The showcase of the best European talent – an eye opener!

The UEFA Under-21 Championship is viewed by experts as the gauge for assessing the talent and performance potential of top nations' next generations of players. In fact, from the youth coaching perspective is a 'development vs development' competition.

In this context to have Germany eliminated from the semi-finals at the 2013 Tournament is a shock of huge proportions and significance (they lost 2-3 against the Dutch in the first match and last night 0-1 to Spain). In the game played last night Spain completely and decisively demonstrated their superiority against the Germans who, by the way, are considered by many as a better generation than the current German national team.

It wasn't just the 65% possession or those 18 goal attempts (at another time, 5-6 of those attempts could be easily result in goals) that made the Germans lose the match. Some of the play features displayed by the Spanish team were simply phenomenal.

For example, every Spanish player was capable to win 80% of one v one situations (dribbling) even when under marking pressure, at speed or with no space (in average there were over six one v one situations per player). Their ball control, possession, disguise and non-positional movement was so efficient that the Germans did not find any answers to apply their own game plan or even to avoid embarrassment in many play sequences.

The Spanish are collectively successful because they are individually brilliant. Yes, Thiago and Isco are already world superstars but the rest are at the same level of ball mastery. Their respect for the ball, exceptional skill and creativity give you that funny feeling that THE BALL DOESN'T WANT TO LEAVE THEM. It displays the ultimate harmony between a successful and spectacular football mentality and the nature of players. As recognized by most experts, Spanish model of youth development is the most scientific and inspiring of all concepts and very close to the specifics of SA players and the country's environment and traditions.

I appeal to SuperSport United to forward a DVD copy of Spain Under-21 last night performance to the South African Football Association’s (SAFA) President Kirsten Nematandani, Robin Petersen and the rest of his technical staff for reference. Just as an attempt to prevent devastating consequences of another German invasion in SA football.

By Dumitru Ted