Exposed in Brazil

By El Maestro

The World Cup always offers a lot of excitement and drama, and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was no different. It had great teams (Germany, Netherlands and France), good teams (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Switzerland, Belgium and Colombia), surprise teams (Greece, Algeria and Mexico), a Cinderella team (Costa Rica) and disappointing teams (Italy, England and Russia). However, what was probably the biggest shock of the competition was Spain’s elimination in the group stage six days into the tournament. Despite all the negative things I’ve said about this squad, I wish I could say I saw this coming, but then I’d be lying. I didn’t think Spain was going to win the World Cup, but I certainly thought they had enough to get out of the group. I did personally predict (although it is not written) that Chile would go through and would eliminate whoever lost the Spain-Netherlands match. Regardless, Spain’s elimination did not surprise me one bit. I expected them to get out of the group, but I would not have been shocked with an early exit after seeing the squad Del Bosque assembled for the World Cup. To make matters worse, Spain will more than likely go down as the worst defending World Cup champions in history since the 2002 French side and the 2010 Italy squad at least went into their last fixtures with chances of going through.

To be fair, a portion of the blame does reside on the federation for picking Curitiba (cold temperatures) as the training base when Spain’s first two games were going to be played in hot and humid cities. However, the main person responsible for selecting this squad and not being aware of the weather in Brazil is Vicente Del Bosque. Many blame him for the team he called for the World Cup, but Spain’s failure really came as an account of his unwillingness to make any adjustment to the squad throughout the two year qualification process. After the 2012 Euro, it was clear changes needed to be made to improve the national team going into 2014. For starters, Xavi was going to 34 before the World Cup and a younger midfielder needed to come in from the beginning to take over (Thiago, Koke, Ander Herrera or Borja Valero). Casillas was going to be 33, which is still a good age for a keeper, but it would have been good to start calling De Gea to the first team since he is the future for Spain and had started to show his talent at Manchester United. It was also crucial for Del Bosque to solve the striker position since Villa was coming off a long term injury and Torres was no where near the player he was before at Liverpool. Despite the clear signs, ‘El Bigoton’ refused to make any changes whatsoever and continued to call the same players that made Spain World Cup and 2-time Euro champions. If there is an explanation for Spain’s debacle, it’s because Del Bosque chose to be loyal instead of doing what was best for the team. Although this group won a lot for Spain, there were many regulars that were out of form and did not deserve to be called up. To add insult to injury, no one can defend that there was a lack of talent because if there’s anything Spain does not lack, it’s talent. In fact, Italy, England and even Brazil would kill to have at least a quarter of the talent Spain has. There were several notable top players that were in great form throughout the qualification process and were more deserving of the call up, but were left out.

Xavi was a train wreck his last two seasons at Barcelona; Pique is a shadow of the player he was before Puyol’s injury; Cesc was a disaster this last season; Pedro and Javi Martínez were in and out of the lineup; Reina was a joke his last two seasons at Liverpool and Albiol was not always starting at Madrid (although both had a good season with Napoli); Mata did not have a good season at Chelsea (before the transfer) and Manchester United; Villa had lost three steps; Torres was the same under performing striker since he arrived at Chelsea in January 2011 and Casillas had only played a combine 23 games in the last 18 months. Meanwhile, De Gea was finally sticking out at Man U; Iñigo Martínez was proving his worth at Real Sociedad; Alberto Moreno had an outstanding season with Sevilla; Ander Herrera was leading Bilbao’s midfield and almost signed for Manchester United last summer; Borja Valero is one of Fiorentina’s key players; Gabi, Raúl García and Koke helped lead Atlético to the league title and Champions League Final; Soldado scored 30 goals his last season at Valencia; Michu 22 in his first season with Swansea, Negredo 31 his last season Sevilla and 23 at Manchester City; Llorente 18 at Juventus and even Aduriz managed to score more than Torres and Villa by netting in 18 total goals to help lead Athletic Bilbao to the 4th place position in La Liga this past season.

