Spain's recent success was built on what they call "tiki-taka, " its often intoxicating possession game.

WSJ: Euro 2012: Spain's Three-Peat: Just The Beginning

There was a menace about Brazil every time they crossed the halfway line, often aided and abetted by Scotland conceding possession, but the final ball was often overcooked.

BBC: Scotland 0-2 Brazil

The tie in the Nordbank Arena in many ways typified Celtic's European campaign this season, with possession too often surrendered cheaply and scoring opportunities wasted.

BBC: Mowbray angry at missed chances

Spain racked up ridiculous possession numbers, often in the range of 60%, and plenty of shots on goal.

WSJ: Euro 2012: Spain's Three-Peat: Just The Beginning

In the first-half the home team needlessly gave away possession far too often against a team of Arsenal's quality, while right-back Habib Beye repeatedly drifted too far inside and offered too much space to Tomas Rosicky.

BBC: Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal

He said word spread quickly that he was in possession of an unknown animal -- often speculated in his region to be chupacabras, or mythical creatures, he said.

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But all too often the visitors spilled the ball at the crucial point or conceded possession for lack of support.

BBC: Cardiff Blues 24-18 Bath

Glasgow were proving particularly tenacious at the tackle area, often ripping the ball out of a Warrior's grasp or stealing possession in other ways to thwart the home side.

BBC: Celtic Warriors 9-19 Glasgow

There is only one Barcelona player in the top 15 (Xavi), which makes sense Barcelona has so much possession that it doesn't have to press nearly as often, even though high pressing is a fundamental part of its game.

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