By Rasmus Lukunka

I sometimes find it rather challenging to share my thoughts on certain views without expressing my irritation. This time I’m irritated by all the talk of how Barcelona’s style of play epitomized the beautiful game. I understand that I’m probably 1 out-of 1000 who dares to challenge what has become the status quo in this view…and I’m ok with it.

First of all, credit to the likes Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Fabrigas who are hybrid players with the ability to create something out of nothing. Rarely do we discuss defenders silencing any of these players. Barcelona’s approach involves discipline combined with the ability to score more goals than their opponents. In addition, they seem to deliver when it matters most; Champions League finals in 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 are two of many examples.

Ok, so what’s my beef you ask? It’s simply…at times their tactics bore me to death! I can only imagine how opposition players feel when Barcelona passes the ball side-ways and execute their rendition of Mary-Go-Round. Sometimes I want them to score a goal just so their opponents can get a touch. From a neutral’s perspective, I like to see a spectacle. If Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, and Beckenbauer played on the same team, do you think they’d make a hundred passes in the center before capitalizing on their opponent’s boredom? Not condoning it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Barcelona met United in the 2011/2012 final and Rooney unleashes his frustration as he did on Miodrag Dzudovic against Montenegro.

I’m also one of the few who empathizes with Jose Mourinho…there’s a correlation. The self-proclaimed “Special One” quickly became flustered with Barcelona’s tactics. After managing in the Premier League where hard tackles, set-piece, and direct plays make 3-points worth the blood, sweat, and tears, Mourinho was clearly frustrated in La Liga. He was specifically frustrated with Barcelona’s tactics. Although sometimes pleasing to the naked eye, the Mary-Go-Round type of play makes Premier League tackles seem like WWE power slam moves.

Following England’s victory over Spain, my hope has been restored. I appreciate sliding tackles, direct play, hard running, and long balls. Even more, I appreciate the fact that England won without compromising their style of play. Direct and hard but smart tackling from the likes of Scott Parker, Phil Jones, Frank Lampard, and even Jack Rodwell demonstrated to the world that winning against Mary-Go-Round football is possible. It’s certainly tougher because it requires a greater level of discipline and concentration. It requires energy, dedication, commitment, and sacrifice. Translation: empower youth in the center of park.

At the end of the spectacle, it doesn’t matter whether a goal came from an overhead kick, a series of sublime passes, a long-ranger shot, a set-piece, header from a cross…you name it. The only two things that matter are 3 points and trophies. The game is still beautiful.