Guillem blogs on the state of the press pack following a Spanish team that knows how to win a big final.
Part 16: Technique and tactical intelligence is enough for Spain
So, we got to the final.
I mean us the fans, the journalists too. Walking into the Spain press conference to see friends and colleagues, all you could see were tired faces.
Some of the Spanish journalists have been in seven hotels in the last seven days, and the travelling has almost killed them. The access to the players has been reduced with some interviews lasting two minutes, and only those that are close to the players being allowed to make phone calls for longer chats that could fill a whole page.
One of the most original contributions to the obligatory daily dose of interviews is the one chosen by my colleagues Javi Matallanas and Joaquín Maroto at AS.
Following the success of a TV series of a similar format, a few months ago they started an improvised chat by the coffee machine at the newspaper in front of a supposed security camera, the 'ultimate' fly on the wall.
They have reproduced that and have managed to speak to Vicente del Bosque, Gerard Piqué, Pedro, Fernando Llorente, Andres Iniesta, almost everybody!
Have a look at the two stars of the tournament...
Different
And the game? Iker Casillas was saying in Saturday's press conference that he felt the pressure four years ago and the nerves in the World Cup.
This final is different. It is one to be won, but they know what they have to do, how to keep the right level of tension and there is no historical urgencies or an obligation to win it.
I feel the same. This team has made history in the statistical books (by equalling West Germany in reaching three consecutive finals) but also in the way they have followed a style that influenced huge football nations like Italy and Germany.
What can you learn from the Spaniards? Only that technique and tactical intelligence allows you to be whatever you want to be. Nobody should copy anybody else.
If you add to that the winning mentality (never mind the commitment, belief and those words used so often to describe failed tries at winning tournaments) then the cocktail is ideal.
Italy have got it too and scored first against us in the opening game. If we hadn't drawn straight away, we could be talking about a different final. I imagine del Bosque would insist on that same team (with Cesc Fabregas and no Fernando Torres) to guarantee control and win the game with Navas or Pedro or Torres from the bench.
Because games are not won by the first XI these days. Spain can do it, and if we do, I will remember those games we used to play in the school where we wanted to be French, Italian, German and I would imagine our kids will not need to learn other names than Iniesta (my man of the tournament), Xavi, Cesc, Torres, Silva, Piqué, Ramos, Iker... for those improvised street games.
