Spanish masterclass
Spain’s talented midfielders answered weeks of criticism over boring play with a masterclass performance of attacking football that led it to a second straight European Championship.
Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva repaid coach Vicente del Bosque’s trust in fielding a starting lineup without a traditional striker by pulling the strings in yesterday’s 4-0 victory over Italy.
The four players were involved in nearly all four goals as Spain’s quick-touch passing termed ‘‘tiki taka’’ back home helped the world champions win their third straight major title.
‘‘Even without a traditional striker they still cause a hell of a lot of problems,’’ Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said from the Olympic Stadium.
Del Bosque used the same starting 11 from the opening 1-1 Group C draw against Italy. Despite routing Ireland 4-0 and beating Croatia 1-0, scrutiny followed. The world champions then beat France 2-0 and Portugal in a semifinal shootout, but the murmurs continued.
There was no argument yesterday, however, as Spain showed its intent to silence the critics straight from kickoff with Silva capping a goal that involved all four players in the 14th minute.
The term tiki taka has followed Spain since its Euro 2008 triumph in Vienna four years ago and Spain used its attractive passing game to phase their opponents out of the game.
‘‘What we do is difficult, but we make it look easy. It wasn’t a walk in the park,’’ Spain captain Iker Casillas said. ‘‘We knew that when you slip just a little but, people are there to criticise you. Now we have to enjoy this moment that will last a lifetime.’’
On the first goal, Xavi gathered at midfield and fed Iniesta on the run, with the Spain playmaker threading a ball to Fabregas who carried his run deep to the goal line before crossing for Silva to head home.
Xavi, who admitted he hadn’t been at his best in Poland and Ukraine, rebounded against Italy as he put Jordi Alba clear on goal with a perfect through ball in the 41st, and the left back scored his first goal with a low shot to the left.
‘‘We deserved it, we were superior,’’ Xavi said. ‘‘We played a complete game and perhaps the best of the entire European Championship. We made history and now we have to enjoy it.’’
When Italy were reduced to 10 men following the injury of Thiago Motta in the 64th with no substitutes available, the Azzurri had no chance as Spain controlled through its passing with substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata adding late goals.
‘‘We have very intelligent players who we can trust,’’ Del Bosque said. ‘‘It’s a balanced team and we have total confidence in our players.’’
Spain will certainly feel they can defend its World Cup title in Brazil in 2014, especially with talented youngsters such as Mata, Santi Cazorla, Pedro Rodriguez and Jesus Navas available to carry the style forward. — AP