[mufi_02]

Football today is, by and large, Spanish. Spain's success has shaped the playing philosophies of almost every major European nation. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli unashamedly based his reign around the Spanish method of ball retention. Germany were inspired to press higher up the pitch following their defeat to Spain in 2010. France are now using a holding midfielder, Yohan Cabaye, who cites the Xavi theory that a player in that position should touch the ball 100 times per game. Dutch football was "Spanish" because the reverse was true, while Portuguese football has always been closely aligned with its neighbours anyway.

Even England, notoriously conservative and inward-looking, has drawn upon Spain in playing a more proactive style. The Premier League, meanwhile, will feature a title race between contenders featuring Juan Mata, David Silva, Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas as playmakers, plus a Liverpool side whose manager frequently cites Spain as his greatest influence. This is the blood-and-thunder, 100 mph, ultra-physical Premier League.

Spain have rewritten the rule book -- they've helped persuade everyone that "good football" is "possession football," and "good football" is required to win matches. It's their greatest achievement.

Then think about football today, where passing has been repopularised dramatically following years of Spanish success, and try to say tiki-taka is dead with a straight face. This generation of the national side is dead, but Spain's influence will live on for decades.

http://www.espnfc.us/blog/tactics-an...own-revolution