La Furia en Fuego!

What can I say, but our boys never lost hope against Belgium. They never gave up and showed their class with a valiant comeback and some classy goals! El Niño got injured, Cesc broke his nose and Iker’s record was broken, but we continue on our unbeaten run. We believe!

At last, some stiff competition in the WC qualfiiers, away at Belgium a young, strong team who played with a lot of passion. Company and Fellani were immense. They neutralized our boys early on. A clever goal by Sonck surprised España. But did our boys give up? Did they hang their heads low? El Niño with some tough luck got injured and was substituted by Cesc. Honestly, I questioned Del Bosque early substitution choices. Initially, it looked like we had way too many midfielders and our short passes were easily blocked by Belgium.

But La Roja got their bearings and Iniesta came through with a brilliant goal, assisted by Cesc. A goal of the season. Sublime. No angle, double footed magic to beat the goal keeper and a defender. Fabuloso! Dribbling finesse! A work of art full stop. Bravo!

All square in the second half, both teams going at it. Puyol was immense with some key saves keeping us in the game. But we needed another goal. We needed another win. I still wasn’t happy that Del Bosque didn’t start Alonso. Ok he came in, during the 2nd half for Santi. And why bring in Guiza so late in the 2nd half? Were we playing for a draw? That’s not our way. When Guiza finally came in, time stood still. What a beautiful pass/assist by Dani! Superbly placed to the man of the hour. A striker who needs to score, like a bee needs honey. A striker who is just so clinical in front of goal, who is playing out of his skin for club and country. Yes David Villa, Mara-villa. So ambitious, not afraid to take chances. He scored with his frickin head! Gotta love him! 11 goals in the last 11 games with La Furia. Equaling DiStefano. Incredible!

So another 3 points for La Furia. No more games until March. Turkey in March, another solid opponent who we can’t take for granted. I am feeling really good about this team. They continue to play for each other. Trusting in each other’s instincts and abilities. The chemistry is to die for. Si se puedes!

P.S. The Under 21 squad came back and won their playoff against Switzerland to get to the European Finals! Oh yeah! The youngsters had lost the first leg 2-1, and they went further behind when Gashi took advantage of a defense error to beat Sergio Asenjo midway through the first half. Half time substitute Xisco levelled the scores with a header from Mata’s corner soon after coming on, and Sisi saved the day with a spectacular volley deep in to injury time. That took the game in to extra time, and Raúl García scrambled the ball home following another Mata corner late on to ensure a place for his side in Sweden. Fabulous stuff.