Quick Memo: I’m not saying these are the players that should have been on the World Cup squad, but they should have been more involved throughout the qualification process.

What probably should have been the indicator that things were not going to go well was last years Confederations Cup; when Del Bosque called and started Casillas for the important games. I don’t care what excuses people tell me, Iker did not play a game from January to May 2013. In my opinion, players should be selected based on their forms with their club sides; and if you’re not playing, you’re not worthy of the call up. Forgetting about Victor Valdes (5 time Zamora winner), De Gea (stood out at United), Reina (at played during that period) and even the keeper that took Iker’s spot named Diego López. It’s his opinion if he believes Casillas is the best Spanish keeper, but it’s not the end of the world if he can’t play because Valdes, De Gea and Diego López have all proven that they are equally as good. He also took Reina, Villa and Torres, and then got hammered 3-0 in the final to a Brazil side that was humiliated by Germany 1-7 in the World Cup a year later. His WC selections were equally as controversial with Casillas starting after only playing Copa and Champions League games, Diego López being left out, De Gea going due to Valdes’ injury, Arbeloa be excluded for “sporting reasons” and players like Pedro, Villa and Torres being included instead of Callejón, Negredo and Llorente. It looked like a recipe for disaster and it all blew up in Del Bosque’s face during the 1-5 lost to Netherlands.

Del Bosque 2016: I’m not thrilled with his decision nor with the timing, but that will be for another day. I do want to say that I’m not going to jump to conclusion just yet. I really want to see what he does for the international fixtures in September. If it includes some important changes, maybe there’s hope after all. However, if a lot of the same veteran and under performing players continue to come in, then we may see more of the same in the future.

 

 

Arbeloa off ‘La Coja’

By El Maestro

Let me just make it clear that what I’m about to write is my personal opinion. On Tuesday, Del Bosque announced his 30 man provisional squad, which will be cut to the mandated 23 on May 25th. This list included a few new comers, such as Carvajal, Alberto Moreno,  Iturraspe and Koke. Regardless, the biggest surprise was someone who was left of the squad. After almost seven years of being a regular, Arbeloa’s name was not mentioned among the 30 selected. Already, many have come out to defend “El Marquez” saying Arbeloa’s two month injury and the competition for the right back position led to this decision being made. Ironically, the people who defend this theory are the same that keep saying Mourinho’s decision to bench Casillas was “personal”.

I do agree that Spain has more than two quality right backs and any of the options could have been selected. Azpilicueta has had an outstanding season this season at Chelsea (even though he played at left back) and is probably the best Spanish right back going into this World Cup. Atletico Madrid has made it to the Champions League Final with Juanfran as their right back and Carvajal has shown some promising signs for the future in his first season with Real Madrid. However, Juanfran and Carvajal are no better defenders than Arbeloa. The question many are asking is was Del Bosque’s decision to leave Arbeloa out purely a sporting decision?

My Opinion: Not one bit

In fact, he used the two month injury as the perfect excuse to finally leave him out. I don’t buy this injury explanation because  Thiago Alcântara has been out since late March and that didn’t stop Del Bosque from including him. Pique, Navas and Cazorla have also been struggling with injuries the last two months and they’re all on the list. Along with this, we shouldn’t forget Del Bosque publicly stated he would wait until the last minute to take Villa to the 2012 Euro after suffering a six month injury in December 2011. With that said, why is he willing to take all these players (despite their injury problems) and not take Arbeloa? Why was he willing to take wait for Villa in 2012? Why did he take Torres to the Euro when he wasn’t a starter or scoring goals for his club team? Why did he include Villa and Torres in the provisional squad when they haven’t produced this season? Why does he continue to take Reina when his form has completed dropped in the last two years? Why would he start Casillas in the Confederations Cup when he hadn’t played a game since January 2013?    

