FIFA World Cup 2010: Spain vs Barcelona - A Comparison
The Spanish National side that appeared in the semifinal match against Germany featured no less than 7 Barcelona players in the starting line-up. David Villa is the only player who hasn't yet played for Barcelona, since he only joined them this summer from Valencia. The other six are Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández and Pedro Rodríguez.
When it comes to club football, there is no team more attractive to watch than Barcelona. The number of Barca players that play for Spain should then mean that Spain play a similar attractive brand of football; but unfortunately for football fans who were expecting that, they do not. The Spain side, though talented, and extremely adept at keeping possession, have been one of the most boring sides to watch in the World Cup with a number of low-scoring games, characterized by dominance in possession but little or no attacking intent.
One could argue that there is a major difference between the Spain team and Barcelona, i.e., the world player of the year, Lionel Messi. Arguably the finest dribbler of his generation, Messi's rare talent allows Barcelona to rip apart sides much easier than Spain can, and so it is more prudent to rely on a much less adventurous approach.
Another reason why the styles of play differ so much could be due to the fact that the World Cup is a knock-out competition and that, as it is, encourages a more defensive approach to the game. The league format suits a more attacking style, and even in the UEFA Champions League, two legged ties leaves rooms for mistakes that a one legged knock-out match does not.
Lastly, the coaches are also different. Spain have Vicente del Bosque, whereas Barcelona employ their former player, Josep Guardiola. As an ex-Barca player, Guardiola has been influenced by the attacking philosophy of football which has become synonymous with Barcelona over the years. Vicente del Bosque, on the other hand, was a defender, and has acquired a far less attacking philosophy throughout his career. Although he coached Barcelona's bitter rivals, Real Madrid, through one of their most successful periods, his imprint on the Spanish side suggests he doesn't quite see the Barca brand as useful at the international stage.
Whatever the reason is, though, neutrals will be hoping that the final of the tournament is not like all the matches Spain have played in the tournament so far. The Dutch are another side which has been very smart in the way they have played; relying on fast counterattacks and possession to make their way to the final. The main difference between the two teams is the Bayern Munich winger, Arjen Robben, who will provide a different kind of threat to the Spanish midfield.
It will be interesting to see how the Spanish players cope with this new challenge. So far, they have managed to defeat strong opponents in Portugal and Germany, and will be confident that their way of playing will prove successful in the final too. As it stands, it seems there is no need to fix what isn't broken.
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