5 Things we have learned about matchday 8:

1) Villa is GOD! That wicked golazo at the end. That beautiful flick between the defender, that David clinically parked in the corner of the net a la Thierry Henry. Pure brilliance. Mara-Villa carried the pressures of the game and the team on his back and executed perfectly. Kudos to Joan Capdevila for having the foresight to send that long ball (YES long ball) out towards Villa. What more can I say!

2) We can win ugly! It wasn’t the prettiest of games, goals, or defending. It was frustrating and yes we suffered. The midgets in the midfield passing clinic approach didn’t work this time. Our corner kicks vs the giants were appalling. And frankly, I felt that the team was trying to play to Torres’ strengths with the long balls, to make him feel wanted. In the end, we got all 3 points with a little suffering and grit. Still not convincing, still questions. Shame on Sweden for playing for the draw.

3) Sergio Ramos can have two consecutive bad days at the office. Whodathunk? What is going on with Sergio? Has the ego landed? Is he still in disco dolly heaven? I don’t know but his decisions and performance of late, have been poor. Aliens have taken the real Sergio. We need him back. We all know that he is a world class player. But has it gone to his head a bit? He is definitely due for a stellar performance. He just needs to relax….

4) Lucky Gus is still Lucky Gus and we like it. Russia beat the Greeks, which means Spain is on top of the group and advances to the quarters. One can only hope that more havoc rocks the Group of Death. Snicker Snicker. The old man can rest our key players and give some playing time to Guiza, Xabi Alonso, etc. It’s a good thing because…

5) Carles Puyol is TBD. Our rock in the center of defense has hurt his foot. I am very concerned. Please let it be a minor fracture. I hope all the boy needs is pain killers. This is potentially a big blow to our future success in the tournament. The Valencia gruesome twosome, Marchena and Albiol, were serviceable, but we sorely need our rock and roll defender. Let’s all pray that he returns for the quarters.

A special round of applause for David Silva. I thought he was amazing. He created the first goal and held possession quite well against the Swedes. Our little energizer bunny was playing with heart and passion. He never gave up and constantly worked at creating space and opportunities. He may have been the smallest guy on the pitch, but he wouldn’t let anyone push him around. And yes that was a penalty! Silva was slammed ala WWE by Elmander. But what can you say about this ref? A ref who cared more about his power and position, then the rules of the game, IMO. Just plain awful.

That said, 3 more critical games, only 3. We’ve made it to the quarters. Let’s break the cycle. Vanamos!

* Luis admitted to the Spanish press that the defense is our weak spot. We’re no Italy, but he says that we are working on it. (No sh*te sherlock). He also claims that everyone is rested and ready to play, including Villa. He will play two upfront and attack. (Torres and Villa, ok sounds good).

* Frightening statistic – Spain has only won 3 of the last 6 Eurocups that the team has participated in. Ouch! OK gotta stay positive. This could be our year. We could be the dark horse. We have the quality and depth. Anything is possible in this tournament, a true knockout tournament. I really love how the big teams knock each other out.

*I hope the team is getting anxious and eager to play; eager to prove themselves on the pitch. I hope people discount us and don’t expect too much, so we can surprise them. The overhype in the Spanish press was way too much. They need to give it a rest and support the team. Vamanos!

La Roja are getting ready for the friendly vs Peru. Check out Cesar’s earlier post for a detailed preview of the game.

Meanwhile, enjoy the fotos!

Mara-Villa and El Niño – the dynamic duo upfront. Look, their bonding. Nice earring.

Cesc having fun. I guess the old coot is a relaxing influence.

Practice that joga bonito. I’m expecting some good things from El Guaje.

Until next time…. Clock is ticking….