The ugly side of possession

NOBODY who watched the last World Cup denied Spain were the best team in the tournament.

There were, however, plenty who argued that they weren’t the best team to watch. Many spectators preferred Germany, who blasted their way to the semis with four goals against each of Australia, England and Argentina, only to be smothered under Spain’s blanket of possession.

Spain dominated that semi-final but had few opportunities to score. They needed a Carles Puyol header from a set-piece to break the deadlock, and they only began to create chances from play once Germany had to chase the game. Germany created nothing at all.