Spain answers critics with Euro 2012 'tiki taka'

Spain's talented midfielders answered weeks of criticism over boring play with a masterclass performance of attacking football that led it to a second straight European Championship.

Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva repaid coach Vicente del Bosque's trust in fielding a starting lineup without a traditional striker by pulling the strings in yesterday's 4-0 victory over Italy.

The four players were involved in nearly all four goals as Spain's quick-touch passing and slick combinations – termed "tiki taka" back home -- helped the world champions win their third straight major title.

"Even without a traditional striker they still cause a hell of a lot of problems," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said from the Olympic Stadium.

Del Bosque aligned the same starting 11 that he used in the opening 1-1 Group C draw against Italy, and despite routing Ireland 4-0 and beating Croatia 1-0, scrutiny followed. The world champions then beat France 2-0 and Portugal in a semifinal shootout, but the murmurs continued.

There was no argument yesterday, however, as Spain showed its intent to silence the critics straight from kickoff with Silva capping a goal that involved all four players in the 14th minute.

"Everyone has his own opinion, way of seeing things. We're not here to say if this is the best way of playing or not," Iniesta said. "Tonight we were at a high level and true to our style." The term tiki taka has followed Spain since its Euro 2008 triumph in Vienna four years ago and Spain used its attractive passing game to keep the ball and phase their opponents out of the game.

"What we do is difficult, but we make it look easy. It wasn't a walk in the park," Spain captain Iker Casillas said.

"We knew that when you slip just a little but, people are there to criticize you. Now we have to enjoy this moment that will last a lifetime."

... contd.

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