SPANISH FOOTBALL | SOCCER | LEAGUE - LA LIGA 2009/2010 - ROUND 34 SATURDAY GAMES RESULTS

The Spanish Football-Soccer-League celebrated Round 34 today with three games that included the two top teams fighting it out for the "Liga" title. Only 1º point separates the current leaders FC Barcelona from 2º placed Real Madrid as the "status quo" remains after todays results.

Tough match for FC BARCELONA against last placed XEREZ who are fighting for their 1º Division life. The home team won 3-1 but this scoreline "distorts" the reality of this match. Barça had to resort to Messi & Pique in the 2ºhalf in order to bring back a steady "hand" to secure their 3 points.

In the 1ºst half young JEFFREN scored for Barça in the 14th min & that was followed by HENRY with the second in the 22nd min. However, Xerez pulled one back quickly via a fabulous goal from BERMEJO that shifted the balance to the visitors. From here & up until the end of the 45 minutes Barça were against the ropes with a draw looking more a possibility.

But this match was also a rough affair, with lots of physical contact that ended with TWO Red cards given to Xerez (Alastiza & Orellana). This & the inclusion in the 2ºhalf of Messi & Pique shifted the balance again in Barça´s favour & IBRAHIMOVIC scored the third goal in the 51st min to calm the situation & take the match to good port for his side.

Three maximum valuable points that allows Barça to now plan the big Champions League game against Inter Milan & keep for now the Spanish League top spot. By the way, as an informative note, Barça equals its historical points in a season with 87.

REAL ZARAGOZA are looking at the 2º Division abyss & they haven´t the idea of beautiful Football in their heads at this precise moment. Instead they are fighting with tooth & nails, & tonight gave Real Madrid a torrid & very physical match that nearly paid off for them. REAL MADRID were pushed & slapped around all game with chilling physical tactics that cost Zaragoza in the end a red card in the 2ºhalf, & this played an important part in their 1-2 defeat.

Real Madrid lost Van Der Vaart to injury in the 14th min & this allowed Captain RAUL to get a good run tonight. As always he took his chance & scored his teams opener in the 51st min from a Ronaldo pass. However, with Zaragoza down to 10 men & even more "angry" COLUNGA managed to surprise the Madrid defence & equalize in the 60th min.

Certain panic entered into the Real Madrid game as they were witnessing before their eyes how the Spanish League title was slipping from their hands. Then in the 82nd min Cristiano Ronaldo passed to KAKÁ, who was back after a long spell from injury, to score the winner & give his team the precious 3º points along with a huge sigh of relief for all Madrid followers.

With this worked victory Real Madrid continues to keep the pressure on FC Barcelona & will go home thinking that tonight was indeed a close call.



VALENCIA CF won 1-0 DEPORTIVO & in the process retain the 3ºrd place on the Spanish League table & keep at bay Mallorca who are a close third breathing down their necks. The winning goal came in the 33rd min after a hand-ball was given in the penalty area in favour of Valencia to which DAVID VILLA converted for his 21st personal goal this season.

HENRY RAUL HEADED FOR THE US?

The American newspaper “The New York Post” is solid on the
information,which has been picked up by local daily’s “Mundo
Deportivo” & “AS”. According to comments made by FC BARCELONA
French International THIERRY HENRY, the player sees favourable
the offer from the US SOCCER MAJOR LEAGUE Club RED BULL
NY for next season. The Frenchmen ends his contract with Barça at
the end of the season & the US looks like his new destination.

Added to this, another Spanish “Liga” player is being enticed to
cross the Atlantic & play in the US Soccer Major League. REAL
MADRID Captain RAUL is being connected with LOS ANGELES
GALAXY. According to local sources, Raul has made the comment
that he sees with “good eyes” a possible move to the US.

Both players have entered into the twilight of their careers & have
no longer an assured regular place in their respective teams, a move
to the US maybe their final “swan song” before hanging up the
boots. Stay tuned!

STEVEN GERRARD BEING PLACED IN REAL MADRID FOR 2010-2011

It is not the first time nor will it be the last that rumours abound
connecting the LIVERPOOL FC Captain & England midfield International
STEVEN GERRARD with the Spanish giants REAL MADRID. The latest
comes from the English paper “The Daily Mail” as seen below in the
online edition caption:

It is said that Gerard wishes to leave his Club because it cannot
guarantee the titles that a player of his calibre & quality should be
celebrating on a yearly basis. Liverpool FC is going through a
“horror” season after selling big names (Xabi Alonso), being knocked
out of the Champions League, the FA Cup & hovering at the middle
of the ladder in the Premier League without any titles this year
in sight.

Apart from Real Madrid who has asked about the player on numerous
occasions,Italian Club Inter Milan & English Club Manchester City are
also interested. I am sure that most Clubs will wait to see how
Steven Gerrard performs in the upcoming World Cup. The future
will depend on how well he “showcases” himself in front of the
World audience. Lastly, remember other names are being associated
with Real Madrid, like Franck Ribery, De Rossi (AC Roma), David
Silvia & Cesc Fabregas.

Stay tuned!

REAL MADRID: AC ROMA DE ROSSI A PRIORITY?

