http://www.as.com/articulo.html?d_date=&xref=20040701dasdaiftb_17&type=Tes&anchor=dasftbR00 We are ready. Get ready.
Great news. I'll be interested to see who he picks for the first match against Venezuela. Will he leave out Bravo? bring in some new blood? play Puyol as center back? etc. I wouldn't mind if he doesn't pick Raul for this first match (although I think he will). It will send the message that he is in charge and that players need to be in good form to play on the national team. I don't think its a sign of disrespect. Even the greatest players need to pull their own weight. oh well, should be interesting.
Venezuela is not an easy team, as right now they look like trained by another Luis Aragones, tactically very similar, and successful. He better make changes soon, because he wouldn't want to lose the first game. Raul is going to be feeling much better, he will be rested. Luis will probably call him, as he will want to see how he is feeling. You can't forget that Bosnia is next a month after that game. You have to know if a player like Raul is ready or not.
Just wanted to mention some things i've read in the last few weeks: Aragones said he is not opposed to playing Raul, Torres, and Valeron in the same lineup. There are several rumors as to who will be selected for the first warm-up match. It was mentioned that Arteta was being observed by the national team scouts. Josemi (ex-malaga, liverpool right fb) may be called along with Salgado. Del Horno and Romero (Depor) are possibles for the left fb position. The coach set several new rules for his team, which includes dietary restrictions (no more buffets), dress code, team unions (e.g., they meet as often as possible to become unified) etc. Looks like the coach is already shaking things up.
I hope 2006 is Spains year. France will probabley not be as strong, England will be kept back by Sven Goran Erikson, germany will try but lack the depth. If Spain can get it together and get a good rythm going, anything can happen. Most of their key players are still young and can develop even more. Torres, reyes, and others should be given a bigger shot. Joaquin, Xavi, Alonso, Casillas are all already very good, and can get better.