“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, the love of what you are doing or learning to do.” – Pele
When I think of the German national football team I think of a successful, physical, efficient and well-drilled machine. I think of a team that is based on simple technique, determination and purpose. When I think of the Brazilian national football team I also think of a successful team. Brazil is individual brilliance, individual skill, dribbling and flair. The Brazilian team is not only results driven but winning with style and complete dominance. You have the recently successful Spanish national team. A team that is based on quick passing, dominant possession, movement and outstanding teamwork. The Italian national teams are always known to be crafty, cautious with the individual brilliance to grind out results.
The French side that deservedly won this years World Cup had a good mixture of youth and experience and was full of players that play at the highest level. I didn’t see a team that relies on passing, dribbling or individual brilliance. I believe the outstanding strengths of the French team was their physicality, counter attacks, set-pieces and committed defensive outlook.
Looking back through previous World Cup winners it is difficult to pinpoint a particular style that will be successful. Football fans know that a small moment, referee decision, an injury or a change in weather will affect the end result. Football is ever evolving and surprises are always around the corner.
– Daniel Micevski