Following Spain’s disastrous display at the hands of Holland last night, followers of the beautiful game are left pondering on the thought that the World Cup could signal the end of Spain’s dominance. In recent years, Spain has stared at international competitions, La Roja were renowned as a dominant firm considering achievements such as WC 2010 success and Euro 2012. Spain is recognised as a country who mastered the passing philosophy, their squad is endowed with top quality passers such as Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, Xabi Alonso and many others. This brand of football has been demonstrated by the giants of Spanish football, Barcelona who’s play has earned the Catalan side recognition across the football community for their attractive style of play. It was this mentality of the grassroots term ‘pass and move’ which led to Spain victors at the 2010 World Cup and the Euro 2012. However, as this style has become more common with sides as Swansea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich is attempting to replicate Spain’s pattern of play, managers have begun to mastermind tactics to disable the effects of the technique.

An example of the passing strategy out-mastered and disabled was at Stamford Bridge on the 18th of April 2012, Chelsea were hosting Barcelona on the first leg of the Champions League semi-final, who were considered the Giants of European Football at the time, it was not a surprise to see the Blues classed as underdogs. Barcelona were dominant in possession with an ascendant total of 70%, the Spanish side also managed 25 shots on Petr Cech’s goal, however, despite appearing the superior force ultimately only one statistic mattered and that stat proved vital. Chelsea managed to beat Barcelona handing them a significant advantage to take with them to the Nou Camp. Roberto Di Matteo’s men, were resilient in defense maintaining a compact structure which involved the midfield dropping deeper to prevent Barcelona’s influential players to operate in dangerous positions. The Londoners’ tactics were certainly not brandished as appealing to watch, however they were extremely effective and managed to embarrass Pep Guardiola’s side. Barca’s mentality, their tactics was exposed to the football world.

This exposure led to an increase in teams who managed to disable their tactics, most notably Bayern Munich’s phenomenal 7-0 drubbing of Barca and Los Blancos’ 5-0 triumph against their bitter rivals. Both of these victories provided proof that defending is not the only form of countering a passing mind frame, as the old saying goes ‘the best form of defence is attack’, and this what Holland did tremendously well last night. In the opening quarter-of-a-hour, the Netherlands looked in full confidence, operating with tenacity and pace. This flair which was a feature of their play was hushed slightly following Xabi Alonso’s penalty. Yet Holland re-gained confidence and persisted to threaten Iker Casillas’ goal. Eventually Holland’s coherence was justified with a marvellous header from Manchester United forward, Robin Van Persie. As the evening progressed, Holland’s attacking prowess became more visible with Bayern Munich’s winger Arjen Robben continually exposing Gerrad Pique. Robben following a glittering display ended Holland’s night with a well-deserved brace.

Despite many people, detecting Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas as the source of Spain’s crushing defeat, the loss could signal a damaging effect on a much larger scale than of a dent to personal pride. Simply Spain were destroyed and humbled by the sheer class shown by Holland. This defeat could ignite a series of clubs identifying the weaknesses of the passing philosophy and exposing it, potentially leading Spain to divert towards an alternative tactic to that which had brought them success.

Perhaps journalists and fans alike are rather abruptly are classing the tactic as ineffective and could well be proven incorrect, however for I do believe that Spain’s six-year spell of International dominance will soon be drawn to a halt.

@carbislli