A daily Spanish late night TV Football program, full of journos who
analyze the Spanish Football scene, has made their “scoop” go viral.
According to the show, they have first hand information that REAL
MADRID has AC ROMA Italian International midfielder DE ROSSI as a
signing priority for next season. They go on to add that Real Madrid
technical staff considers the Italian as the ideal partner for Xabi
Alonso in the midfield.
























Spanish Sports daily “AS” has picked up this news & developed it
further today, citing that De Rossi has been on the Real Madrid
agenda in the past. Last season, under ex-President Calderon, the
Spanish Club made an effort to sign the player but found a 40M€
price tag that shut the doors. The hypothetical arrival of De Rossi
would have to be accompanied by the departure of current
midfielders at Real Madrid, such as Gago & M.Diarra.

Said all this, SFS reminds you that it is rumour & that apart from
Rossi there is a long list of players on the Real Madrid agenda
for next season: Ribery, Silva, Aguero, Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Luis
Felipe…They can´t buy them all!

REAL MADRID: VAN NISTELROOY CLOSE TO STUTTGART

It’s not Stoke City, Tottenham, Liverpool nor West Ham, according
to the local sports daily "AS" the “scoop” is that the Club were
REAL MADRID Dutch forward RUUD VAN NISTELROOY will be
playing soon is STUTTGART.
















The paper publishes that within the next 24-48 hours the German
Club will be negotiating to shut all the details (including the medical
exam) & take the Dutchman over to the Budesliga. The 33 year
old Real Madrid player finishes contract at the end of the season,
& without playing time sees his chances of going to the World
Cup in danger. The Spanish Club doesn’t wish to halt or be an
obstacle in Van Nistelrooy´s World Cup objective & has allowed
the player to leave before finishing his contract.

Having said this, it is not all over until the fat lady sings, although
this is a local journalist “scoop” the contract has still to be shut.
Stay tuned!

SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2009 / 2010 - ROUND 20 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

VALLADOLID played out a 1-1 draw with ALMERIA. CRUSAT scored
for Valladolid in the 12th min & ARZO equalized for Almeria in the
81st min. People not happy with new Coach Lillo at Almeria.















VILLAREAL lost more than just 0 - 2 to OSASUNA, its Coach Valverde
was sacked for this loss & the continued bad results. The goals for
Osasuna came in the 14th min & the 85th min thanks to JUANFRAN
with the "double".

Last placed team XEREZ surprised everyone with its 2-1 victory over
MALLORCA. The latter scored first via WEBO in the 23rd min & then
missed a penalty opportunity. CARLOS CANO (above) then scored
twice (52nd & 79th min) to secure Xerez the victory.

TENERIFE lost to REAL ZARAGOZA 1-3. JUANLU opened the
scoring for Tenerife in the 48th min, but his team lost control of
the match with Zaragoza scoring three via new "Winter" signing
SUAZO (77thmin via penalty), COLUNGA (79th min) & LAFITA with
a "cracker" in the 82nd min.

(photo: Duda scores for Malaga_marca.com)


















ATLETICO DE MADRID fell back into its bad ways with a 0-2 defeat
at the hands of MALAGA. The mid-week semi-finals Spanish Cup
qualification paid its price on Atletico who may have gone into this
game somewhat over-confident; that & the lack of effective aim at
goal tonight lead to its poor performance.

DUDA scored early in the 3rd min to put Malaga ahead & LOPEZ
finished the business in the 71st min.

SEVILLA FC defeated VALENCIA CF 2-1 to sign that they a firm
candidates to put pressure on the current leaders FC Barcelona &

SPANISH FOOTBALL - LA LIGA 2009 / 2010 - ROUND 20 SUNDAY GAMES RESULTS

Real Madrid. ALVARO NEGREDO play a great match scoring for
Sevilla twice ( 21st & 69th min). Valencia attempted to comeback
& managed a goal by DAVID NAVARRO late in the 90th min, plus
were kept at bay by Sevilla goalie PALOP who has come into form.

ATLETICO DE MADRID CLOSES DEAL WITH DEPORTIVO FOR FILIPE LUIS

Good news for ATLETICO DE MADRID fans with the news from Spanish daily "AS" on its online channel announcing that the Madrid Club has come to terms with DEPORTIVO A CORUÑA for the transfer of Brazilian International Left Back FILIPE LUIS.

Both Clubs were in intense negotiations today in Madrid with the deal coming to good port after both teams agreed the 12M€ transfer price & a 4 year contract for the player. Filipe Luis is expected to arrive tomorrow to the Spanish Capital to shut the loose ends so as to later be able to make an official announcement.

The Brazilian is a talented player who was a regular for Brazil before he suffered a broken leg injury last year of which he is now fully recovered. His incorporation to Atletico lifts the quality level as the Europa League Champions work to put together a competitive squad for season 2010-2011.

SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM 2010 WORLD CUP LINE UP PHOTOS

OK guys, got the message, my email is saturated with your requests. The SPAIN WORLD CUP TEAM & FIFA 2010 WORLD CHAMPIONS has created "fan fever" around the World especially for the Asian & USA readers. As requested I have gathered the SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM PHOTOS - 4 versions - so you can collect & do with them as you wish, although many readers have already mentioned that they wish to place the photo as wallpaper on their PC screens.

