Was Hughton Watching Same World Cup As Everyone Else?

Last updated : 15 July 2010 By Footy Mad - Editor

Chris Hughton believes the Spanish style may have an impact on the game for years to come.

Chris Hughton: “Nobody really played like Spain did in the tournament, apart from maybe Brazil.

“Spain’s passing game stood out, and they showed just how effective you can be playing free-flowing football.

“That’s not only from an attacking point of view, but their movement from a defensive point of view has to be a success as well – they won a lot of games 1-0.

“They have been consistent, not only in this tournament but right the way through qualifying and further back.

“I think they’ve kept something like 20 clean sheets in 32 matches.

“For an offensive team that’s impressive, but it goes to show they’ve got it right at the back as well.

“Tactically, this has been a very interesting World Cup, but I suppose if you’re comparing Spain domestically, you could only say Arsenal attempt to produce such a similar style.

“There were too many negatives before the tournament in South Africa about stadiums, transport and safety.

“But the tournament ran smoothly.

“On the field, it was an interesting spectacle too. There were a lot of different systems used.

“Germany proved to be a team that played on the counter-attack and we saw the changing face of football.

“You wouldn’t have thought that England, France and Italy would be out at the last 16 stage or before, but that’s what happened.

“And you saw the emergence of teams like Paraguay, Uruguay and Ghana making it to the latter stages.

“Overall, it was impossible not to enjoy the tournament.”

Sorry Chris ... it was SHITE!