I’m Anthony, a Spaniard by blood and birth, now living in Canada. When I saw the lack of activity here on the Spanish World Cup Blog I was quite disappointed to say the least. Just because there’s been no international matches for some time now, doesn’t mean nothing is going on in the wonderful world of La Furia Roja. I had to take this over, I need the world to (especially after becoming European Champions) know Spain, how amazing our team is, and why we deserve more than any other team to be seeded number one in the world.

I also write for the Sevilla Offside and started doing so because I wanted everyone to know about my beloved team, and over the past couple months things have started to pick up and more people are reading about Sevilla. It’s still a work in progress of course, we don’t have the stature of the Real’s and Barca’s of the world but we won 5 trophies in 15 months before, something Barça or Real can’t say they’ve ever accomplished. It seems that I’m doing a good job with my club so I thought I’d try doing it with my country.

So let’s start with the news that yesterday Cristiano Ronaldo beat out our two beloved European, Cup-Winning Spaniards Xavi and Fernando Torres which was no shock really. Not because I don’t think Xavi and Torres are worse than Mr. Ronaldo but favouritism is a huge part of our lives these days ladies and gentlemen, what can you do? It’s funny because Xavi was player of the tournament for the Euros and I think that should play a huge role in the decision making process considering Cristiano couldn’t do a thing for Portugal. And Torres, well what can I say about this guy, most ever goals by a foreigner in his first year in the Premier League, pretty amazing feat if I do say so myself. Not only did he defeat these two champions but this is what really surprised me. He edged out both Messi and Kaká for this award. I don’t like to get involved in these things (okay, well, maybe I do, just a bit) but Messi is clearly the best player in the world. In fact, I think all those four other men up on stage with cry baby Ronaldo are much better players than him and if I was assembling my dream team I would definitely pick one of the other four.

I guess FIFA felt bad for Cristiano’s little car crash earlier this week so they gave it to him, none the less, not deserved in my opinion.

Onto better news here as the RFEF (Real Federacion Española de Futbol, or the Spanish FA) announced that the upcoming friendly against England will be played in none other than El Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in my hometown of Sevilla. Of course when I heard this I was beyond ecstatic and it’s a shame I live about a 9 hour flight away or I could have walked around the corner from my house to go watch the match. The match was actually originally supposed to be played in Madrid either in the Santiago Bernabéu or Vicente Calderón but due to previous reports of racist chants being chanted by Spanish fans at several black English players the RFEF was forced to change the venue in fear that if they didn’t the match would not take place. In my opinion this is good, don’t really have a reason for it other than it’s in Sevilla and we haven’t hosted an important international match since that of the 1982 World Cup Semifinal game between Germany and France although we did host the 1886 European Cup Final (Now known as the Champions Leauge) in which Steaua Bucharest handed Barça a 2-0 defeat.

It truly is good to get international football back in Sevilla and it’s also a perfect time for something else. Yup, that’s right, Mr. Del Bosque himself has called up Jesús Navas into the Spanish men’s team for the upcoming game against England. Jesús has represented Spain in u-17, u-19, and u-21 competitions but has had difficulty playing matches outside of Spain due to his serious homesickness’. Del Bosque also said that Diego Capel will most likely be called up into the squad to face the Three Lions and when I hear more about that I’ll be sure to let everyone know. The match will take place on February 11th and my mouth is watering at possibly having the two future wingers of the Spanish national team on my beloved Sevilla, it’s a win/win here for me really.

Some more good news here as French Newspaper L’Equipe named Casillas, Xavi, and Fernando Torres to their “Best starting XI of 2008″, once again showing that we definitely have some of the best players in the world. Somehow David Villa got beat out of his place alongside Fernando Torres in the French Newspaper to Zlatan Ibrahimovic… Don’t ask me how… The IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) Named Iker Casillas the best Goalkeeper of the year and Xavi the best playmaker of the year, adding to our honours in Spain.