Simple, because all these players are part of ‘Del Bosque’s group’ and Arbeloa is seen as the radical who’s ruining the team chemistry in the dressing room. Since he doesn’t bouy down to everyone of Xavi’s commands and doesn’t apologize for mistakes he hasn’t committed, he’s seen as a radical who’s ruining the team chemistry in the Spanish dressing room. The only thing Arbeloa has been guilty of is being a great professional for both Real Madrid and Spain. If there is anyone at fault here, it is Del Bosque and his “group” for not knowing when to differentiate playing for your club and country. What do people expect when Real Madrid takes on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid (hugs, kisses and an easy going game)? Problems will always exist between players from both sides because they are rivalry games and each team really wants to win. Arbeloa is a true example of how to handle these situations because he’s always defended the side who pays his salary first, but puts all those confrontations during these heated fixtures aside to represent and do what’s best for Spain. Sadly, ‘Del Bosque’s group’ and ‘piperos’ don’t agree with this and Arbeloa will be watching the World Cup from a television set; unless a string of injuries occur at the right back position.

Despite this injustice, Arbeloa will continue to be a fantastic professional and all I can do is thank him for always putting Real Madrid as his number 1 footballing priority and for not allowing outside forces to change his way of thinking.

Arbeloa: Get fit this summer and enjoy your vacation.

¡ESPARTANO!

 

 

Costa Selección

By El Maestro

I know Diego Costa plays for Atletico and many feel I have no business dedicating an entire post about him, but the idea that the Brazilian born striker, who became a Spanish citizen last year, has decided to play for Spain continues to swerve around my head. First of all, this article is not to express my opinion whether Costa should or shouldn’t play for Spain, but to show once again the double standard that exists between Real Madrid and the rest of the La Liga teams.

Personally and as a Spaniard, I have no problem whatsoever with Diego Costa playing for Spain. I think he’s a good striker, has been showing his talent at Atletico the last two seasons and is an aggressive player. Along with this, he’s the best Spanish striker of them all (right now) and will only continue to get better as he plays the Champions League this season with the ‘Colchoneros’. In fact, if Costa starts next summer at the 2014 World Cup, then Spain’s only weakness will be the man with the mustache wearing a suit.

Striker Ranking (for now):

1. Diego Costa
2. Michu
3. Soldado
4. Negredo
5. Llorente
6. Villa
7. Torres

However, what I don’t understand is why is there such a big media frenzy from La Cope, El Larguero, Marca, As and all these Spanish sport programmers to get Costa to play for Spain. For the last few years, these same journalists were saying that Real Madrid needed to sign more Spanish players (and coaches) because Spain had the best players in the world, were Euro-World Cup-Euro Champions and should be the number one focus for Madrid. You would think they would use this standard with the Spanish national team as well, but no. It’s okay for Spain to have naturalized players on the team that weren’t born, raised or come from a Spanish family. Suddenly, there are no good Spanish born or breaded 9’s in the La Liga or around the top  European leagues. So Madrid should only sign Spanish players and coaches, but anyone from any part of the world that is originally not connected with Spain from birth can play for the Spanish national team. Sadly, this also demonstrates why Spain is in such bad shape.

What I also find interesting is that Diego Costa is complete polar opposite to what many have sold ‘La Coja’ to be: “Humble, noble and clean players”. Those who are asking for Costa’s selection are the same ones that made Pepe’s life (before “betraying” Mou) in Spain a living hell after his incident with Casquero, Alves (despite not touching him), Messi and a few others along the way. If people are saying Pepe is a dirty player, then Diego Costa is equally as bad or worse; and he’s had his fair share of incidents.

Diego Costa vs. Ramos and Pepe

Against Mallorca

The punch on Pepe

These are some incidents to name a few. You can find a lot more on YouTube and Google, but this is what Spain would be getting with Diego Costa. As I said earlier, this is not an “Anti-Costa Selección” article. Again, I think he would be great for the national team and could give the national team a new edge up front. However, I can’t stand these Spanish journalist (not everyone, but in general), who call themselves “honest and professional”, that defend Costa while they continue to trash Pepe and the entire club. I wonder what would’ve been the media’s general opinion if Costa was wearing a white shirt instead of one with stripes?

