by ‘Ifreke Inyang

 

Is tiki taka dead?

This is a question that many kept asking after the 5-1 mauling. Well, others were quick to find answers – and it was an emphatic YES mostly. I won’t be quick to hop on that train. I think Spain underrated Holland and secondly, even if they did not, I think their tiki taka hasn’t evolved over the years. The antidote for possession football is very simple – press your opponents high up the pitch and launch pacy counter-attacks. It worked a great treat!

We are sorry for writing off Holland

I stand in front of this row with my apologies. I did not see Holland scoring up to two goals against La Roja, let alone win the game with a four-goal margin. But the Dutch were in superb form last night, even after going down to an early Xabi Alonso penalty.

Do United fans have a cause to hope?

Louis van Gaal takes charge of Manchester United and on the strength of yesterday’s ‘tactical masterclass’, the Red Devil fans have been making the loudest noise. LVG is definitely in a class apart from David Moyes, but the EPL is a different ball game altogether. There will be cold nights at the Britannia. Mourinho will arrive with his Blue bus at Old Trafford and frustrate you.

Group B is one to keep an eye on

Group A made us feel the World Cup was yet to kick off. But after Holland vs Spain, we had little doubts. It was a typical World Cup game, where the favourites are taken to the cleaners and book makers are left with red faces. Chile vs Australia was also a great game. Make no mistakes, Group B has goals and of course, plenty drama.

RVP’s super technique

For someone who is named Blind, the left-back’s 51-yard pass for Robin van Persie’s goal, showed great vision. And what about van Persie’s immaculate header, that left Iker Casillas rooted to the spot? Absolutely sensational! It’s a shame that RVP is on the wrong side of 30, but injuries have marred what would have been a fantastic career.

Time for Iker to go?

I’m curious. Will Vicente Del Bosque continue with Casillas in their next game against Chile? When Jose Mourinho dropped him at Real Madrid, there was almost a riot in Madrid. But the Portuguese manager would have allowed himself a good laugh, as Casillas flapped around yesterday. Chile have more pace and are more adventurous than the Dutch. They will have a go at the Spaniards. Maybe it’s time for De Gea.

Revenge is best served cold

It’s been four years since Andres Iniesta scored against Holland and made Spain world champions. It was indeed a painful night for the Dutch. And yesterday, in front of billions of fans, they made sure they paid the pass masters in good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. Arjen Robben, who fluffed his chance in South Africa, made amends with two sublimely taken goals. Complete humiliation.

 

 

‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke