Spain NT News and Rumours

The Spanish didn't even think one of those 3 titles was possible. That I think a 3rd one is unrealistic just makes me late.

 

The Spanish sure are milking their national team for everything it's worth.

Fans will have to pay 10 Euro to attend public training sessions.

China and South Korea as opponents in friendlies instead of stand-ins for their group opponents.

Add that to the intercontinental travel the Spanish FA put players through and whatnot...

 

With the EURO having kicked off, it reminds us that a spot in next year's Confederations Cup is up for grabs.
And from Down Under comes this bit of news:
In the semifinals of the OFC Cup (Oceania) New Zealand were knocked out by New Caledonia (!)

So either Tahiti or New Caledonia will gain a nice little vacation in Brazil next year where they will be cannon fodder tourists picking up lots of autographs and opposing players' shirts.
I'll actually be happy for them. Always nice to see a new team in amongst the big boys no matter the competition.
The final will be played very very early Sunday morning Western Hemisphere time.

 

Spain are already in the next Confederations cup as World Champions. If Spain wins the Euros, whoever they beat in the final will go to the Confederations Cup.

 

Poor choice to renovate Del Bosque's contract. Another two years with the double pivot and another two years of Del Bosque bringing his friends (Negredo, Arbeloa, Albiol) over players who are actually worth something (Soldado/Adrián, Iraola, Amorebieta [who is now ineligible]).

A manager who was sacked by Florentino Pérez because he would not train the team, he would only choose the line ups. This is backed up by the fact that when he became manager of Besiktas, where he demonstrated his true level of managerial skills, he nearly relegated one of the top Turkish teams. Okan Buruk said "he was a very educated man, but he would never tell us anything, he would not train us."

His tactical decisions are simply laughable, 2-0 down against USA and he doesn't even make a third substitution in a match where Llorente COULD have made all the difference. Same story against Italy, only difference was that time Spain got lucky and equalised. And let's not even talk about the whole choosing César over Casillas. In the end Real Madrid got lucky, César picked up an injury in the Champions League final, Casillas comes on and makes some world class saves as Real Madrid go on to win the tournament.

 

I'm a bit disappointed by his renovation as well. DB certainly has lead a charmed coaching career. I will say that he does manage egos great though. Can we get a great tactician to assist him and actually make the futbol choices?

 

Iker and Xavi have won the Principe of Asturias prize, deservedly so. LINK

 

http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/news/newsid=1999621.html

del Bosque feels bad for not calling up Michu and Aspas as he said he would, but at least he was being honest about it, as he usually is. It's a shame but hopefully there'll be chances for them in the near future to get a chance.

Isco and Azpilicueta in line for their first caps, while Puyol could make his 100th in this game. Navas, Torres, Soldado, Benat, Martinez, and Albiol have all been omitted as well.

Uruguay's squad is;

Muslera, M. Silva, Lugano, M. Pereira, Godin, Caceres, Scotti, Coates, Aguirregaray, Perez, Cebolla, Gargano, A. Pereira, Arevalo, Alvaro Gonzalez, Lodeiro, Ramirez, Suarez, Cavani, Forlan, Seba, Chori Castro

 

Would have liked to have seen Guaita get a call up for keeper. Not a fan of Negredo but whatever, at least he didn't call up Torres. I'm happy to see Isco and Azpilicueta get a call up, would have liked Benat to be included as well.

 

Guaita is a fantastic keeper and I am sure will one day be part of the Spanish set up, but strangely he's only started 2 Liga games this season. Don't think he was a choice right now because of that.

 

Finally a new rightback has been called, considering what Del Bosque said about Azpilicueta's call-up it might not even be a one time deal.

 

Valdes​

Azpilicueta Ramos Pique Alba​

Busquets​

Isco Silva​

Iniesta​

Negredo Pedro​

This is my XI vs Uruguay. Rest some key players, giving a try to others.​

 

Two of the three friendly matches as part of Confed Cup preparations all but confirmed.

 

has the NYC June 7 game been made official yet? when do tickets go on Sale? what stadium is this game going to be at??

 

Spain's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Finland on 22 March in Gijon (kick-off time at 20:45 CET) and France on 26 March in Paris (kick-off time at 21:00 CET).

Goalkeepers: Victor Valdes (Barcelona), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), David de Gea (Manchester United)

Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Jordi Alba (Barcelona), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Javi Garcia (Manchester City), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Chelsea), Isco (Malaga)

Forwards: David Villa (Barcelona), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla)

 

Why didn't he call Javi Martinez & Michu though???

 

Javi Garcia? Really? that guy isn't good enough to play for someone like the United States let alone Spain.

And he leaves Javi Martinez and Benat off...

Anyway, I can't think of any possible way Javi Garcia will get any playing time though.

 

This is bugging me now, both have good season, yet overlooked(in Michu case).
And like Juanele said it, how come Javi Garcia get a call up when he even struggling to get line yp spot in City.

 

http://www.scoringthird.com/2013/03/spain-v-haiti-in-miami.html