Earlier in the month the RFEF made a formal presentation to confirm their candidacy to host the 2018 World Cup Finals jointly with Portugal. I think it’s about time a major tournament was played in Spain and as winners of the European Championships this summer I think we more than deserve it. It’s a more than safe country, with the perfect lifestyle, amazing hotels, attractions, the most beautiful cities in the world, and even if we’re sharing it with the dirty corner to the West, I’m 100% sure the final will be played in Spain. There were many other countries that submitted a bid such as Belgium/Holland, Australia, and England, all of which are no where near as attractive as my beloved España.

To end this all off on a good note I’ll put it out there that Pelé (yes, the best player EVER) has tipped us to win the World Cup 2010 in South Africa saying that “They are the best team in the world, no one can deny that”.

Until next time..
¡¡Qué Viva España!!

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!

Kinda freaky tattoo rock and roll kinda thing with Iniesta, Cesc, Puyol, Ramos and Torres.

Tattooing slogans about what the press said about them at different euros or world cup tournaments…

Poking fun at the underachievers title. Translation below.

Background voices: Why has Spain gone so long without winning a tournament? They lack the blood..

“Skinny” Iniesta: In 82 they said there was no passion

Cesc: In 94 they said there was no magic

Rock n Roll Puyol: In 78 they said there was no respect

Sergio Ramos: In 90 they said there was no belief in the team

El Niño Torres: We are going to another level

Enjoy!

Spain Tattoo Advert

* 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!

Headlines for this game:

AS The conquest of Europe begins with America
MARCA Definitive test before Euro 2008

The rest don’t seem to have a definitive game preview laid out.

Starting Lineup

Here is the Spain lineup for the game. (4-1-4-1)

Casillas;
Sergio Ramos, Albiol, Marchena, Capdevila;
Senna;
Cazorla, Xavi, Cesc, Silva;
Güiza.

According to Marca, Spain will play a 4-1-4-1 instead of their normal 4-1-2-3. I’m not sure if they are just making this up, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you see a 4-4-2 and they can move Silva up front, or play a 4-5-1 as well if they decide to place Silva in the midfield.

Albiol gets the start in place of Puyol, as Aragonés makes the statement ‘You won’t lose your place in the squad for one mistake’ referring to the gift from Marchena against Peru. So the Catalan finds a place on the bench for the last tune-up.

The new entries into the squad are the Yellow Submarine duo of Senna and Cazorla. Cazorla was the surprise entry into the squad after Bojan opted out of the Euro Cup. He only has one cap for Spain (I’m guessing against Peru, but my computer is too slow to look right now). Senna has been capped 8 times and will be starting in the center.

Torres and Villa are both out against the United States with injuries. Villa injured himself in practice on Monday and won’t play as a precatution. Torres trained by himself on his injured right ankle and looks to be on track for the opening game of the Euros.

Goal.com had an interview today with Real Madrid sporting Director Jorge Valdano in which he expressed his..um..disappointment with the lack of Madridistas on the Spain team.

“I think there are too few Real Madrid men on the Spanish squad. The world champions called up Antonio Cassano, who was playing at a level three steps below that of Guti’s at Real Madrid, but the latter won’t play for Spain, a team who always have a hard time trying to make it past the quarterfinals in any competition.

“There is no logic to it. Guti had a great season and deserves to play for Spain. He is one of those players who can offer a valuable ingredient even if he isn’t a starter. Players like him have the temperament to unlock games like these,” he stated.

OOOO. There’s a cheapshot against Cassano. I remember playing soccer in Spain and a friend of mine, being a big bigger and out of shape and all the local kids calling him ‘Cassano’. Makes me laugh.

This really is just an open discussion about the game. I’m on Vacation now, so I don’t have more time to write. I’ll hopefully be watching the game about 34,000 feet off the air as long as my flight has all of the fancy TV’s on the back of everyone’s seat like it did on the way here.

So yeah. Discuss.

Cool Video Grabbed from the Liverpool Offside. Apparently the English are cheering on the Spaniards.

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….

Here then is the Spain Euro 2008 penpix, complete bios and stats of all the members of La Furia Roja straight from the fine folks at Reuters … ENJOY! (To view the penpix online, please click here!)

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid). Goalkeeper. Born 20.5.81. Caps 75. Goals 0.

The undisputed first choice, Casillas is the Spain captain and one of the squad’s truly world-class players. A brilliant shot stopper and seemingly impossible to beat in one-on-one situations, he occasionally has problems with high balls into the box and dealing with long-distance shots.

