Spain’s 4-0 thrashing of Italy in the Euro 2012 final was football at its majestic best. It was also by far the biggest margin of victory in a Euro final.

The Spanish game was reminiscent of the magnificent Brazilian team of the 1980s that boasted of stars such as Socrates, Zico, Falcao and striker Careca whose deft passing had an element of arrogance and frustrated their opponents.

Their possession game forced opponents to make mistakes or to resort to rough tackling.

Spain’s lovely short passing game, tiki-taka, , managed to virtually keep the opposition at bay and was similar to Brazil running circles around their opponents.. Spain’s hat-trick — two Euros and a World Cup — has led some to call them the greatest team ever.

In fact, their passing during the Euro finals was so precise that it looked as if the Spanish midfield generals, Iniesta and Xavi, were toying with the Italian team, which included the master playmaker Andrea Pirlo.

There was a phase in the second half when it looked as if Italian team had resigned itself to its fate.

The Spanish squad, coached by Vicente del Bosque, is in many ways is a complete team. Its goalkeeper Iker Casillas is among the best in the world, and the defence is the toughest to crack with the likes of Ramos and Pique marshalling resources.

The diminutive midfielders Xavi and Iniesta, combining with the strikers upfront, were just too good for their opponents throughout the tournament.

To cap it, Fernando Torres bagged the Golden boot with three goals though spending the least time on the field.

In fact, whenever the Spaniards had possession, it looked they had more time than others. Even a seasoned team like Italy, with a strong defence, was no match.

The Spanish game combines the best of precision passing, tough defence, and elements of total football popularised by the Dutch team of the 1970s, led by Johann Cryuff.

Spain has dominated the world of football with a refreshingly clean game.

vrishi@thehindu.co.in

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