When it matters ....

...... Spain turn on the class.

Iniesta is just a pure joy to watch, could watch him play all day long!

those other 5 lads next to him arnt bad either lol

they have to be the best side of all time.

my dad always tells me how special some of the Brazilians sides were back in the day but to win Euro - world cup - Euro -thats prett special.

if they can defend the world cup then i think even he will have to concede.

their a joy to watch and the irony is that the general crux of their play is pretty simple, pass and move, short sharp passes and plenty of movement.

The only team to trouble them was Portugal who I think had the best defence in the tournament plus Ronaldo and Nani who put the Spanish full backs on the back foot. No-one else actually took the game to Spain. The huge difference with Spain is not just the outstanding starting 11 it's the fact they pull Navas, Pedro, Santi, Torres, Mata or Llorente off the bench. And David Villa watching on TV. Plus with Del Bosque they have a great coach to match the great team.

it was literally pass the pants off the opposition and then when their knackered and on the ropes hit them with some pace as well.

your right Rob really enjoyed their tussle with porugal thought pepe and the other lad next to him were outstanding, nani and ronaldo a constant menace and meirales and co solid and workmanlike in the middle

Wonder if there exploits in the Euro's will convince anyone to move to use the BAR tactic with no striker?

Spain were class though and to have not conceded a goal in knockout football since 2006 is an unbelievable record!

What's the midfield like in BAR?

GK, LK, RK, CB, C2, AM, PM, P2, TM, LW, RW

I think...- Paul is this still relevant?

Do we need a new position for a false no.9?

Spain was generally playing 4213

with Busquets and Alonso playing the 2

Xavi the 1 just in front

Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva the 3

Gave lots of room to the fullbacks to bomb forward and when an actual striker did come on gave defences more problems as the switch in tactics just could not be answered after chasing small shadows for the first 70 minutes.

Has anyone read Jonathan Wilson's "Inverting the Pyramid", good history regarding formations and development off the game, 4-6-0 probably wont stand the test of time due to needing players of great skill and movement and the core coming from 1 side that also plays 4-6-0 as in Barca but like Brazil in the late 50's early 60's moving to a 4-4-2 it will go down in history as a formation that has changed football.

A great Euro's to watch and to be around and appriciating probably the greatest international side ever is a joy.

Spain for 2014?? I would say most of the 2012 will be there, Xavi and Puyol may not be 1st teamers (Iniesta to take Xavi's role and Mata moved to the left??) and other then injuries you cant see a team that has 70% of the ball losing to many games.

Viva Espana