The bottom photo is the SPANISH LINE-UP STARTING 11 that played the World Cup final against Holland & won 0-1 to win the 2010 World Cup.

Hope these photos of the Spanish Football Team satisfy the demands & I can liberate some space in my email account :o) A pleasure guys!

EUROPEAN U-19 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010 | CROATIA 1 - SPAIN 2

The SPANISH U 19 NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM is participating in the EUROPEAN U19 CHAMPIONSHIPS in France & started off well in their first group game against CROATIA with a 2-1 victory.

Spain dominated most of the match with possesion of the ball but Croatia scored first before half time via Andrijasevic who managed to "shake" the Spaniards out of their comfort zone. The young Spanish players reacted well in the second half to score twice via THIAGO who was brilliant today & RODRIGO with a header from a goalkeeping stop. Special mention to new Real Madrid player SERGIO CANALES (above) who put in a great match along with PACHECO.

Spain will play next Wednesday Portugal who managed to defeat Italy 2-0.

SPANISH U19 NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM | PHOTO

SPANISH SPORTS, & especially SPANISH FOOTBALL , is passing through a sweet moment. The Spanish National Football Team are current European Champions & just recently conquered the FIFA World Cup. With this in mind Spanish Football has plenty of future as illustrated by the U 19 SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM ( pictured below ) who will play France tomorrow in the U 19 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL.

Many observers are commenting that the U 19 Spanish Team has a list of members with brilliant talent that could make the jump in coming years into the "Absolute" National Team. Names like Dani Pacheco (Liverpool), Segio Canales (Real Madrid), Keko (At Madrid), Thiago (Barcelona), Munain (At Bilbao ) ...just to mention a few.

From here we wish them all the luck in the World for tomorrows Final. Let´s hope they can come back as U 19 European Champs.

REAL MADRID | RAUL TO ANNOUNCE MOVE TO SCHALKE 04 ON MONDAY

The current REAL MADRID Captain RAUL GONZALEZ BLANCO is expected back at the Club from holidays this Monday. However, everything points that RAUL will not be back to work but to announce the end of his many years at the Spanish Club & a move to end his career at German Club SCHALKE 04.

The 33 year old Spanish Football “legend” believes he still has a lot of Football left in him, does not wish to spend another season on the bench at Real & desires to keep playing at the highest level. Schalke 04 offers a new adventure & the possibility to play in the Champions League where he has a chance to break the all time “European tournaments” goal scoring record of German Gerd Muller (69) who is just 2 goals ahead of Raul who currently has 67 goals. The German Club is said to have offered Raul a two year contract.

It is reported that the Real Madrid Captain has already made his decision to leave & will announce it to the Club this Monday with a possible press conference to say goodbye ( if it is all correct) to the fans.

EUROPEAN U19 CHAMPIONSHIPS | SPAIN 3 ENGLAND 1 | SPAIN GOES INTO THE FINAL

The U-19 SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM defeated ENGLAND 3 -1 in the semi final this afternoon to go into the Final of the U19 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS on Friday were they will play France.

Spain deserved the victory as they dominated play with England having its moment in the late part of the 1º half with their only goal. Earlier Spain scored two excellent goals with the 3ºrd & definite goal in the mid part of the 2ºhalf were the Spanish later played to maintain the score line & secure their pass to the Final.

Special mention to the whole Spanish Team for an excellent match, but in particular the goal scorers PACHECO, KEKO & SERGIO CANALES, the latter gaining as the tournament goes on.

Details:

Spain 3: Alex; Montoya, Pulido, Bartra, Planas; Oriol Romeu, Thiago; Keko, Canales (Koke, m.69), Pacheco (Muniain, m.75); Rodrigo (Rochina, m.58).

England 1: Rudd; Clyne, Thompson, Caulker, Baker (Bostock, m.18); James, Cruise, Mellis (Noble, m.59); Nouble, Delfouneso; Donaldson (Phillips, m.71).

Goals: 1-0. Min.12: Dani Pacheco; 2-0. Min.34: Keko; 2-1. Min.37: John Bostock; 3-1. Min.57: Sergio Canales.

INTER MILAN REAL MADRID AGREE TRANSFER OF MAICON ?

This time around it is not the “scoop” hungry Spanish Sports daily “Marca”, this time the news that INTER MILAN & REAL MADRID have an agreement to transfer Brazilian International right-back MAICON comes directly from Italy & in particular from two sources like “La Gazzetta dello Sport” & the more generalist “Corriere della Sera”.

The info is that the transfer price has been placed at around 28M€ plus variables for performances, titles & other “inventive” formulas. Now it is Real Madrid that needs to find a suitable agreement with Maicon who is asking for a 4 year contract plus between 6-7M€/ year, an exaggerated sum that is halting advances. Real Madrid is only willing to go as far as 5M€ & thus here is the “negotiating tussle” that could be halting the news from Italy becoming a reality.

Having written all this, it is still pure speculation & I remind you that until both Clubs make an official announcement Maicon is still ( & continues to be) an Inter Milan player. Stay tuned!

