Defensive dilemma: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque

 They have not been as secure since and in qualification this time allowed six goals in eight games, sharing with Denmark the worst defensive ratio of any group winner. Coach Vicente del Bosque is now looking for means of tightening up, his worst nightmare being a combination of negative Italian tactics and defensive vulnerability to a breakaway goal, the sucker punch that felled Barcelona in April in other words.

 That night at least, Chelsea had an excuse. No team match Barcelona pass for pass and it is foolish to try. In the final, as UEFA had seen fit to give Bayern Munich a home tie, who could blame  Roberto Di Matteo for adopting the tactics of the away side?

 This is different. Largely neutral venues and no team - not even Spain, who are attempting an  unprecedented third consecutive major tournament win in  international football - are in  Barcelona's class.

 This should be a stage on which the world's greatest footballers should be able to create. Already reeling from allegations of racism and UEFA indifference, a lesser evil for Poland and Ukraine would be if their event were to be remembered as a triumph for the spoilers.

 What Chelsea did to win the Champions League was necessary and, in so many ways, admirable. It is when it becomes imitable, even fashionable, that the Chelsea effect is dangerous.

« Previous12345Next »