Pepe Reina (Liverpool). Goalkeeper. Born 31.8.82. Caps 9. Goals 0.

Began career at Barcelona, but made his name when he switched to Villarreal and helped them to finish in a best-ever third place in the league. Joined Rafa Benitez’s Spanish colony at Liverpool in 2005 and has thrived ever since.

Has an excellent record in saving penalties, but prone to the occasional gaffe and his distribution can be poor.

Andres Palop (Sevilla). Goalkeeper. Born 22.10.73 Caps 0. Goals 0.

Joined Sevilla in 2005 after spending six seasons as Santiago Canizares’s stand-in at Valencia. The hero of Sevilla’s 2007 victory in the UEFA Cup, he is a solid, economical keeper who inspires confidence.

Raul Albiol (Valencia). Defender. Born 4.9.85. Caps 4. Goals 0.

Big, strong centre-back whose career was almost ended by a car crash when on his way to join Getafe in a loan move in 2004. He lost his spleen and was in a coma for a short while, but made a successful recovery. Originally a holding midfielder, he has developed into an efficient, unfussy defender.

Fernando Navarro (Real Mallorca). Defender. 25.6.82. Caps 0 Goals 0.

A product of the Barcelona youth system, Navarro left the club for Mallorca in 2005, first on loan and then on a permanent move. A regular first-choice for the islanders in the last two seasons.

Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool). Defender. Born 17.1.83. Caps 1. Goals 0.

A versatile fullback who first got noticed when playing in the Real Madrid youth teams. A lack of first team opportunities prompted a move to Deportivo Coruna and after just half a season he joined Rafa Benitez’s Spanish contingent at Liverpool.

Got his first cap for Spain in the friendly victory over Italy in March.

Carles Puyol (Barcelona). Defender. Born 13.4.78. Caps 59. Goals 1.

Shaggy-haired defender who has become a highly influential figure for both Barcelona and Spain. Terrier-like in the tackle and a threat when he charges forward, but has a tendency to dive in to challenges and gives himself little margin for error.

More often used in a centre-half role rather than his previously favoured right-back slot.

Carlos Marchena (Valencia). Defender. Born 31.7.79. Caps 40. Goals 2.

Marchena broke into the national side after winning himself a place in the centre of the miserly Valencia defence that won the league title under Rafa Benitez in 2002.

A favourite of Luis Aragones, he is a determined defender and a good ball player, but does have a tendency to give away costly fouls in and around the area. Can also play a holding role in midfield.

Juanito (Real Betis). Defender. Born 23.7.76. Caps 23. Goals 2.

Strong, confident and good in the air, Juanito has been a fixture in the centre of the Betis back four for the last seven seasons. A reliable option who has always performed well for the national side.

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid). Defender. Born 30.3.86. Caps 32. Goals 4.

Became one of the world’s most expensive defenders when Real Madrid bought him out of his contract with Sevilla for 27 million euros in 2005. Skilful, brave and with an eye for goal, Ramos can play either on the right or in the centre of defence.

However, he loses his cool too often and has picked up a stack of bookings and red cards since joining Real.

Joan Capdevila (Villarreal). Defender. Born 3.2.78. Caps 16. Goals 2.

Joined Villarreal at the start of the season and an impressive campaign with the Mediterranean side has helped the Catalan make the previously problematic left-back slot his own.

Likes getting forward and frequently causes problems in the opposition area from set-pieces. Has a powerful shot on him and scored the winner in the recent friendly against France.

Xabi Alonso (Liverpool). Midfielder. Born 25.11.81. Caps 41. Goals 1.

Creative but gritty central midfielder who made his name when he played a key role in Real Sociedad’s surprise run to take second place to Real Madrid in the league in 2003. Now an established part of Liverpool’s Spanish colony.

Xavi (Barcelona). Midfielder. Born 25.1.80. Caps 56. Goals 5.

A key player for both Barcelona and Spain, Xavi’s patient ball skills and precise passes have the capacity to wear opponents down, but his service to the forwards can sometimes be on the slow side. Good from free kicks and likes to take a pot shot at goal.

