Spain: The end of the tiki-taka era?

Reigning FIFA World Cup winners and double European champions Spain last night suffered their worst defeat in recent memory, a 0-3 against hosts Brazil in the final of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup at the iconic Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

The match was their first defeat in an official game since their shock opening round 0-1 defeat against Switzerland at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Thereafter, Spain did not lose in an impressive 29 matches.

But after the demolition by Brazil last night, the question is being asked if the time of the golden Spanish generation and tiki taka is over.

I would say no. One defeat and a not so convincing Confederations Cup can’t be the reason for people to doubt La Furja Roja, who have dominated world football for the last five years. Surely they haven’t been as dominant in recent months, but that is a good sign for world football. Though it doesn’t mean it is the end of the Spanish being a top side and tiki taka, though sometimes boring to the fans, has outlived its time.

The reasons behind this are simple to put together. Spain’s defence hasn’t looked as rock solid as in earlier tournaments, age seems to catching-up with 34 year old Xavi Hernandez and Spain lack an outstanding striker like Fernando Torres or David Villa used to be.

But what is most worrying about Spain and FC Barcelona is that they do not have a Plan B ready, when their brand of tiki taka football do not work against an opponent. They cannot switch from their controlled possession football to another style, which would be needed as other teams are catching-up.

Also, one should not forget that the Spanish Under-21 side won the Under-21 European Championships in Israel in style and dominant fashion, so there are players who are coming through the system who could replace the ageing stars.

Seasoned coach Vicente del Bosque will surely also have observed these problems and will take the lessons back home before returning to Brazil next summer to retain the FIFA World Cup trophy.

Do you agree with me or think differently?