Opponents usually run themselves into exhaustion chasing the ball, which allows passing channels to open, giving the Spanish strikers a relentless series of chances to deliver lethal strikes at the goal that leave fans gasping with wonder.

WSJ: La Roja: How Spain Became the World's Best Soccer Team

Obama announced new "presidential policy guidelines" last week on the standards his administration has been using when deciding to launch lethal strikes, including a guideline to strike a target only if it presents an "imminent threat" to U.S. national security and only if the target cannot be captured.

NPR: Drone Strike Comes Despite Transparency Pledge

Brennan's nomination won approval Tuesday by the Senate Intelligence Committee after the White House broke a lengthy impasse by agreeing to give lawmakers access to top-secret legal opinions justifying the use of lethal drone strikes against al-Qaida suspects overseas.

NPR: Senator Launches Lengthy Debate To Block CIA Pick