József Tamás Reményi compares the catenaccio and the sonnet

Literary critic József Tamás Reményi criticises the use of catenaccio defence tactics at the South Africa World Cup on literary portal Litera: "Perfectionism (versus art), effectiveness (versus imagination), power (versus finesse) and dirty tricks (versus fairness) are the name of the game in modern football. As we know, an intelligent team plays on the counter-attack. In other words: it packs the defence. So the cantenaccio can be compared with the sonnet. It benefits the untalented and the masters equally. With the necessary will and luck the former can conceal their lack of skill and avoid disgrace. The latter for their part can use it to save their energy (take the game-destroying, time-wasting tactics of the Dutch against the Slovakians). ... But every now and then it can be combined with the odd stroke of genius (see the way the Brazilians are playing in this World Cup). The Spanish have been confronted with both types: the Swiss team composed of little craftsmen was even able to trip it up. Meanwhile the masters of defence, the Portuguese, almost managed to lull them into defeat. ... A few interludes of genius, ... followed by yawning monotony."

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