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.

I find the normal Spanish dailies to be rather comical, as they are constantly trying to dig up any sort of material on the Spanish national team since the end of the La Liga season.

Today, in Marca Spain apparently gained the support of in my opinion, the best player in football history. Diego Maradona.

Maradona, speaking at the Cannes film festival, said ‘I will support Spain with all my heart.’

Who is Cazorla?

I have to admit, when I saw the list of Luis Aragones I was surprised with the ’signing’ of Cazorla to the roster. I was originally upset to not see Bojan, but understand why.

Cazorla was a huge signing to the squad, since he is currently uncapped in the Spanish squad. This year he played 35 games and scored 5 goals.

Marca has him listed as a midfielder, but I know he has played forward with Villarreal. That would be his best bet to see any sort of time in the Eurocup, since he would be playing behind Dani Güiza, Torres, Sergio Garcia and David Villa.

In an article on the reliable (cough cough) Goal.com, Cazorla gives the credit for his call-up to Villarreal, saying “Luis has noticed that Villarreal have had a great season. Three of us are coming from there and it is a credit to the club,”

Now, some people are wondering why Bojan didn’t make the trip. Bojan actually asked himself to be left out of the lineup, citing fatigue.

I’m thinking it may be a bit more though. From the get-go of the season Bojan has been followed so closely and his every move scrutinized. For the almost 18 year old (August 28, only one day before my birthday) to get out on a national stage, especially in the European Championship, it would be quite the experience, but both in a positive and in a negative way.

For all of the hype he’s received this season, he still is a kid, anyway we look at it. For a kid to have that type of pressure on him at such a young age, there are some serious consequences.

What does everyone else think? Should Bojan have made the trip? Or is it a good thing to stay

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 …

According to published reports, FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants Spain to bid for the 2018 World Cup.

“I have good memories of the 1982 World Cup in Spain,” Blatter told a visiting party of 50 soccer officials from Spain led by Angel Maria Villar, a vice president of FIFA.

Talk about inflating someone’s head …

“I have heard that you might have some interest in hosting another World Cup,” Blatter said Monday while stroking a white cat and sipping on bourbon. “I encourage the Spanish FA to present a bid and the next occasion when this would be possible is for 2018,” Blatter added while slipping a love note to Villar with the question, ‘Do you like me?’ on it.

Blatter added that should Villar like him, he should check the box that says, ‘Yes’.

South Africa will be the first African nation to host the tournament in 2010, and Brazil has been awarded the 2014 World Cup.

The English Football Association has set aside $29.5 million for its bid to host the 2018 tournament. Other likely candidates include the United States, Mexico, Canada, Belgium and Netherlands as a joint bid, Russia, China, Japan and Australia.

FIFA votes on the host nation in 2011.

Would be great to see the World Cup Final at the Bernabeu … on second thought … USA!! USA!!!

The national team in Spain is a funny one. They have this entire ‘dear me’ attitude about them.
On one hand, they’re one of the most talented sides around, capable of beating anyone on any given day.

On the other hand, they’re frighteningly inconsistent. They choke on big occasions, as any follower of the side will tell you. They’re maddening, to be sure.

But where does this hail from?

Could it be that the side is simply not cohesive, being that club football is king in Spain?
Or does it have to do with the politics of the nation, an entity that doesn’t have a central underlying theme to it besides the national flag?

We’re a mere 50 days from Spain’s June 10th tournament opener against Russia in a competitive Group D that includes defending champions Greece and the always tough Sweden … what are Spain’s chances this time around?

We’ll get to that in the days and weeks ahead. For now, let’s enjoy the remainder of the league and figure out who Spain will bring with them to the tournament in Austria/Switzerland.

Betis 1-2 Athletic (susp.)

