Adapt or die

This discussion of the Spanish style has been growing for some time and was bound to start getting some mainstream coverage. Obviously people are beginning to add up whether they like the so called "tiki taka" style of play implemented most famously by Barcelona FC and the Spanish national side. Recently even "genius" pundits such as Alexi Lalas as well as others are throwing their opinions into the mix.
    Whether you approve of this style of soccer/football, there is one thing you should know. There are two versions of this "tiki taka" style we have seen from both Barcelon and Spain. There is the fast paced passes used in attacking an opponents goal. Then there is the more passive (and some would say boring) continue passing. While both versions usually see Barca or Spain keep a great deal of the possession, only one seems to be the style that is making these two sides two of the best in history.
      I have seen both sides use use their passing game magnificently. They will dismantle an opponent's defense right from the start. They create space with dummy runs and then make quick through passes to create chances and goals. Its beautiful and utterly fantastic to watch. Then you have games like the two Barca played against Chelsea in the Champions League semi final this year. Chelsea's performance was spectacular. I have never seen such a strictly focus and determined defensive display. Yes, it was pragmatic and very anti-football, but they beat the best team int the world to make it to final of the most competitive tournament that exists. This is something that, I think, Barca and Spain do not grasp. Sometimes you have to knuckle down and just scrape out a win. It wont be pretty and it might not be exciting to watch. But your club gets the result it needed. I am not suggesting that this should be how teams should play. I am saying that teams like Barca and Spain have no plan B. They have gotten away with often because of their depth and talent. However Barca did not win La Liga this season. This may be why.
    I love the Barca style. It truly is "the beautiful game". But, when things go south, great teams adapt. They problem solve and find another way to win. Now I have gotten a little bit off track but, I started this post back in June and I am finishing it in August. What I am saying is that this style can be used effectively and it can be used ineffectively. If the pundits want to discuss this and comment on whether they approve or not. It would behoove them to mention that when it works and Barca is turned on it is by no means repetitive and boring. When they get stuck in the midfield and around the box and cannot find away to penetrate an 11 men defense that is when teams need to look to something else to try. But... of course they don't.