It is tempting to look back at Spain s 2010 World Cup triumph and remember only the final the glorious victory of brain over brawn, of elegance over Dutch brutality.
Andres Iniesta wrote his name in Spanish folklore with the extra-time winner, granting him eternal reverence, and applause at every ground he subsequently visited with Barcelona.
In addition to Iniesta, Vicente del Bosque was able to call on the rugged Carles Puyol in defence, the midfield artistry of Xavi and Xabi Alonso and the predatory instincts of David Villa and Fernando Torres.
A team so good you d imagine they breezed through the group stage with the minimum of fuss.
Not so. Indeed, their early travails in South Africa bear a striking similarity to Spain s struggles in advancing …