FIFA World Cup: Spain hone Tiki-Taka system for defensive Dutch line-up

Curitiba (Brazil): With the Netherlands determined to use a defensive setup to beat Spain, the World Cup champions are honing their famed “tiki-taka” system in reply. Coach Vicente del Bosque put his squad through an intense opening training session on Monday, pushing his players to refine the quick-touch, possession-based style that has propelled them to the top of world football.

Spain’s commitment to their tactics has left the Netherlands preparing a new formation with five defenders for their Group B opener on Friday. The rematch of the brutish 2010 World Cup final, won by Spain 1-0, looks like they could pick up in Salvador right where they left off in Johannesburg. “It’s a key game because it is the first game. It’s fundamental,” midfielder David Silva said on Monday. “We know if we can win this game we’ll take a big step forward.”

Del Bosque said that the Spain players are not “tiki-taka Talibans,” suggesting the team could vary their tactics when needed. The former Real Madrid coach has tinkered with his formation at each tournament since taking over in 2008, with Silva often being relied on to be a difference maker.

Silva found himself coming off the bench during World Cup qualifying but against the Dutch, Silva’s ability to unlock the opponent’s defense could provide the necessary breakthrough.