Spain 1-0 Holland: Iniesta settles a tight game - Good Analysis

[tabatha]

http://www.zonalmarking.net/2010/07/12/spain-1-0-holland-iniesta-world-cup-final-tactics/

Spain are the World Champions. They were the better side and played a more positive, cohesive brand of football throughout.

There were no surprises when the team line-ups were announced just over an hour before kick-off, they were as predicted in the preview. Vicente del Bosque kept with the side that beat Germany in the semi-final, meaning Pedro Rodriguez started ahead of Fernando Torres. Holland, meanwhile, welcomed back Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong from suspension, meaning they returned to their first choice XI – as evidenced by them lining up with the numbers 1-11.

There was also no surprise in the pattern of play in the first quarter of an hour, for Spain dominated possession and were camped in the Dutch half. Bert van Marwijk’s side seemed to be inviting pressure, and Spain’s pressing when they lost the ball meant Holland were unable to construct any meaningful attacks of their own.

There seemed to be a shift in tactics from Holland after around 10 or 15 minutes – they started pressing earlier and higher up the pitch, seeking to disrupt the passing of Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso – the latter in particular had too much time on the ball in the opening period, and his influence declined as soon as he was closed down.

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[nadinbrzezinski]

1. Good analysis

and I have noticed that many folks (in papers in soccer playing countries) think that Webb should have pulled that red for that kick to chest...

Isn't it amazing?

Talking to mom, in Mexico, the old guys at the coffee shop, that was the talk of the town too.

[tabatha]

2. It was bad. He should have been out.

http://footballblips.dailyradar.com/video/de-jong-kick-to-the-chest-on-alonso-yellow-card-spain/