If you read his articles regularly or his books Morbo and White Storm, you will realise that while he does sometims go wrong with his cultural insights (as almost any expat would), and while I don't always agree with his football analysis, this is a guy who is deeply in love with Spain, it's culture and its football. I'm sure he would be the first to agree that Spanish football is superior to English football. But at the same time, we as Spanish fans, must agree that we have some of the worst referees of any top flight league in Europe.
Ok! I agree. You know why? Cause I never disagreed on this issue. And to be frank I really could care less if we have the worst referees. Peace.
Guys lets keep this subject on Futbol and not Iraq, as a Desert Storm vet who lost some buddies over there and have plenty of friends there now I would prefer to concentrate on futbol!! BTW-Every time I think back on Iraq I remember how Betis finished dead last that season 90-91 and it only made my 6+ months over there that much worse! Viva Er Beti Manque Lopera! Pichi
Don't be surprised if there are two coaching changes in the next few weeks if two things happen in the next 3 days: 1) Spain not making Euro 2004 2) Betis losing to Depor on Saturday If Spain can not come home from Oslo with a spot in Portugal, then Saez will get the boot. If Betis can't beat Depor on Saturday then Victor Fernandez will definitely get the boot. Look for the RFEF to hire VF as national coach. The big question is what Don Manuel will do, and it looks like Mane or Don Manuel Serra Ferrer will be the new coach. Although VF is not my hero maybe a stint as national coach could jumpstart his now declining coaching status. He would get a free rein as to who he can have on his team, and I can only hope it doesn't take him 50 games to figure out how to have this team play, since he's at 50 league games with Betis and still doesn't have a clue! Viva Er Beti Manque Lopera and Aupa Espanha! Pichi
Well, today's the day that will make or break Spain's Euro 2004 dreams. Here's the alineation that Marca thinks will be starting the match (according to their front page and website) Casillas Salgado-Helguera-Cesar-Puyol Xabi Alonso-Albelda Exteberria-Valeron-Vicente Raul Not too much to comment on, maybe, other than the obvious addition of both Valeron and Xabi Alonso, although it looks as though Xabi will have more defensive responsibilities, possibly at the expense of Baraja. Should Spain get down early, I would expect that Saez may try to empty his bench of offensive firepower, bringing on Joaquin for Extebe, Reyes for Vicente and Torres for Albelda or Xabi Alonso.
Saez always tells the exact lineup the day before a match.So Saez gave today's game lineup to the press yesterday,the lineup you have posted is not that Marca thinks it ill be,but it is actullay the correct lineup for tonight's game.
Re: Norwegian Matchtracker I'm listening to the national anthems from the stadium at http://www.marca.com/radiomarca/ I hope this means they're actually broadcasting the game!
GOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RAAAUUULLL!!! 0-1
Valeron keys the play, according to Marca's webcast, el balon de oro, that left Raul alone against Norway's keeper. He launched a hard shot and scored. Again, good decision by Saez to include Valeron in the starting 11, at least he was paying attention during the first leg. Who says Raul and Valeron can't play together???
Yes. Put brackets like these in your post. That's the only way I have been able to post pictures. I'll try and post a couple... Sorry, I'm try to show you on the board and it's not working because it thinks I'm trying to post a picture.... Like I said, I'll try to post some, or post the website and we'll try to get some up there....
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!! Vicente!!! 0-2 Its Almost OVER!!!!! Here we come Portugal!
Vicente scores for Spain, 0-2!!!! Spain books their trip to Portugal!!! Norway now has to score 4 to upset Spain....
HAAAA HAAAA GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Etxeberria !! 0-3 Now they need to score 6!!!! Goodluck
The irony of life!! Johnsen was a hero last week and this week he gets substitute for his lousy play!!
Anyone from the bay area planning on going next summer ? My parents will be in Spain for about three months during the Euros. I'd like to go but don't want to go the matches alone.
Today was a good day, for I have danced my victory dance Twice even, just to show off my dancing skils
Actually I think he went out because of an injury, he was grabbing his leg just before he went out. But it might as well been for his play, especially after clearing a bank shot off of Etxeberria´s head for Spain´s third goal.