REAL MADRID 2010 | RAUL GONZALEZ ANNOUNCES HIS FAREWELL

Big loss today for SPANISH FOOTBALL - SOCCER.

It had to come, like other greats before him, REAL MADRID now ex Captain & Legend RAUL GONZALEZ BLANCO said goodbye to his Club of 16 years. The Spanish player gave a press conference to a packed audience to announce his departure, his move to another country & Club to finish off his last remaining years as a professional Football player. All speculation points that Raul will join German Club SCHALKE 04, the Club will be formally announced tomorrow if all rumours are correct.

The Spanish player thanked everyone during his stay at Real Madrid & even mentioned that current Coach José Mourinho counted with his experience this season, but that he wished to play a more active role & have playing minutes as he believes he has lots of more Football still left in his body & mind.

Here is a long list of some important titles in his carreer at REAL MADRID ( there are more not included):

Titles
• 6 Ligas (1995,1997, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008)
• 3 Champions League (1998, 2000, 2002)
• 4 SuperCup Spain (1997, 2001, 2003, 2008)
• 2 Intercontinental Cups (1998, 2002)
• 1 SuperCup Europe (2002)

Individual Titles
• Siver Ball (2001)
• 3rd place FIFA World Player (2001)
• 2 Pichichis Spanish League (1999, 2001)
• 2 Pichichis – Top Goalscorer – Campeones Leagues (2000, 2001)

From here, SFS Blog wishes RAUL you all the best in your next adventure & Club. Thanks for all the Football Raul, but I am sure you will be back as a Real Madrid Directive, Coach or in some other manner that will keep you close to your only life love: Football & Real Madrid.

Here is a short video on todays goodbye & press conference:

REAL MADRID | A RECORD 1.022M€ SPENT ON NEW SIGNINGS SINCE THE YEAR 2000

Hi guys back from some days of holidays & glad to be with you again with Spanish Football news & curiosities.

An interesting story featured today in Spanish Sports daily “Marca” on REAL MADRID & their spending on new players since 2000. Real Madrid is the Club that most money has “invested” (spent) on new signings since the year 2000 in the whole World of Football. The below diagram illustrates this clearly with a massive 1.022M€ in 48 player signings:

Season 2009 – 2010 was a record spending period with 254M€ spent on Cristiano Ronaldo (96M€), Kaká (64M€), Benzema (35M€), Xabi Alonso (30M€), Albiol (15M€), Negredo (5M€), Granero (5M€) & Arbeloa (4M€). This new season the Spanish Club has already spent 53, 5M€ on Di Maria, Canales, Khedira & Pedro Leon, however more signings are tipped before the official start of the new Spanish League season.

2010 U/19 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS | SPAIN 3 ITALY 0

The U/19 SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM defeated ITALY 3-0 in the last match of their group to finish in Top place in the U/19 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS being held in France. Spain went into this game without seven of their habitual starting players who were rested as they had before hand secured a semi-final place. But the “reserves” made it look like they were not missed at all with some great play & excellent result.

Spain will now meet England in the semi-finals. Here is a video of the 3rd goal by Spanish player EZEQUIEL who transformed a penalty in an amazing manner & with a very cool nerve. Excuse the music that our “youtube” friend has added to the video…



Details:

Spain 3: Aitor; Hugo Mallo, Planas, Bartra, Ramiro Mayor, Keko, Koke (Pulido, min.67), Muniaín, Thiago Alcántara (Oriol Romeu, min. 46), Rúben Rochina & Daniel Pacheco (Ezequiel Calvente, min.46).


Italy 0: Simone Colombi; Alessandro Crescenzi, Riccardo Brosco, Roberto Soriano, Luca Caldirola, Jacopo Sala (Dumitro, min 46), Luca Tremolada (Galano, min.46), Mattia Destro, Fabio Borini, Andrea Adamo (Alessandro Malomo, min. 26) & Max Taddel.


Goals: 1-0, min. 17, Rubén Rochina; 2-0, min. 23, Daniel Pacheco; 3-0, min. 57, Ezequiel Calvente penalty.

ATLETICO DE MADRID SIGNS VILLAREAL DEFENDER GODIN

ATLETICO DE MADRID has shut the transfer of Diego Roberto GODIN with VILLAREAL. The Uruguayian International defender signs for the Madrid Club for the next 5 years. The deal is apparently worth between 8 – 10 M€ with a 50-50 deal on players rights after 2 weeks of intense negotiations. Atletico de Madrid continues to reinforce further their defense which was one of its weak areas last season.

REAL MADRID | MAICON CLOSER ?

According to Spanish Sports daily "AS" positions between REAL MADRID & INTER MILAN Brazilian International right-back MAICON may have got closer. Maicon representative Antonio Caliendo met yesterday with Real officials to lower the asked 7M€/year figure by Maicon to 5.5M€. This is a sum that may better Real Madrid´s pre-disposition to consider the signing of the Brazilian defender.

The transfer figure that Inter Milan could find satifactory is 28M€ according to the Spanish paper. Mr. Caliendo will be staying in Madrid the next days & this is specualted that the motive is to finally shut the transfer of Maicon to Real Madrid.

