Spain, at last

Spain had been the best team that did not win. By 2010 they have a Euro and a way of playing that bores opponents to death. The World Cup in South Africa is ugly and tight. Iniesta scores in extra time against the Netherlands. 1-0. Casillas lifts the cup.

Barcelona’s midfield and the national team had merged into one idea: the ball as a shield. Critics called it sterile. The trophy is not sterile. It is the proof that a style can travel from a club to a country to a final.

Later Spain will fade and then return. 2010 is the night the possession cult got a statue.