Well Played Pep

By El Maestro

Well, it is confirmed. After months of speculation, former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has signed with F.C. Bayern Munich for the next three seasons starting in June.

This announcement comes almost tens day after Pep had said it would be disrespectful to talk to a club that already had a coach when asked about Bayern’s interest at the FIFA 2012 Ballon d’Or galley (really shows the classiness he has).

Either way, Mourinho’s arch managerial rival finally has a new home. The guy who led Barcelona to winning 14 of 19 tiles in 4 seasons, with a side that was already built for him when he arrived in 2008, will be in charge of guiding the Bavarian giants to domestic and European glory.

What makes this news even better is that rumors are surfacing that former Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez (‘El Baul’) could be his assistant.  

Well Played Pep:

Just as many expected, Guardiola picked his spot really well. Instead of taking a more challenging job (Chelsea, Milan, Manchester City or Arsenal) where he would be oblige to reform the team, he signs for one of the most complete and deep sides in the world.

When Guardiola left Barcelona, it was clear he wasn’t going to take any job. He wanted to coach a team where he knew success was guaranteed. Pep has a big reputation in the world of football, and has received big praises such as being the “inventor of football”. He couldn’t risk his chances going to a team like Chelsea or Milan because if he failed, he would be labeled as something no one wants to be in life: A FRAUD! A manager who won with another coaches players.

Guardiola’s only challenge at Barcelona was changing the teams mentality and way of thinking, which had been destroyed the season before under Frank Rijkaard (something I give him credit for). However, there is a difference between Pep, and managers like Mourinho and Ferguson.

Mourinho and Ferguson are not just known for winning, but for building top sides.

Without even setting one foot in the Bayern facility, he will only be dealing with one of the best squads in all of Europe.

A world class keeper in Manuel Neuer. A top notch defense led by captain Philipp Lahm. Great midfielders like Bastian Schweinsteiger, Javi Martinez and Toni Kroos. As well as one of the best attacking units in Europe led by Mario Gómez, Arjen Robben, Franck Ribéry and Thomas Müller.

He’ll also be coaching in the German Bundesliga, where Bayern Munich wins the league and cup whenever they feel like it, and pose a threat every year in the Champions League. The only challenge will be if he can implement his ‘tiki-taka’ style of play.

Disadvantage of coaching Bayern

The only problem Pep will have is if he fails or does not have the same success as previously thought, he’ll have no where to hide. Anywhere else he would have had a loophole. For example, at Arsenal or Milan the ‘piperos’ would blame the teams economic situation. While at Chelsea or Manchester City it would be the owners fault.

Bayern Munich already has one of the best teams in the world, with stable ownership who care about the club and will no doubt license to Guardiola’s requests. There would be no excuse, and he would be labeled A FRAUD!.

To be professional (unlike the Spanish press), if he does succeed, his stock will rise since he managed to win in another country, but then he would find himself in the same situation as in Barcelona. Only time will tell if Guardiola is successful, or EXPOSED.

Why “La Coja”?

By El Maestro

For many of you readers, you are all probably wondering why we have a category called “La Coja”? Well that is what I’m going to clarify in this post.

First of all, “La Coja” is not an insult to the team itself, it is directed at those “Spanish experts” who decided to nickname Spain “La Roja”.

I know from outside everything looks fine on the surface, and many think that Spain has been more united than ever, but under the surface there are more problems than people think. And if you don’t believe me, go to Madrid and ask several Real Madrid fans and see what they think.

Like I said at the beginning, “La Coja is directed at Spain’s nickname “La Roja”.

Why? 2 reasons.

1. “La Roja” doesn’t make any sense. Spain’s flag is not red, it is red-yellow-red. The national team historically has always worn a red shirt with black or blue shorts.

   

– Italy have always been known as the “Azzurri” because they have historically worn blue.

– Same goes for France who are called “Les Bleus” for their historic blue kit.

– Argentina is called “La Albiceleste” (The White and Sky Blue) which represents their flag.

– South Africa is known as “The Rainbow Nation” because of all the colors on the flag. Plus a rainbow is a very beautiful thing.

