Brazil vs. Spain: What Host Must Do to Topple Powerful La Roja

Spain was rolling before facing Italy in the semifinals on Thursday.

Then, La Roja found themselves in a dog fight, eventually emerging victorious on penalty kicks after both teams failed to score in regulation.

So what lessons can be learned from Spain's tense match against Italy?

Let's take a look at what Brazil must do to topple the experienced Spanish.

Play with a Steady Head

While Brazil is still developing, Spain is blessed with several experienced veterans who know the pressures of competing on a grand stage.

Brazil has committed a tournament-high 81 fouls in four matches, per FIFA.com. Spain, on the other hand, has committed the fewest fouls (42) among teams that have played four matches, which is third-fewest overall.

Brazil is also coming off a close win over Uruguay. In that match, the Brazilians racked up three yellow cards and ceded eight corner kicks.

If the host nation is to defeat Spain, it has to play more disciplined football. Spain tends to have a way of making teams pay for their ill-advised decisions.

Capitalize on Opportunities

Spain has ceded just one goal in four matches thus far, and that came in its first match of the tournament against Uruguay. Since then, La Roja have shut out their last three opponents.

That being said, Spain didn't play its finest football against Italy in the semifinals. The Italians registered 13 shots including six on goal. Italy also was granted six corner kicks.

But Christian Maggio, Daniele De Rossi and Claudio Marchisio all failed to convert on some prime opportunities before the 20th minute of action, and Emanuele Giaccherini's attempt hit the post in extra time. Their missed efforts set up penalty kicks, which were won by Spain.

Despite the absence of Mario Balotelli, Italy showed in the semifinals that Spain's defense has some holes. Unfortunately for the Italians, they could not exploit those gaps.

Continue to Play Sound Defense

While Spain has allowed one goal in the tournament, Brazil has allowed a respectable three goals. Uruguay managed only seven shots (three shots on goal) in the semifinals.

In what should be a low-scoring match, allowing more than one goal could be all it takes to dash Brazil's chances against La Roja. While Brazil has been strong on the back end so far, the side did allow two goals to Italy in the group stage. That included allowing 10 shots while committing 27 fouls.

Spain has a more dangerous attack than Italy when the side is clicking. Brazil needs to set the tone early and not allow La Roja to build a rhythm.