Tiki taka taken to new level by La Roja

Anyone who has watched Spain’s two opening Euro 2012 games will not be surprised that La Roja have statistically made a blistering start to the tournament.

Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, David Silva et al made 1,675 passes in total while drawing 1-1 with Italy and then outclassing Ireland 4-0. This leaves them far ahead in the stats table, over 400 clear of France in second with 1,238 passes. That Ireland are last of the 16 teams competing, with 717, will also be no great shock.

When it comes to the players, Spanish playmaker Xavi tops the rankings, with 258 passes made in just 180 minutes of football.