The Eternal Underdogs
They have figured consistently in the World Cup finals. But they've been consistently knocked out in the quarter-finals many times and they are increasing finding it to difficult to get rid of the "Quarter-chokers" tag. They have two of the greatest clubs in Europe and in the world in Barcelona and Real Madrid. But their popularity, legacy and success in club football doesn't seem to be play any part in correcting the problems in the national team.
Spain's coach, Luis Aragones has announced his provisional squad of 27 members. There are no major changes but still one look at the list will not make a happy reading for everyone. An inconsistent Guti, also Real Madrid's stand-in-captain has been given the axe along with Espanyol's Ivan de la Pena. Valencia star Vicente is in the injury list which already has Valeron and hence does not figure in the line-up. But one startling selection has been that of Asier del Horno at the expense of Getafe's impressive Mariano Pernia, who is eligible to play for Spain in the world cup. Had he been selected, Pernia would have been the second naturalized Spaniard after Marcos Senna to have represented Spain in the past six months.Del Horno has failed to deliver the goods for Chelsea at left back. If Guti was omitted on the grounds of inconsistency, so should have been Del Horno.Also maybe due to Bilbao's pathetic performance or injury, I cannot figure out why Joseba Etxeberria, who played well in Euro '04 has not been selected. But Spain is blessed with good talent in the wings. Betis' right winger Joaquin is a star in his own right.
Aragones has gone in for his experienced stars, inspite of the fact that some of them are coming out of career threatening injuries. Xavi and captain Raul are in the team. Fernando Morientes, whose Liverpool career has not gone off to a flyer, also retains his place. Apart from the above duo, Carles Puyol, Barcelona captain and Real Madrid's saviour Casillas will be crucial to Spain's chances.
Aragones has also picked David Villa and Fernando Torres, both youngsters have been in goal scoring form, with Villa in particular who looks set to ensure Eto'o does not get the eluding 'Pichichi'this year also. Similarly, midfield also has a blend of youth and experience with Xabi Alonso giving company to Xavi in the midfield along with Iniesta and Cesc. Alonso has been in terrific form for Liverpool. If he can reproduce such displays, Spain can go a long way.
With Shevchenko inspired Ukraine, ex-African Champions Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, their group is definitely not looking tough when you compare what lies in store for Holland, Italy, Argentina and Czech Republic. As an admirer of Spanish style of football, I would seriously love to see them go the distance. Getting past the quarters is the key. Hope Raul does something good for his country atleast.
They have figured consistently in the World Cup finals. But they've been consistently knocked out in the quarter-finals many times and they are increasing finding it to difficult to get rid of the "Quarter-chokers" tag. They have two of the greatest clubs in Europe and in the world in Barcelona and Real Madrid. But their popularity, legacy and success in club football doesn't seem to be play any part in correcting the problems in the national team.
Spain's coach, Luis Aragones has announced his provisional squad of 27 members. There are no major changes but still one look at the list will not make a happy reading for everyone. An inconsistent Guti, also Real Madrid's stand-in-captain has been given the axe along with Espanyol's Ivan de la Pena. Valencia star Vicente is in the injury list which already has Valeron and hence does not figure in the line-up. But one startling selection has been that of Asier del Horno at the expense of Getafe's impressive Mariano Pernia, who is eligible to play for Spain in the world cup. Had he been selected, Pernia would have been the second naturalized Spaniard after Marcos Senna to have represented Spain in the past six months.Del Horno has failed to deliver the goods for Chelsea at left back. If Guti was omitted on the grounds of inconsistency, so should have been Del Horno.Also maybe due to Bilbao's pathetic performance or injury, I cannot figure out why Joseba Etxeberria, who played well in Euro '04 has not been selected. But Spain is blessed with good talent in the wings. Betis' right winger Joaquin is a star in his own right.
Aragones has gone in for his experienced stars, inspite of the fact that some of them are coming out of career threatening injuries. Xavi and captain Raul are in the team. Fernando Morientes, whose Liverpool career has not gone off to a flyer, also retains his place. Apart from the above duo, Carles Puyol, Barcelona captain and Real Madrid's saviour Casillas will be crucial to Spain's chances.
Aragones has also picked David Villa and Fernando Torres, both youngsters have been in goal scoring form, with Villa in particular who looks set to ensure Eto'o does not get the eluding 'Pichichi'this year also. Similarly, midfield also has a blend of youth and experience with Xabi Alonso giving company to Xavi in the midfield along with Iniesta and Cesc. Alonso has been in terrific form for Liverpool. If he can reproduce such displays, Spain can go a long way.
With Shevchenko inspired Ukraine, ex-African Champions Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, their group is definitely not looking tough when you compare what lies in store for Holland, Italy, Argentina and Czech Republic. As an admirer of Spanish style of football, I would seriously love to see them go the distance. Getting past the quarters is the key. Hope Raul does something good for his country atleast.
posted by Marauder | 8:59 PM
9 Comments:
I see Spain coming through to the quarters but they certainly need some inspiration to produce their best to beat top teams such as Italy, Dutch, England.
Raul has to score...Villa is sort of untested at the highest level but he has been exemplary for Valencia...am hoping Vicente is fully fit...he came on as a sub last night.
Vicente will in all probability won't make it. He's just started to shake his boots slightly in training. Villa can be their surprise weapon. I've seen a few goals of his. Looks to be an all-round player like Bergkamp.
BTW England are sailing in the same boat as Spain. They also stumble in the quarters frequently. Maybe they won it in '66 can be the sole distinguishing factor.
Top teams. If ratings are anything to go by, Czechs and Spaniards are in the top five above England and Italy. Ratings are a reward for consistency of some form or other, I believe.
Morientes has been terribly out of form. So has Raul. I hope Aragones starts with Torres. They have a very strong midfield.Alonso,Xavi,Fabregas,Baraja are all good good players.
Baraja, Xavi have suffered injuries. Alonso has been playing injury free till y'day. Hope Alonso recovers from the ankle injury and plays in Germany. He's been the best performer among the Spanish midfielders this season.
The Alonso one looked serious..lets see. I think Xavi is fit and might even play on the 17th.
Cesc deserves to play though.
who are the Spaniards playing??
torres and villa have to start for them...xavi, albelda, vicente and joaquin would be the ideal midf.
What about Cesc Fabregas?
He has done pretty well this season at Arsenal that it's difficult to ignore him.
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