2. Now a days it’s not Spain, it’s “La Roja”. No country has been more marketed off their nickname than Spain. In fact, “La Roja” has gone so far that when the national team was parading through Madrid, the slogan on the bus was “la roja is all in”. No where did it say España.

So apparently Spain didn’t win the Euro and make history, “La Roja” became the first team to win Euro-World Cup-Euro. Not just have these “Spanish experts” decided to give Spain a name that doesn’t make sense, but they thought it would be cool to put “La Roja” on every corner. 

How sad to see your country win a major tournament and you can’t even see your country’s name in lights.

Yes, like I said before, other countries have nicknames and I’m not saying Spain shouldn’t have one. However, it should be a name that is significant to the country and/or footballing history. It is also important that the nickname doesn’t take over the country’s name. When Italy and France won the World Cup, you didn’t see their team bus say “la azzurri is all in” or “les bleus is all in”. You didn’t see scarves or flags that said “Azzurri” or “Les Bleus”. It was all about Italy and France.

It irritates a lot of Spaniards (and I) to see their country win and all they hear is constantly “La Roja”, “La Roja”, “La Roja”.

There you go.

Now you all know why we call it “La Coja”. Hope this article has opened your eyes and next time you will think twice before you say “La Roja” (La Coja), and remember it’s Spain who’s playing.

ESPAÑA IS ALL IN

!VIVA ESPAÑA JODER!

Spain vs. Italy Recap: !Campeones de Europa!

By El Maestro

A game that many thought was going to be the hardest game of the tournament, turned out to be Spain’s easiest match in a long time. From start, Spain clearly showed they wanted it more and had a dream start when Silva scored after just 14 minutes. Despite the goal, Italy did not back down and attacked Spain head on. They created a few great chances, but Iker kept the shots out. Unfortunately, Italy’s hopes of winning would slightly be diminished when Jordi Alba broke the offside trap to beat Buffon and give Spain a 2-0 lead five minutes before halftime.

In the 2nd half, Spain had full control of the game as they looked to finish it off. For Italy on the other hand, the game looked like a serious of universal signs that it was not to be their night.

Italy:

– They concede a goal in the first 15 minutes of the game.

– Silva (5’7) scores from a HEADER! Something that all opposing coaches tell their players not to allow.

– Giorgio Chiellini suffers an injury and is substituted just 20 minutes into the game.

– Worst of all, Thiago Motta suffers a hamstring problem and is taken off just five minutes after coming on. To add more insult to injury, he was Italy’s final substitute and were left to play the final half hour with 10 men.

With the game under control, Del Bosque would remove Silva and put in Pedro to give Spain more explosiveness on the side. Later he would swap Torres for Cesc with 15 minutes remaining.

It would be Torres who would ice the game in the 84th minutes after putting away Xavi’s wonderful through ball and getting his third goal of the competition. A goal that made millions of Spaniards happy.

But angered every single Chelsea fan in the world who were all thinking:

“With Chelsea Torres couldn’t find the net even against a 5th division opponent, but with Spain he scores against Italy in the Euro final.”

“Let’s cut off his leg!!!!!”

I‘m sure Liverpool fans would love to join that party.

With such a brilliant performance, the only downside of the match was Del Bosque’s lack of respect towards Mata. A player who had not played in the entire Euro, and occurred to “el Marquez” to put him in with four minutes until stoppage time. Just another of the disrespectful things he did during the Euro (like playing with a “falso nueve” when he had three strikers).

At least those few minutes weren’t a total waste for Mata as he scored the fourth and final goal of the evening to make Spain the first country to win Euro-World Cup-Euro.

Who would have thought. Looks like Spain did leave their best for last. After so many boring performances, Spain finally played the way we have all been accustomed, but with more entertainment. A great way to finish a tournament.

Well Done

!VIVA ESPAÑA!

