The Spanish juggernaut

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As Jesus Navas purposefully pulverised the goal into the back of the Croatia net, after 88 minutes of what resembled a grossly uneven boxing bout; it was interesting to note the reaction of the Spanish players, or the conspicuous lack of it.

While other nations, perceptibly inferior in the talent department, might have expressed evident joy and satisfaction, the Spaniards trooped off, their sense of entitlement evident, their belief that anything less than winning the title wouldn't warrant celebration apparent.

For a side which has scored 6 and let in 1, for a total of 7 points, Spain might count themselves unlucky to have acquired a bandwagon of detractors.

However, the tiki-taka football, as employed by Vicente del Bosque, can be a boring sight to endure at the outset. It relies on stealth, skill and a bucketful of patience.

Spain, as a unit, have a severe phobia of giving the ball away, and that results in a style of play which limits that occurrence. In comparison to the glorious international teams, be it 1958 and 1970 Brazil, 1988 Netherlands or even 1998-2000 France, Spain rely lesser on individual flair and skill and direct, attacking football as they do on a gradual, systematic breakdown of their opponent. They are an 11 headed boa which constricts the life out of its opponent.

That Spain are not perceived to be artistic, revolutionary delight they were considered to be in 2008 might be a touch unfair, as they have also shed the chokers tag from that era.

They recognise what it takes to win, and with a Catalan backbone, it has been an impressive task to transform previous frailties into pure strengths.

They face a French team which will suddenly have a lot more question marks floating around its collective entity than it has had for more than a year, after their defeat to Sweden.

The suspension of the immobile, error prone Philippe Mexes could be a blessing in disguise as the quick, alert Laurent Koscielny will step in. France, needless to say, will have to play the game of their lives.