Santi Cazorla (Villarreal). Midfielder. Born 13.12.84. Caps 0. Goals 0.

Highly talented attacking midfielder who has the ability to unlock opposition defences with a neat through pass or a jinking run.

Spent a season at Recreativo Huelva last year, but impressed so much that Villarreal decided to invite him back. The decision paid dividends as he has been instrumental in their best-ever second place finish in the league.

Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal). Midfielder. Born 4.5.87. Caps: 24. Goals: 0.

Arsenal spirited the talented but tough midfielder away from the Barcelona youth set-up as a 16-year-old and gave him a fast-track promotion into the first team.

He has thrived under Arsene Wenger, surprising many by displaying a maturity and work ethic well beyond his years. Although at the centre of things for Arsenal, he tends to get crowded out in the talented Spanish midfield.

David Silva (Valencia). Midfielder. Born 8.01.86 Caps: 12. Goals: 2.

Las Palmas-born Silva is a highly-talented midfielder who can play on the left flank or slot in behind the strikers. He was in superb form last season but is another victim of Valencia’s downturn and went off the boil this season.

Marcos Senna (Villarreal). Midfielder. Born 17.7.76 Caps: 9. Goals: 0.

Dynamic Brazilian-born central midfielder who broke into the Spain squad before the last World Cup. A key figure at Villarreal, he is the natural replacement for Valencia outcast David Albelda as a midfield ball-winner.

Andres Iniesta (Barcelona). Midfielder. Born 11.5.84 Caps 22. Goals: 5.

Another product of the Barcelona youth system, Iniesta has proved himself at the club despite the intense competition from a host of foreign internationals in recent seasons.

Has great vision and often provides the killer ball for the Barcelona forwards. His cool, unflustered approach to the game makes him an ideal big-game player.

Ruben de la Red (Getafe). Midfielder. Born 5.06.85. Caps: 0. Goals: 0.

Another former Real Madrid youth team player who has had to leave the club to prove his worth, De la Red can play in both midfield and at the back. An intelligent distributor of the ball, he played a key role in Getafe’s run to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup and the final of the King’s Cup.

Fernando Torres (Liverpool). Forward. Born 20.3.84. Caps: 47. Goals: 15.

Appears liberated after his move from Atletico to Liverpool and has had a sparkling first season at Anfield. Torres is exceptionally quick, but needs to be given the ball in space, something that does not always happen when he plays for the national side.

David Villa (Valencia). Forward. Born 3.12.81. Caps: 30. Goals: 13.

One of Spain’s few out-and-out strikers, Villa has had a muted season at troubled Valencia but he remains a classy finisher and has a more opportunist streak about him than Torres. It remains to be seen whether Aragones will play him alongside or as an alternative to the Liverpool striker.

Daniel Guiza (Real Mallorca). Forward. Born: 17.8.80. Caps: 2. Goals 0.

After an irregular career tracking around a series of less glamorous club sides, Guiza caught the eye of Getafe after a couple of impressive seasons with Ciudad Murcia.

His relationship with former gossip queen-turned football agent Nuria Bermudez has helped settle him down and was the leading goalscorer in the Primera Liga with 27 goals for his new club Mallorca.

Sergio Garcia (Real Zaragoza). Forward. Born 9.6.83. Caps 0. Goals 0.

Barcelona-born striker who broke into the first team in the 2003/04 season after impressing in the reserves.

Moved to Levante and then Zaragoza where he has made the successful switch from an out-and-out striker to playing on the right side of attack, providing a rare bright spot in the club’s miserable season in the Primera Liga.

Hi Guys, I’m here to help out my home boys Ryan and Cesar with the Spain World Cup Blog.

Ready and willing to give you, up to the minute info on our favorite underachievers, but cute as a button, La Furia Roja.

Let’s start if off with some fun stuff that I stumbled on while missing La Liga and surfing for something, anything online.

Check this out – La Seleccion’s commercial in Spanish, to pump up the home fans on the Euros and the Nats. A little pathetic, but don’t they look cute.

