pique has no idea to defend without the ball

and spain are not having the same sort of match control they've enjoyed in the past

seriously...spain need to play more like r madrid (or atleti as an alternative) and less like Farza

tiki taka with these players (many are not in good physical shape) is suicide football

Hierro needs to make big changes before the russia match

Pushing the full backs up with only the snail-paced Busquets to shield the CBs is total folly.

Did the reason Barca manage it because in their prime Abidal played more as a third CB than anything?

Having Busquets cover that is

That's one of several reasons, yes.

1. They'd only have one full back - generally Alves - pushing up. Busquets would slot in behind the CBs, so they generally had a four man defence.

2. Barça's 7-second rule to win the ball back.

3. Puyol's reading and speed on the turn.

4. Xavi. The likelihood of surrendering possession in dangerous areas was virtually negligible.

Yeh would agree with that.

By proxy then Busquets probably doesn't suit many midfields in the world?

Might work in a 4-2-3-1. Maybe something like this for Spain:

_________De Gea
Nacho _ Pique _ Ramos _ Alba
______Saúl ___ Biscuits
Aspas ____ Isco _____ Iniesta
_________Costa/Rodrigo

Alba could still help to provide width on the left, but we should have better cover at the back. If Saúl pushes up, Alba gets back.

I like Asensio, but still not sure which his best position is. Not sure he knows either.

comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 1 hour, 6 minutes ago
Pushing the full backs up with only the snail-paced Busquets to shield the CBs is total folly.
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very true

busquets just doesn't have the mobility now to protect the CBs.

comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 35 minutes ago
Might work in a 4-2-3-1. Maybe something like this for Spain:

_________De Gea
Nacho _ Pique _ Ramos _ Alba
______Saúl ___ Biscuits
Aspas ____ Isco _____ Iniesta
_________Costa/Rodrigo

Alba could still help to provide width on the left, but we should have better cover at the back. If Saúl pushes up, Alba gets back.

I like Asensio, but still not sure which his best position is. Not sure he knows either.
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I would drop Iniesta for Silva. I have't been impressed with Iniesta much this tournament, game looks to pass him by.

You didn't watch last night's game, did you?

Nope

iniesta played well yesterday

silva was poor

Isco and Iniesta were our best players by some distance.

Iniesta had been pretty awful in the first two games, but he really upped his game last night. Silva's been quite anonymous so far too. Looks a bit lost, maybe because he's not playing in his best position.

I only saw the highlights which I guess didn't do Iniesta justice considering his shocker for Morocco's first.

Costa's pass to Iniesta for Isco's goal was insane though.

comment by peks " El Patrón " (U6618)
posted 34 minutes ago
iniesta played well yesterday

silva was poor
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True. I really like the look of Isco. He's absolutely incredible. Quite amazing that Valencia allowed him to leave for only 8m. I still blame Emery for overlooking him for Tino Costa which angered him. He's looked at special talent since he was 15

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He played in Italy before Spain. Think he was used in a more attacking role there though. Here he's had to play a more withdrawn role that might not suit him so much.

I like kovacic a lot

it will be Napoli's gain and Madrid's loss if he goes

Football twitter loves Kovacic

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Will score the winner.

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Croatia still have some good players playing though.