Portugal vs. Spain Recap

By El Maestro

If you are a Spanish-Real Madrid fan, this was probably one of the hardest matches to watch. On one hand, you have Spain, your country playing in the semifinal of the Euro on the brink of making history; also consisting of five Madrid players (Casillas, Ramos, Albiol, Arbeloa and Xabi). However, you also have all the problems with the image sold by the Spanish media that Spain is Farsa except Messi. That Spain is no longer Spain, but “La Roja” (La Coja). As well as “experts” saying that tiki-taca is the right way to play, which is a straight offense to Madrid’s direct style of play.

On the other hand, you have Portugal. A country the plays exactly the same as Real Madrid and consists of the three Madrid players (Ronaldo, Pepe and Coentrao). Not to mention that the Euro is a fundamental part to “La Maquina” winning the Golden Ball this season.

Once again, Del Bosque couldn’t go one game without messing something up when he started Negredo, a player who has only played a few minutes in this Euro and lacks international experience at striker. Negredo did very little to help the team, and was the first player substituted in the early minutes of the 2nd half. However, instead of doing a straight swap for Llorente, “el bigoton” went back to his old ways of playing with “el falso nueve”, and put in Cesc. Del Bosque’s changes also had very little influence, and almost saw Spain’s chances of repeating go out the window when CR7 had a golden opportunity to score in the final minutes, but his shot went over the bar.

In extra time, Spain’s performance increased as Portugal began to tire out. After 112 minutes of play, Spain had the perfect chance to take the lead when a great team combination had Iniesta alone in front of goal, but his shot was stopped by the keeper.

Penalties:

Spain shot first. Unfortunately, the man of the match against France was the first to miss as Xabi Alonso’s shot was blocked. Thankfully, Iker made sure to keep the shootout at zero.

Then came Spain’s fourth penalty shooter: our own Sergio Ramos. A man ridiculed after his famous “field goal” against Bayern Munich that saw Madrid get eliminated from the Champions League on penalty kicks. With all of Spain holding their breath and barely being able to watch, Ramos stepped up and kicked it the way many didn’t expect it: panenka. Chip shooting it into the back of the net to give Spain the lead.

That goal must of stunned Portugal’s next shooter, Bruno Alves, who hit the crossbar and left it to Cesc to qualify Spain. Like watching the same movie twice, Cesc did the same thing he did against Italy in 2008 and scored to send Spain to the final.

!VIVA ESPAÑA!

Spain vs. France Recap: Xabi, Xabi, Xabi!!!!!

By El Maestro

After five days of preparation, the day final came to take on France in the quarter finals of Euro 2012. Although Spain was the clear favorite, they had a date with history as the Spanish had never beaten the French in an official tournament. From the start, Spain were determined to change that as they came out strong in the early minutes, while France struggled to get their game going. After 19 minutes of play, the tie was broken when Jordi Alba’s wonderful cross found a wide open Xabi Alonso, who simply headed past Hugo Lloris for the 1-0 scoreline.

The 2nd half was a very bleak performance by both sides. Spain had possession, but didn’t create many opportunities to score. On the other hand, France tried to attack, but lacked the ideas to level the score. It wasn’t until the 91st minute that Spain would finally finish the game off after Pedro was taken down and were rewarded a penalty. Once again, Xabi Alonso stepped up to score his second goal of the night, and send Spain to the semifinal where they will take on Portugal.

What a way to celebrate your 100th performance.

Croatia vs. Spain Recap

By El Maestro

If the Ireland game was Spain’s best performance since the last World Cup, Monday’s match against Croatia was the exact opposite. From the start, Spain lacked that enthusiastic energy as the circulation of the ball was slow and sloppy, and looked to have no ideas to break Croatia’s 11 man wall. In fact, the game in general was so bad, it appeared at times that both teams were looking to intentionally draw the game at two, which would see Spain and Croatia go through.

1st half can be summed up in one word: nothing.

