That's not tiki taka. It's similar in that they play a high possession type game, but they don't move the ball the same. I think what they do now is much more difficult to break down because there's a lot more unpredictability. I was much more impressed by how their midfield is where their defense comes from. They switch on to defense better and faster than any team I've ever seen. They choke off all passing lanes and make life on the back line incredibly easy. Messi didn't have a touch in the final 3rd until something like the 80th minute. That's insane. To not allow a shot in regular time in the World Cup Final against the defending champions is something we might never see again. Conceded 1 goal in 8 matches that included games against Portugal, Belgium, France, and Argentina? Truly unbelievable and impressive. Thanks to Spain for allowing football to win again. Much like the Champions League final with Arsenal and PSG, the team that came to play disciplined actual football won. The Messi lovefest is over. He proved to be just as nasty as the rest of his compatriots. I will revel in the mediocrity that's about to smack Argentina in the face when he's gone. Platers like Paredes and Enzo deserve all the derision and hatred coming their way. This might've been one of the most unlikeable teams of all time. Went to watch at my friend's bar yesterday expecting there to be a majority Argentina crowd. It was probably 75-25 people rooting for Spain. Brits, Germans, Mexicans, Americans all rooting against Argentina more than for Spain. I'm bummed it's over but I can now take a few weeks off before the EPL comes back exactly 1 month from tomorrow.
Barcelona haven't really played true tika taka since Pepe left. What they did under Enrique has became what everyone identifies as Spanish soccer. High possession but more direct attacks and quick transition to counter attacks. The Spanish defense was incredible. The ball seldom got passed the midfielders. What struck me is how good all their first touches were across the entire team compared to every other team. Only France was close to the same level. I have to admit that most of the soccer I've watched in my life was La Liga and I took the crisp passing and first touches for granted. All the Spanish players grew up watching and idolizing Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Suarez, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, Xavi, Ramos and it showed. The Spaniards never stood around with the ball. They took their first touch and either they are dribbling or they passed right away. They didn't stand around waiting for defenders to converge like Argentina. I agree that Argentina will be very mediocre without Messi. Anyway. I'm hoping with Spain's success, you see more of this style of play in other countries and in youth soccer in the US because it's beautiful to watch.
