2013 Confederations Cup: A test of Spain's footballing philosophy

Spain have conquered the world in the last seven years and yet they travel to the Confederations Cup as a team with genuine desire.

Spain faltered in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup of 2009 when they were outplayed by USA. Del Bosque’s side would desperately want to add this prize to their kitty as well. They retain a core group of players who continue to constitute that much feared midfield. Xabi Alonso‘s injury is a slight setback for the team but they have more than potent replacements for the defensive midfielder. The critics have come up with a line of argument that just as Barcelona suffered a drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich, Spain too is likely to be on the verge of a setback given that their system derives from the passing system developed at Nou Camp. However, there is no evidence at the International stage that La Roja’s juggernaut will be stopped in Brazil.

Spain have in fact traveled a lot more than other International teams in the last few years and even as critics continue to find fault with it; considering it to be a money-making ploy, there is no doubt that more time together helps create understanding between players. Especially with the kind of game Spain employ, more international matches can’t do them any harm. Del Bosque continues to invest a lot of faith in his experienced midfield in accordance with his philosophy. Spain pass the ball endlessly and tire their opponents; they are patient like vultures and the tactically astute players have the ability to exploit the smallest gap that opens up in the defense.

Spain have also phased out the strikers out of their game as they rely upon the midfielders to get into scoring positions. Del Bosque made it pretty evident that he did not have much sympathy for out and out strikers. He said, “A striker can spend practically the whole game without having to touch the ball, then score a goal and everyone says, ‘well, anyone could have scored that’. But he has spent the whole match without a sniff of the ball. We need players up front who participate – ones who are visible and actively take part during the game.”

The boss is not understood to have much admiration for the worn out legs of Fernando Torres, David Villa and prefers a makeshift striker. He is likely to employ that strategy at the Confederations Cup as long as it works. If he does face a goal draught, he will introduce Villa or Torres into the game. On the other hand, Spain have a solid defense to bank upon with the requisite physicality and organisation. The pace of Jordi Alba on the left flank adds a new dimension to their game allowing them throw the odd fluid counter attacking move.

Spain face their most challenging game of the competition first up against Uruguay and that game will set the tone for the competition. A comprehensive victory in that game will vindicate Del Bosque’s strategy and ensure they gain confidence moving through the easier fixtures against Tahiti and Nigeria. However, a hiccup initially does not mean that Spain will be in any considerable trouble given their massive bench strength.

The real test will come against the likes of Brazil and Italy. The well established style of their team will be subjected to the tactical ploys of Felipe Scolari and Cesar Prandelli. The Italian team especially is likely to sit back and use their Milanese duo upfront to spring a rude surprise. Brazil on the other hand will use the characteristic Scolari set-up with tackling midfielders, a center back who can initiate an attacking move from the back and goal-scoring forwards.

If Spain do set up a victory at the Confederations Cup, they would have taken a massive step towards the greater mission that is the World Cup 2014. Cesc Fabregas succintly summarized the attitude with which they will approach the dress rehearsal. He said, “It seems a less significant competition but for us it’s very important. I’m very proud with what we’ve done, but we need to continue. This team never settles (for what it has achieved). We want the Confederations Cup. This generation deserves to have all the titles. The more you win, the more you want.”

The competition will be test of the philosophy of their game, albeit a less severe one.