Recreativo 4-2 Murcia
REC: Sinama-Pongolle (19′, 71′), Ruben (59′), Marquitos (86′)
MUR: De Lucas (15′), Iván Alonso (75′-PK)

Valencia 1-2 Sevilla
VAL: Albiol (90′)
SEV: Luis Fabiano (11′, 22′)

Sunday
Espanyol 2-1 Mallorca
ESP: Luis García (58′, 89′)
MLL: Güiza (13′)

Villarreal 2-0 Zaragoza
VIL: Nihat (11′), Rossi (65′-PK)

Valladolid 0-0 Osasuna

Getafe 2-1 Racing
GET: Uche (66′), Gavilán (76′)
RAC: Smolarek (54′)

Almería 2-2 Barcelona
ALM: Pulido (30′), Uche (85′)
BAR: Krkic (17′), Eto’o (57′)

Atlético 3-0 Levante
ATM: Simão (25′), Forlán (39′, 52′)

Standings

1 Real Madrid 62
2 Barcelona 55
—————————————–
3 Villarreal 53
4 Atlético Madrid 47
—————————————–
5 Sevilla FC 45
6 Espanyol 45
7 Racing Santander 44
—————————————-
8 Getafe 39
9 Almeria 38
10 Valencia 36
11 Mallorca 34
12 Osasuna 34
13 Deportivo La Coruña 34
14 Athletic Bilbao 33
15 Real Betis 32
16 Real Zaragoza 32
17 Valladolid 32
—————————————-
18 Recreativo Huelva 32
19 Murcia 23
20 Levante 19

]]> http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/165.html/feed 0 http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/blatter-bluffing.html http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/blatter-bluffing.html#comments Sat, 15 Mar 2008 00:38:55 +0000 Juan http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/blatter-bluffing.html

FIFA’s head honcho once again threatened the Spanish Football Federation regarding the possibility of that country’s government intervening in the federation’s affairs. Both the federation and the Superior Sports Council (CSD) are currently in conflict over the elections that are to take place. The CSD found various irregularities and violations that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) violated. According to FIFA, if federation president Ángel Villar is removed from his post because he did not call for elections, there could be some trouble.

As per judicial regulations, any sports entities (such as football) that did not make the Olympics must have their election in the first semester of the year. “We are not threatening or pressuring, but if there is any action taken against the Spanish Football Federation we will intervene. We are currently waiting on the Spanish authorities’ decision, but they must understand that the government should not interfere in the affairs of any sports organization,” said Blatter in Zurich earlier today.

Based on precedent, FIFA usually sanction any federation that has another government entity intervene. The punishment would mean suspension from international play. This would be fatal for Spain as they are currently qualified for the upcoming Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

After Blatter’s statements today, UEFA president Michel Platini then was able to diffuse the situation a bit by stating confidently that he is “convinced” that Spain will be in Euro 2008.

]]> http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/blatter-bluffing.html/feed 3 http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/del-bosque-to-coach-la-furia.html http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/del-bosque-to-coach-la-furia.html#comments Wed, 12 Mar 2008 01:18:35 +0000 Juan http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/del-bosque-to-coach-la-furia.html New Spanish Head Coach

We can officially call these next few weeks and months Luis Aragonés’ swan song at the helm of the Spanish National Team. The Spanish media went bonkers after the announcement was made today that Real Madrid’s beloved Vicente Del Bosque would finally be given his due as he was announced as the next head coach of La Furia.

He signed a two-year contract that will take effect immediately after Euro 2008 and expires on July 29th after the World Cup. The search was on for a new coach after Aragonés stated that his tempestuous relationship with the fans and the Spanish media where he found himself in various personal and professional battles where he ended up on the losing side.

The biggest fight he had was in recent months when he refused to call up Real Madrid captain Raúl even though he is finding himself in the middle of a renaissance.

That obviously will not be a problem when his former coach takes over. Del Bosque's run will have a great deal of support from all as his resume is much more impressive than Aragones'. He led Real Madrid to two league titles, two Champions Leagues titles, a Spanish Super Cup, a European Super Cup, and an Intercontinental Cup. His departure was among the most unpopular in Real Madrid history as the club went through eight coaches since he stepped down back in 2002-03. During the post-Vicente era Madrid went empty for the next four seasons. He was very close to coming back to Real Madrid, that was until Ramón Calderón won the club's election. Calderón then signed Fabio Capello and the team ended that drought by winning the league title last season. His last coaching job was Besiktas during the 2004-2005 season.

