Hi Everyone, I have posted an article on the Euro 2012 board (http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/154201-The-decline-of-the-striker?p=3068282#post3068282), as it seemed to fit that category better than on here, however I would be really interested by your thoughts on this matter, as I have noticed there has been a lot of discussions about possession football and England's formations this summer. Thanks, OROW
Playing without a central striker is playing to the fear factor. Worth a try in a Cup Match where not losing may be the initial aim, but not the way for football to go. Two teams playing in that way would be dreadful...if Spain play that way tonight I hope they lose. I suppose we may be more negative this year, even though it goes against what we stand for. An early tonking could make us switch to a more defensive formation, but I hope we wouldn't go as far as that. I doubt it somehow with Rodriguez, Lambert, and Sharp up front.
It just about works for them and Barcelona because they have midfielders with fantastic technical ability, movement and creativity. It's when a team like Scotland tries to copy it that problems start...
Starting to be a problem for Spain and Barcelona too. They've been figured out and rarely have a plan B.
Not really a plan B, it's more or less the same formation when they bring one on. They could switch the style a bit by bringing on Llorente if need be, but I don't think they'll be needing to today.
Agreed, and it doesn't have to be Scotland. It is any team which lacks the obvious understanding and skill of the Spanish players. 4-6-0 can become 4-3-3 or even 4-2-4 if you have the ball and are confident of retaining it, which the Spanish are. Do I want football to go this way..? I think I've said this before, and the answer is no. As I purist I can only admire the skill and technique, but as a spectacle of end to end football it just doesn't cut it. It's all about one team dominating possession, and that isn't as entertaining as cut and thrust football. Then again, I also I hate the idea of football being an entertainment in front of it being a sport. So, although my heart says no, my head says yes. I just don't want it to catch on with team managers who think their squad of players are capable of it, when they are clearly not.
Spain have saved their best football of the tournament 'til tonight. Commiserations, Mr. Stain. I know you said Italy were one of your teams the other day. Can't help wishing I was Spanish right now!
If that was Spain after they've been figured out i'd hate to see them when they are playing a side with no clue. LOL JK
Balotelli didn't touch the ball tonight and I see no reason for that to change on the 18th of August...
Thanks for the thought. They are because I'm half Italian, and the team have helped me proud to be so, throughout the competition. Though there was no denying the Spanish tonight. Worthy Champions.
Brilliant stuff. Save the strikers until you're 2-0 up and then let them rip. Love it. Felt a bit sorry for Italy but they were expecting a repeat of the group game tonight, but with Balotelli on fire, and it never happened. Spain were just utterly dominant and played their best football, which at the moment is better than anyone else can play.
Fair enough, Spain were excellent tonight and thoroughly deserved the win. I don't think the style of play will catch on though. Ball playing midfielders don't tend to be the best at making attacking runs as they're usually the ones playing runners through and they tend to have players ahead of them. It keeps possession great, but the players have to be pretty special to make the play and make runs in behind. It's not something that any team can play.