REAL MADRID | OZIL WILL BE NEW PLAYER FOR 2011-2012

According to Spanish Sports daily “AS” this is the deal between REAL MADRID & German 21 year old International & WERDER BREMEN midfielder MESUT OZIL. The player will stay one more year at his current German Club & finish his contract, this will unable the player to come “free” of transfer payment because as of the 1st of January 2011 the player is free to negotiate with the Club he chooses & Werder Bremen has nothing to say at all.

Therefore the news is that there is an “agreement” that Ozil will sign for Real Madrid when he is free & become the first new signing for season 2011-2012. This way Werder Bremen can keep their young star another season & Real Madrid secure the German with a “zero cost” transfer. Nice deal!

Let’s believe this is all true & that the agreement holds. As we all know Football has a funny way of making firm situations change very quickly.

CARLES PUYOL ANNOUNCES HE WILL CONTINUE 2 MORE YEARS WITH SPANISH NATIONAL TEAM

FC Barcelona & Spanish International defender CARLES PUYOL has announced that he will continue defending the colours of the Spanish National Football Team two more years. This means he will stay available for “call ups” until 2012 when the European Nations Cup takes place & will be celebrated under the dual hosts Poland /Ukraine.

Spanish National Selector & Coach Vicente Del Bosque has convinced Puyol to continue & reach the 100 International Caps mark. Currently Carles Puyol has 90 International Caps with the Spanish Team.

CESC FABREGAS FC BARCELONA | HUMOUR

Some Football humour from Barcelona sports paper "Mundo Deportivo" & its cartoon section "Pelotazos" by Kap.

Translated : "...but Cesc is very comfortable here at Arsenal".

SPAIN LOSES 2 - 1 TO FRANCE IN THE U19 EURO CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

France defeated Spain 2-1 in the Final of the U19 European Championships. Great game from the local team & hosts who managed to win with their physical strength over the Spanish “touch-ball” style.

Spain was the winner in the first half putting in an exhausting 45 min of domination play that earned them a goal. However the second half was a complete different story with France taking advantage of the Spanish tiredness & scoring twice to take the final & the U19 Euro title.

A grand effort by the Spanish U19 Team to get to the final who were defeated by the better team – France – on this occasion.

Details:

France 2: Diallo; Nego, Faure, Kolodziejczak, Mavinga; Fofana, Coquelin, Sunu (Lacazette, min. 70); Griezman (Tafer, min. 45), Bakambu & Kakuta.

Spain 1: Alex; Montoya, Pulido (Calvente, min. 86), Bartra, Planas; Canales, Thiago, Romeu, Pacheco, Keko (Muniaín, min. 63); & Rodri (Rochina, min. 73).

Goals: 0 - 1, min. 18 Rodri; 1 - 1, min. 50 Sunu; 2 - 1, min. 85. Lacazette.

SAMI KHEDIRA WILL BE A REAL MADRID PLAYER | STUTTGART ANNOUNCE MOVE ON WEB

German Club STUTTGART has today announced officially on their web that 23 year old midfielder SAMI KHEDIRA will be transferred to REAL MADRID. The news has been picked up by all local media & the German International could be flying to Madrid in the next hours to pass the obligatory medical exam this Saturday before signing his new contract with Madrid sometime early next week.

It has been written that Real Madrid made a 10M€ offer for the player, but German media cite this figure to be higher & closer to 15M€.

EUROPEAN U 21 2010 | FINLAND 1 SPAIN 1 | SERIOUS STUMBLE

The Spanish U21 National Team suffered a serious setback this afternoon when they only managed a 1-1 draw away to Finland. The Spanish U-21 Team will now need to win their last 2 remaining games & see whether other teams stumble. The objective was to gain a place in the 2011 European Championships to be held in Denmark, platform that gives access to the London Olympic Games. Group 4 leader Holland has the top spot in the “bag” with 21 points & Spain who is second with 13 points win play Holland & Poland, & later hope to secure the second place pass by seeing if the other second placed teams in the other various groups are weaker placed.

Spain was surprised very early by a “defensive lapse” in the 8th min when Kauko scored for Finland. From here Spain played stronger & reacted to win a penalty in the 31st min which Bojan scored to equalize.

From here Finland went into “defensive mode” & Spain dominated looking for the winner but Finnish goalkeeper Hradecky was the “star” stopping numerous occasions & assuring the 3 points for his side.

Spain will travel back home disappointed & now have it all uphill.

DETAILS:

Finland 1: Hradecky; Raitala, Jhani Ojala, Tanska, Sumusalo, Hjelm (Schuller, min.60), Riski, Kauko, Mannstrom (Pelvas, min. 90), Kolehmainen & Pukki (Kangaskolka, min.71).

Spain 1: De Gea; Azpilicueta, Botía (Mikel San José, min. 54), Domínguez, Canella; Javi Martínez, Dani Parejo; Jefrén, Fran Mérida (Ander Herrera, min. 46), Diego Capel (Adrián López, min. 80); & Bojan.

Goals: 1-0. Min. 8. Kauko. Min. 31. Bojan, penalty.