Del Bosque will make his debut with La Furia on June 29th in his old stomping grounds at the Santiago Bernabéu against Denmark.

]]> http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/del-bosque-to-coach-la-furia.html/feed 3 http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/whos-next-as-spain-coach.html http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/whos-next-as-spain-coach.html#comments Tue, 04 Mar 2008 04:17:10 +0000 Ryan http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/whos-next-as-spain-coach.html Note I wrote this post a few weeks ago, so it is a bit old but it works

The Real Federación Española de Fútbol (RFEF) put the kabosh on rumors that El Viejo Luis Aragonés would be leaving the Spanish national side before Euro 2008.

Angel Maria Villar, president of RFEF who according to the FIFA website likes ‘history, music and hiking’ (WTF?) said

“The national team coach is determined to continue in his job until the end of Euro 2008 and he knows that the RFEF has full confidence in him”

Yeah yeah yeah, that’s what they all say. Villar and the RFEF are backing Aragonés in the hope they do not become the perennial underachievers yet again in an international tournament.

His stay as Spain’s gaffer has been marred with several incidents, most notably the racist remarks against Thierry Henry to Jose Antonio Reyes during a training session in 2005. Now, the whole not playing Raul and Guti thing isn’t helping his cause any.

I’ve let my thoughts been known about el viejo before, but I’ve decided that I’m not going to waste my time badmouthing him. Rather, I want to take a look and see who is waiting in the wings to take over La Furia Roja.

Two of the names floating around are Vicente del Bosque and Jose Antonio Camacho.

Vicente del Bosque joined Real Madrid from Valladolid in 1989 where he won five La Liga titles and three Champions League titles as a player. In 1999 he took over after John Toshack was sacked at Real Madrid and in four years led the team to win:

UEFA Champions League: 1999-00, 2001-02 (Real Madrid)
Intercontinental Cup: 2002 (Real Madrid)
European Supercup: 2002 (Real Madrid)
Spanish Liga Primera: 2000-01, 2002-03
Spanish Supercup: 2001 (Real Madrid)

Not too shabby in four years huh? Since getting the shaft after Madrid won their 29th La Liga title, del Bosque has bounced around in several jobs in La Liga and even was the manager for a season at Beskitas in Turkey.

Judging by his success in Madrid, del Bosque would be a solid choice to take over La Furia. I’m not sure about his specific coaching style, but I’ll be taking a look to see what more he can bring to the table.

The other name floating around is Jose Antonio Camacho, another former Madridista both as a player and a coach. Camacho took over in 1998 after Javier Clemente was sacked.

Camacho led Spain to Euro 2000, only to lose to eventual winner France on penalties. In the 2002 World Cup, Spain was one of the favorites (what else is new) but they bowed out to South Korea in the semi-finals. Camacho was sent packing, heading to Benfica, then back to Madrid for a quick, unsuccessful spell. After coming back home to Spain, he left for Benfica yet again where he continues to coach.

When Aragonés goes, Spain will need someone with a little more personality and people skills than the less then cordial Aragonés. Sure, this isn’t a popularity contest, but in a country like Spain where people live and die by their fútbol the coach needs to be able to sweet talk the media once in a while.

As Euro 2008 gets closer, I’m sure we will here more rumors as to who will take over La Furia. Until then, its Camacho v del Bosque. Who gets your vote?

]]> http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/whos-next-as-spain-coach.html/feed 3 http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/hi-this-is-ryan-your-captain-speaking.html http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/hi-this-is-ryan-your-captain-speaking.html#comments Thu, 28 Feb 2008 06:31:56 +0000 Ryan http://spain.worldcupblog.org/group-h/hi-this-is-ryan-your-captain-speaking.html Muy buenas a tos!

I’ve been asked by Daryl to take over this lovely place called the Spain World Cup Blog. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure to have my Spanish Flag and picture of Juan Carlos II up in no time.

