The Brazil team did not necessarily played better football. However, they were able to take advantage of the weaknesses in the Spanish style of play. The Spanish team tends to defend high up the pitch. Therefore, more players are in the offensive third than are in the defensive third. Added to this is the fact that both wide players are most times caught high up the pitch. This leads to holes in the defence because there are fewer defenders to deal with a quick counter attack.
The constant high line of the entire team means that they will always be vulnerable to counter attacking moves. The absence of the full backs to provide cover only results in the two central defenders being pulled out of position. With the movement of the central defenders gaps now appear in the middle through which the opposing attackers can pounce.
Most of the counter attacking moves by the Brazilian team came down the flanks. The ball is spread wide to a waiting player who is typical quick feet. He then attacks the space on either flank which pulls out the central defender, then plays the ball inside or have a go at the goal. This happened in the semi-final match against Italy as well. The quick counter attack came through the flank players.
This is a weakness that can be fixed. Hopefully the Spanish coaching staff (Barcelona as well) will recognize and fix this problem.
