Spain win and bore: football's most selfish team?

Spain win and bore: football's most selfish team?

The debate is served: the Spanish national football team has won another title, but their style of play is drawing rejection from a growing section of supporters. The team is accused of being "the most selfish", not for failing to pass the ball, but for not letting the opponent play. Suffocating possession, constant pressure and endless tiki-taka turn matches into a monologue. Critics say football has lost its excitement: the opponent only defends and the spectacle fades. Yet some argue that this is precisely excellence: a collective machine with no irreplaceable stars, as seen with Lamine Yamal's absence. "Every cog can be replaced without affecting performance", they argue.

Cheating accusations and the final's kick-off time

The discontent is not only about style. Some claim Spain's win was not clean. "Even with cheating you couldn't win. We had to score three goals to dismantle your fix", has been said from the other side. The shadow of conspiracy looms over any recent success, though without evidence. To the footballing controversy is added the logistics: finals are played during the day. For many, it is a mistake that diminishes the event and harms the players' physical performance due to the heat. A recurring complaint that this tournament has not corrected.

The feeling that Spain not only wins, but tames the opponent until they are nullified, is what separates those who celebrate the efficiency from those who miss the epic of an even contest. The numbers back the head coach, but the narrative does not convince everyone. Imagine if winning now turns out to be bad for football's image.