World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why tiki-taka is seemingly dead

#2 The defensive strategy of the opponents

The opposition teams have now got used to tiki-taka and they adopt an ultra-defensive approach against it. Mexico’s rock solid performance against Germany and Russia’s dour resistance against Spain are testimony to that.

They preferred to sit deep and watch the opposition play harmless passes in the midfield. And when they got an opportunity to attack, they did so with lethal pace which their opponents found too difficult to handle.

Mexico’s counter attacking success against Germany is already part of World Cup folklore. Russia’s giant-killing performance against Spain has also caused euphoria in the host nation.

Other teams have also taken a cue from them and are likely to repeat this strategy in future. It is always going to be very difficult to score against such dogged resistance with the indirect approach of tiki-taka.

About the author

Subhadeep, an adept tennis journalist at Sportskeeda, has been writing about the sport for seven years. He is known for his exclusive match reviews and opinion pieces, utilizing his MBA degree to tackle them effectively with his problem-solving abilities.

Subhadeep lives and breathes tennis. He watches matches regularly and engages in social media platforms to stay on top of the latest happenings. As a writer, he brings the fan's perspective to his pieces, ensuring his readers enjoy an exceptional experience every time.

Growing up, he idolized Boris Becker, but he now firmly believes Novak Djokovic stands alone as the 'Greatest of all Time', especially considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's incredible stats. One thing that still puzzles Subhadeep, however, is how Becker's Wimbledon tally might have reached five if not for Pete Sampras.

Speaking of the All England Club, the British Major holds a special place in his heart as he admires its blend of tradition and grass-court excellence. When not working for Sportskeeda, Subhadeep delves into the other "love of his life": football, and enjoys contributing his insights to different websites dedicated to the sport.

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Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.