Spain Euro 2008 ad

Here’s my quick and dirty translation:

Sergio (looking dazed and confused): I ‘m in the National team. (Autographs the pad)
Xavi: Me too (chuckles)
Xabi: The National team is for everyone. (as the Vasco pumps his fist)
Villa: Well, I’m here too (with the team).
Torres: We all support the National team.
Aragones (the simian one): We want you too in the team. You are a key player. Join the National team supporter’s group (peña).

And straight from Marca – the boys in full conquistador gear, eager to battle for La Roja. Gotta love the photo shop work. A little bleary, but you get my drift…

Marca – Spain Conquistadors

Que viva España!

Fernando Torres might have finished the season with Liverpool trophyless, but he’s in damn fine form. El Nino was the main man as Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool beat Juande Ramos’ Spurs (is this the Premiership or La Liga?) 2-0. He made the first with a flick on to Andriy Voronin and then turned Michael Dawson inside out and back again before poking home for the second.

Now bring on Euro 2008…

Their best finish ever at the World Cup was 4th place in 1950.
Their only major tournament victory was Euro 1964, a mere 44 years ago.

You could say they’re due.

Spain is often many people’s pre-tournament favorites, with good reason. They boast one of the best leagues in the world and some of the best players on the planet.
But although the team starts well, they flounder in later stages. They’re the classic case of football underachievers.

Why is this?

There are many reasons.

For starters, Spain’s a very divided country.

Many regions in Spain, like Catalunya and the Basque Country, don’t want to be a part of the united country. They want independence for their regions. Obviously, when players from these regions are picked for the national team, their allegiances are divided.

Some regions even field their own ‘national teams’ that play internationals during the Spanish winter holiday. It causes confusion.

Another reason could be that the squad is mentally demoralized.
Being that it’s been 44 years since their last major tournament victory, it’s probable that the team doesn’t believe it can win.

They’ve had their hearts broken often in recent tournaments:

– Needing to defeat Bulgaria by a huge goal differential, they win 6-1 only to be eliminated by Paraguay and Nigeria anyways. A massive disappointment.
– A stirring exit to France in the Euro 2000 quarterfinals via a missed penalty by Raul.
– Disallowed goals and a disappointing exit via penalties against South Korea in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinals.
– A heartbreaking first round exit at the hands of neighbors Portugal at Euro 2004.
– A decent performance in the first round of the 2006 World Cup followed by an early exit at the hands of a more experienced France side.

Again and again, Spain fails to deliver.

It’s not for a lack of talent. This year, they boast the striking talents of Liverpool ace Fernando Torres, who’s scored 23 goals in his first season in England. They can also count on Valencia scorer David Villa, one of the most sought after strikers on the continent.

Behind them is a plethora of talent. Midfield aces such as Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and the amazing Cesc Fabregas provide the width and breadth of the squad.

Carles Puyol and Carlos Marchena man the backline, stopping the opposition dead in their tracks. Not to mention the mercurial Sergio Ramos, who really came into his own this season with Real Madrid.

And in goal, there’s no one to match Real Madrid ace Iker Casillas. ‘Saint Iker’ as he’s been dubbed by the Spanish press.

So why the underachievement?

Who knows, really?

It could be one of the above stated reasons.
Or as current coach Luis Aragones has said, it could be that the current squad lacks passion.

Whatever it is, it should be an interesting ride.

The squad is full of talent, rich in attacking and defensive acumen at almost every position.

And to think, this team doesn’t include Raul, the inspirational leader of the current epoch of Spanish football.

Raul might make the squad before all is said and done. He’s had a renaissance at Real Madrid after being considered dead and buried a few seasons ago. He’s the leading scorer in national team history and his leadership would be handy during the tournament.

Still, Aragones believes Raul’s time has come and gone. That doesn’t mean he won’t pick the Real Madrid captain before the tournament. But his chances are slim.

With everything said, this tournament affords La Furia Roja the opportunity to cleanse the ghosts of the past 44 years of underachievement.

Spain will have to battle to get past their Group D opponents Sweden, Russia and 2004 surprise champions Greece.

Should they advance, they’ll likely have to face 2006 World Cup winners Italy, 2006 finalists France or perennial power Holland in the quarterfinals.

That’s when we’ll find out if Spain has what it takes to cleanse their souls.

Should be an interesting match to watch! If they can get past the Group stage …