FIFA RANKING | AUGUST 2010 | SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM REMAINS Nº1

FIFA has released today its monthly National Team rankings with little surprises. The SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM who won exactly a month ago the 2010 FIFA World Cup leads the ranking as newly crowned World Champions, a title they will debut with tonight against Mexico in a Friendly International.

The table takes in consideration the yearly trayectory of the National Teams & not just the World Cup tournament of South Africa. Here is the Top 10 ranking:

1. Spain 1.883 pts
2. Holland 1.659
3. Brazil 1.524
4. Germany 1.464
5. Argentina 1.288
6. Uruguay 1.152
7. England 1.125
8. Portugal 1.062
9. Eygpt 1.053
10. Chile 988

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY | MEXICO SPAIN | POSSIBLE SPAIN STARTING 11 LINE UP

The SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM will be back in action tonight in an International Friendly game against Mexixo in the latters "Azteca Stadium". Only two National teams have managed a victory in their first game after being crowned FIFA World Champions (Argentina 1978, Brazil 1994) since 1978. The mayority have debuted with the "World Champion Star" on their shirts with a loss.

The match is schedule for 22.00 Spanish local time

The possible SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM starting 11 line up has been bravely given by Spanish Sports daily "Marca" & remains pure specualtion even if given by this paper:

Casillas, Arbeloa, Marchena, Puyol, Monreal, Bruno, Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Cazorla, Mata & Fernando Llorente.

The Spanish Team Selector & Coach Vicente Del Bosque has asked FIFA to allow 8 substitutions tonight so that he can give the other World Cup Champions ( Xavi, Ramos, Navas, Villa, Pique, Capdevila, X Alonso, Valdes...etc) a 15 minute run in this 200th anniversary match for Mexico celebrating its independence.

SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM 2010 WORLD FIFA CHAMPION TRIBUTE VIDEO

Spanish Football Sports Blog has whipped up this video to pay tribute to the SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM for their FIFA 2010 WORLD CUP win & World Champions title.

SPAIN DEBUTS TOMORROW WITH "WORLD CHAMPIONS STAR" AGAINST MEXICO IN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY GAME

The SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM will play its first International Football match tomorrow with the "Star" on their shirt as World Champion. Spain plays Mexico away tomorrow at the famous "Azteca Stadium".

However, debuting tomorrow with the long wished & hard fought "World Champions Star" may also turn out to be the Spanish Teams first defeat since winning the World Cup Final against Holland a month ago. A long list of Spanish players have gone straight into this game directly from their holidays, especially the FC Barcelona players like Villa, Pique, Pedro, Xavi, Valdes & Puyol, while others like Real Madrid players Xabi Alonso, Ramos, Casillas ...etc are way below optimal form. In fact there is another difficulty for the Spaniards, the altutude with the playing field being more than 2,000 mts above sea level.

Local Clubs like FC Barcelona have been very critical with the timing of this Friendly International & have managed to come to an agreement with the Spanish Football Federation to only allow 15 mins of playing time for the Barça players. This "pact" will affect the global performance of the Spanish Team with multiple changes being enforced during the match & "obligatory" bench-time for some important players.

Its clear that Spain will not be going into this game as intensely as the local opponents who celebrate their 200th anniversary as a Nation. Psychologically the Mexicans are more pumped as their player comments to media suggest that they desire to win the World Champions in this special occasion & win prestige with a positive result.

Either way it promises to be an interesting game that will be worth watching to see how Spain manages to overcome these pre-season difficulties & how Mexico plays with a new Coach after Aguirre resigned due to the unsuccessful World Cup results.

REAL MADRID SIGNS CHELSEA DEFENDER RICARDO CARVALHO

The news has spread like wildfire this evening here in Spain, REAL MADRID has come to an agreement with CHELSEA FC to transfer 32 year old defender & Portuguese International RICARDO CARVALHO for 8M€. The operation is believed to be on the verge of officiality as all parties work to shut all the fine details in the coming hours. The offer to the player is a two year contract with another year as optional.

Real Madrid apparently had this card up its sleeve days ago & was only waiting for todays Inter Milan summit between Maicon & the Italian Club, which ended with a statement that Maicon will stay in Milan, to exercise the option with Chelsea FC. The other "alternative" AC Milan defender Thiago was an option that was too costly with a 25-30M€ price tag that Real Madrid was not prepared to pay, to which some insiders comment that Thiago was just a diversion tactic.

Either way, the signing of Carvalho is full of controversy & has shocked many fans & media specialists. How can the Club justify signing a 32 year old defender when they just "asked" their legendary Captain Raul with 33 years of age to leave? Many bad tongues comment that José Mourinho & his "inside circle" ( including his representative Jorge Mendes ) could have economic interests behind this operation, although this is pure speculation without any solid proof or backing. Other media specialists have even go on further to say that Carvalho will play the function of being Mourinho´s inside man in the dressing room to keep the Coach informed on things, something that if true is bizarre.

Independently, one can suspect that Carvalho comes to be a line-up starter to the detriment of Spanish International RAUL ALBIOL who had a sensational last season & GARAY a solid Argentine International who will be seeing more of the bench. The former will have arguements to be puzzled & even "upset" as this performance last season was considered to be one of the best in his position in the Spanish League.

