of 20 games. Not since Antonio Di Natale collected Andrea Pirlo's pass to put Italy ahead in the Euro 2012 group stage have Del Bosque's men been behind, and that lasted fewer than four minutes.

Much has been said about how their exquisite passing game breaks down opponents in the attacking third, but Spain's success is just as much down to what happens in their defensive third. They are supremely organised and achieve their defensive shape at breakneck speed when ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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