The 2nd half was just slightly better as Croatia began to open up and Spain started to get some ideas going. However, it would be Croatia who would create the first real chance, after almost 60 minutes of boring futbol, when a marvelous cross by Modric found the head of Rakitic, but Casillas showed why they call him “San Iker” by keeping it out. With Croatia playing their defensive counter attacking style, Spain struggled to get anything going. Spain needed to open up the Croatian defense. How do you do that? Simple:

Navas for Silva, Xabi, or Busquets

Llorente for Torres

Mata for Silva, Xabi, or Busquets

On the other hand, that’s not what Del Bosque had in mind. Apparently he thought they would get more results by putting in Navas and Cesc, and taking off Torres and Silva. In other words, playing with “el falso nueve” to break the Croatian back line. The changes did very little to help the side.

The game got to a point where nothing was happening and the first goal would decide the fixture. With about three minutes to play, and on their first real opportunity, Spain would score after Iniesta broke the offside trap to receive Cesc’s wonderful pass and touch it to Navas who blasted the ball into the wide open net. A goal that would give Spain the victory and allow them to finish first in the group.

Quarter Final against France

Spain will take on France in the quarter finals. Despite Spain’s success in the last four years, history is not on their side against the French. In fact, the Spanish are yet to beat Fran in an official match.  However, those are just stats, and stats are meant to be broken.

France came in with low expectations and many saw them as the possible dark horse team of the Euro. However, they have gone from good to bad, which saw them lose the number one spot in the group in the final game against Sweden (who had already been eliminated before the match). With an inconsistent back line, France’s strong point is their attack led by Nasri, Ribery, and our very own “Benzecrack”. If those three players get going, they can make things very difficult for Spain.

With that said, it is Spain’s responsibility to keep those players in check and play the way they have been accustomed to playing. While many people have underrated this match, it is actually more important to Spain than it is. Not just cause of the stats, but because of the controversial guiñoles brought out by Canal + France, which accused many Spanish athletes of doping. In fact, if Del Bosque wants to get the best out of his players, he should show every single one of those videos in the dressing room right before they take the field.

Nevertheless, videos or not, they should be able to take of France without a problem. If Spain are strong in the back, have players who can open the defense, and Del Bosque doesn’t mess anything up, they will see Portugal in the semifinal.

!A POR LOS FRANCESES! !A POR LAS SEMIFINALES!

!VIVA ESPAÑA!

Spain vs. Ireland Recap

By El Maestro

For the first time since the World Cup semifinal against Germany, Spain actually played like the team many have called to be “the best country team in the world.” For this game, Del Bosque did not remove that “doble pivote” many have been asking to take out, but at least came out with a true striker; putting Fernando Torres in the starting 11.

From the get go, Spain came out with that attacking mindset many Spaniards have been asking for and in just the 3rd minute, Del Bosque would not regret his decision of starting Torres when he scored the opening goal after blasting his shot through the hands of Ireland keeper Shay Given. From then on, Spain controlled the entirety of the game and created numerous chances to extend the lead. However, it wasn’t until the 2nd half that Spain would get their second goal after a poor clearance from the Irish keeper fell to the feet of David Silva, who to gently slip the ball into the back of the net after taking on three Irish defenders.

Del Bosque would then, for the first time in his life, look like a genius when Torres scored his second goal of the game after breaking the offside trap and miraculously getting his shot off to beat the keeper.

If you don’t understand why I said “miraculously”, check Torres’ goal for yourself and see why.

Spain would score their fourth goal of the night through Cesc after poor defending allowed him to laser his shot off the far post and into the goal to finish the game off.

With Italy’s 1-1 draw, Spain are now tied on 4 points with Croatia, but ahead on goal differential. This means Spain rely solely on themselves to go through entering their final game against none other than Croatia. Already, many “experts” have started to say that the Spain vs. Croatia game could end 2-2, which would qualify both Spain and Croatia, and send Italy home.

While that would benefit both teams, I’m going to say Spain should not have that idea anywhere in their mind. With a place in the quarter finals at state, and also taking into consideration that Spain can still get knocked out, they should not be worrying about helping Croatia or Italy. For Spain’s final group game, their mindset should be one thing and one thing only: win and go through as group winners!

¡VIVA ESPAÑA! ¡A POR LOS CUARTOS!