A transfer story that needs to be made official by Clubs before we can say it is all true that will however bring plenty of debate within the local & International Football circles. I personally cannot understand this decision, although I haven´t the knowledge nor expertise of the Real Madrid Directives or of Coach José Mourinho.

REAL MADRID LOOKS AT KUKAKU OR IS FERNANDO LLORENTE THE REAL OBJECTIVE?

A smokescreen? Spanish Sports daily “Marca” at times sells smoke & have published today that REAL MADRID has added on their list of possible signings ANDERLECHT young forward ROMEU LUKAKU.

Real Madrid Coach José Mourinho “surprised” some with declarations after the LA Galaxy friendly game that the team needs a third striker to compete with Higuain & Benzema, plus guarantee the maximum levels to be able to “battle” in all seasons competitions.

There are other names also being thrown into the wind like Mario Gómez, Amauri, Hugo Almeida & Spanish International FERNANDO LLORENTE (above). The latter maybe the true “objective” as the Athletic Bilbao player fits the profile that Mourinho looks for in his proyect. Coach Mourinho wishes to incorporate a tall & versatile forward to add options in the forward line when the games need new ideas.

Either way, stay tuned as anything is possible & surprises in this area will be guaranteed.

MESUT OZIL CLOSER TO FC BARCELONA ? HIS DECISION? REAL MADRID?

There seems to be a three way Club “battle” to make with the services of WERDER BREMEN & German 21 year old International MESUT OZIL. If last week REAL MADRID was said to be the destination, either for this season or next, it seems that MANCHESTER UNITED has entered the picture along with FC BARCELONA, the latter is now said to have the “leading edge” according to local Spanish media sources & rumours.

The failed attempt to sign Arsenal Captain & Spanish International midfielder Cesc Fabregas has intensified contacts between FC Barcelona, Werner Bremen & the player. The contacts have been so successful that local TV sports news have even put forwrad figures details like a 15M€ transfer deal with WB, the OK from Ozil & the only thing left being is the OK from Barça Coach Guardiola. Said this, Manchester United Manager-Coach Ferguson visited the recent Fulham- W Bremen match to watch Ozil as the “Red Devils” has intentions of making a serious attempt to lure the German over to Manchester.

But while theses two giants of European Football battle it out, REAL MADRID may come back attacking after their Brazilian forward Kaká was operated for his knee & will keep him sidelined four months, thus accelerating the need for a midfielder. Everything indicated that Real Madrid & Ozil had come to an agreement for his inclusion in season 2011-2012 (next year) & this may have been interpreted as a “lack of interest” that may have opened the doors to Barça & Manchester. What is certain is that German Club Werner Bremen is delighted as all this may cause a bidding “war” that could increase the transfer price far above the market price initially contemplated around the 12-13M€ mark.

What is certain is that MESUT OZIL has his future in his own hands. He will need to decide which team he wants to play at next season; Real Madrid, FC Barcelona or Manchester United. It seems that right now FC Barcelona could be the choice, BUT Football can change so quickly & it will be wise to wait & see how things develop.

Stay tuned!

EUROPA LEAGUE 2010 PRELIMANARY GAMES | GETAFE 1 APOEL 0 VILLAREAL 5 DNEPR MOGILER 0

Two Spanish Football teams were involved tonight in the 1ºst leg of the preliminary games for the upcoming 2010 - 2011 EUROPA LEAGUE competition.

Madrid Club GETAFE managed a slim 1-0 victory over the competitive APOEL NICOSIA team from Cyprus. Getafe midfielder PAREJO (above) managed the only goal & the winner in the 42th min. Entertaining match which saw chances at both ends, but was unfortunate for the Spanish team that they could not seal it tonight as now they have to play the result away at Cyprus next week.

The other match saw a 5-0 whitewash by VILLAREAL over the Belarus Club DNEPR MOGLILEV. The goals came via new signing MARCHENA (10th min), CAZORLA (17th min), VALERO (35th min), CANI ( 45th min) & NILMAR (74th min). This result practically assures the Spanish team a place in the Europa League competition independently of the 2ºleg match.

While Villareal was playing, the Spanish Club made official the signing of 22 year old defender from English Club Tottenham of DORIAN DERVITE.

2010 PRELIMANARY 1ºLEG CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | SPORTING BRAGA 1 SEVILLA FC 0

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2010 - 2011 action tonight with the 1ºleg pre-qualification matches results not good news for SPANISH FOOTBALL & its representative SEVILLA FC who went down 1- 0 to Portuguese Club SPORTING BRAGA. The Spaniards now have the difficult task - but not impossible - of turning the tie around next week when the Portuguese play the 2ºleg in Spain.

The Spanish team started strong & hit the post via Luis Fabiano early but slowly lost the ball as the game progressed. In fact Sevilla FC sinned in not "killing" off the game when they had their chances & Sporting gained in confidence to take control.

The 2ºhalf was dominanted by Sporting who received their reward for their hard work in the 63rd min when MATHEUS scored. From here onwards Sevilla tried to equalized but the damage had been already done & the Portuguese team held out to put in a "surprise" result.

Sevilla FC will have to take away some valuable lessons from tonights match & put it all together again next week if they are to be present in this seasons Champions League. There is still the opportunity!