To introduce myself, I’m Ryan, 24 years old and I enjoy long walks on the beach, chatting about Luis Aragonés, attempting to understand my friends from Andalucia, and chiming in conversations with ‘Well, this one time in Spain…’ whenever possible.

Most new bloggers start out with the same typical introduction post, blah blah blah. But, I really feel it’s an intergal part of the whole ‘getting to know you’ type of thing. You may want to know why the hell I’m doing this, and do I know anything about La Furia Roja or if I speak Spanish (Si, hablo mas o menos como un nativo, no te preocupes vale?).

We at The Spain World Cup Blog (Or the Spain WCB because typing World Cup Blog is way to long) will become a family. But, this relationship is more of a give and take. See, the thing is I love to post, but I really love to read your comments more and that gives me an incentive to post more. The more we talk, the more we learn and the more I like hanging around these parts.

I started blogging because I believe in the old adage that you don’t learn something until you teach it yourself. So in this case, I’m reading tons of material, mostly from Spanish websites, and translating it or giving you the gist of what it is saying, along with my opinion. Hence, my blogging is my form of teaching, but instead, we are all on the same page, and I always grade my quizzes with a huge curve.

I pride myself on being one of the few English speaking bloggers that solely devote their time and energy into all things La Liga and all things Spain. I’m the current author of The Sevilla Offside (which is only one of two English language blogs about Sevilla, the other written by my friend Rafa). I also am the founder of Center Holds It where I cover all things La Liga, including my weekly ‘One Liner Guide to La Liga-Jornada (Fill in Jornada number here). If you see me link to Center Holds It in my own shameless self-promotion, you really should come over there and have a look, it’s good stuff. CHI is also authored by Jeff (of newly promoted The Colorado Rapids Offside fame and Breton (who is currently scooping on the new MLS Philly franchise). I’m also one of the first members of the Asociación Sevillista Puerta de America which is the only Sevilla Peña in the United States.

Basically, I love Spain. Ask my girlfriend why she is constantly worried every time I go to visit that one day I may not come back (and one day that may happen). I’ve lived in the land of Paella and Sangria twice, 3 months in Sevilla 2004 to study and become a Sevillista, and Sept 2006-July 2007 as a headmaster of We Speak English, in a small town in Castilla-La Mancha called Villacañas. I immersed myself constantly in the Spanish culture, and still do every chance I get. But, I’m also a Catalan at heart since studying the Catalan language and planning is what I do for my ph.d in Linguistics which I am currently working on. So aspects of Spanish constantly creep into my personal life, normally when my girlfriend is also yelling at me to turn off my Spanish music in the car.

Why do I keep rambling on about myself? Well, I want people to get to know me, and I want to get to know you too. I want to know that you love Bojan and can’t wait for him to step out on the pitch in that new mustard colored kit Spain have adopted (WTF is up with that). I want to know that you think Raul and Luis Aragonés should just sleep together or whatever and get the damn thing done with once and for all.

Spanish football is what brings me here, and it’s what brings you here as well. So, we might as well have a little fun with it, you know?

That’s enough prattling on from me for now. I’ll be up and running come the end of the week with a little something about who I think will be the next Spain coach after el viejo rides off into the sunset.

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Oh, I almost forgot, one more thing. Since we are all here talking about Spain, some of us may not have a great command of the English language. Therefore, I DO NOT TOLERATE anyone who makes fun of someone’s English, unless you are making fun of me, and please feel free. From time to time I will write in Spanish (or possibly in Catalan if the spirit moves me) and you can feel free to make fun of me for that, but please, be civilized in the comments (at least towards each other).

Also, if you wish, please comment in English OR Spanish, as I can speak both equally well and we all have the right to say whatever we want to say in whatever language it may be in (Sorry, that’s the sociolinguist in me talking, I try to leave him in the office on campus).

Por favor, dejad tus comentarios en cualquier idioma que te sirva (ingles o español). Si no quieres hablar en ingles no te preocupes, podemos charlar en español vale?

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