Yes - I remember Spanish refs in the early 90s being notorious for wanting to be the stars

something that got remarked on quite a lot in World Soccer and elsewhere.

As you suggest, it'll be interesting to see what happens when the rest of the world catches up with them. Such is the history of tactical innovation: a team (eg Arsenal in the Thirties or Hungary in the Fifties) finds a way of playing that works brilliantly, and eventually other sides adapt or counter the tactic and supersede them (usually assisting by the innovating team waning/ageing).

Inter found a way to counter Barca (Spain are basically Barca-lite - without Dani Alves, Messi and Abidal) but it relied on absolutely brilliant defenders/goalkeeper and a good deal of luck. Not many teams are going to pull that off.

Posted By: Ottosson Foxtrot, Jul 8, 17:55:32