REAL MADRID 2010 NEWS | OVERBOOKING | PLAYERS NEED TO LEAVE

With the arrival of German midfielder Ozil, REAL MADRID has “overbooking” in the midfield & with their squad. Currently there are 26 players that make up the list under the instructions of Coach José Mourinho & the Club wishes to lower the figure to 23 players. Obviously this means that three players will be “asked” to find other Clubs before the start of the new season.

During yesterday’s media presentation of Ozil, Real Madrid Director General Jorge Valdano made two insightful comments:
• That the signing phase was now shut with the coming of Ozil & that some players will have to leave.
• That the “Spanish” players were not considered as forming part of those which will be “motivated” to find a new Club.

Thus this narrows the list of sellable players via deduction, to which local Spanish Sports daily’s have been speculating on since yesterday’s press conference comments by Valdano.

Names that are up for bets:

• Rafael Van der Vaart – a midfielder with tough competition for a place & a player with lots of market appeal, especially in the German, Italian & Premier League, where Real Madrid could fetch a reasonable financial return.
• Gago – midfielder with tough competition for a spot but attractive for Premier & Italian League Clubs.
• Mahamadou Diarra – another midfielder with no current place that finishes contract next year. Italy could be a possible destination.
• Drenthe – not up to Real Madrid levels, but doesn’t wish to leave. The Club will look to see if they can loan him out.
• Lass Diarra – Mourinho sees him as an attractive alternative in the midfield if Khadira or Xavi Alonso get injured, plus as a substitute in the right back position if needed. But the Club will listen to offers if they are reasonable.

Logically none of the above mentioned players wishes to leave the Club & a city like Madrid. There salary is unique & high, the city offers an incredible lifestyle & Real Madrid is Real Madrid.

Interesting days ahead as we see how things develop in this delicate front.

FRIENDLY GAME 2010 | STANDARD LIEGE 1 REAL MADRID 1

REAL MADRID played another Friendly pre-season match against Belgium Champions STANDARD LIEGE which finished in a 1-1 draw. The Spanish team went in with a "B -side" version in the 1ºst half that ironically played somewhat better than the theoretical stronger line-up of the 2ºhalf with Ronaldo, Xabi, Khedira, Canales, Di Maria...etc.

It was Dutch midfielder RAFAEL VAN DER VAART who put Real ahead in the 12th min from a great executed free-kick. In fact the Dutchman was one of his teams better players until he was substituted in the early 2ºhalf, showing that he has a place in this "new" Real Madrid regardless of the speculation on his immediate future.

Standard Liege also did some 2ºhalf changes which better their side & play earning a reward in the 77th min when BENTEKE headed a brilliant goal to equalize & surprise the Real defenders. Real Madrid attempted the winner & came close many times but were not sharp in the last 10 mts, something that will obviously improve in coming games.

REAL MADRID SIGNS MESUT OZIL FOR 15M€

The German Club WERDER BREMEN has decided to not risk & take the new 15M€ offer from REAL MADRID for its 21 year old midfielder MESUT OZIL. The midfielder will fly into Madrid tomorrow to pass the medical examinations to later sign his speculated 6 year contract with a 5 M€ salary per year.

It has come to light that the father of Ozil & the player shut the deal at the home of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez. The new Real Madrid player could even be officially presented to all media before the end of the week.

The signing of Ozil puts the REAL MADRID midfield into “over-booking” & this will force out a player or two. The name speculated for the moment is Dutch International RAFAEL VAN DER VAART, but this is pure speculation at this moment.

2010 SPANISH SUPER CUP 1LEG RESULT | SEVILLA FC 3 FC BARCELONA 1

SPANISH FOOTBALL season 2010 - 2011 got started tonight with the 1ºleg of the 2010 SPANISH SUPER CUP between SEVILLA FC - FC BARCELONA which finished in a 3-1 victory for the home side. For the Barça fans overseas the starting line-up with the following players:
Miño, Alves, Milito, Sergi Gómez, Abidal; Oriol Romeu, Jonathan dos Santos, Keita; Bojan, Ibrahimovic & Maxwell; may have surprised with so many "new & young faces" as seen in the below FC Barcelona Team photo.

The missing seven Spanish Internationals & recent World Champions were left out because of lack of physical & team preparation & Coach Guardiola put together a side with many Barcelona B players & future promising youngsters.

The 1ºst half was FC Barcelona with the team playing well & with coordination. The opening goal came in the 20th min when Maxwell passed to IBRAHIMOVIC who scored. It looked like FC Barcelona with its young players had things under relative control.

But the 2ºhalf was a diffrent story as Sevilla put on Kanoute & later Negredo to go al out for the match. The startegy paid off as the young "inexperienced" Barcelona newcomers dropped in level, made some mistakes & allowed the more experienced Sevilla players to take over proceedings.

LUIS FABIANO equalized in the 62th min & was a clear signal that the game had changed in favour of the home team. KANOUTE was them brought on & the effect was almost immediate with two goals in the 74th & 82nd min.

Sevilla FC now take a handly 3-1 aggregate advantage to "Camp Nou" were Barça will be obligated to bring back its International star players & attempt to turn around the Spanish Super Cup tie.