Ahead of the final World Cup match for several Spanish stars, Xabi Alonso says that Spain may have not valued their success as it should have been. Success came in abundance for Spain in the last six years, but the air of invincibility has been taken away from them after just two defeats. The Spanish team would have been experiencing a multitude of emotions in the past few days. Sadness will be inevitable, but that is likely to be accompanied by reminisce as well. Alonso appears to be going through it. He has been speaking a lot about the ‘end of the era’ aspect – especially because he is … [Read more...]
Barcelona bring in keeper Bravo
Barcelona have agreed a deal with Real Sociedad for goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. The 31-year-old Chilean will join Barca after the World Cup for a fee which has not yet been revealed. He has signed a four-year-deal with the club and will link up with fellow new custodian Marc-Andre ter Stegen and fight for the number one spot. The long-serving Victor Valdes left Barcelona at the end of the season whilst back-up stopper Pinto was not given a new deal at the Nou Camp. It is thought that Bravo's signing will help ease the pressure on ter Stegen following his big move from Borussia Monchengladbach … [Read more...]
How does the World Cup work?
With the World Cup group stages coming to a close, those without wallcharts handy can be forgiven for feeling a little lost at this point. From Saturday, the rest of the games in the tournament will be settled by extra time or penalties as the knockout rounds get into full swing. This infographic from TopBet.eu will help give you a better understanding of how the tournament format is configured, and how one team will be crowned World Champions on the 12th July. … [Read more...]
Vicente Del Bosque’s next decision needs to be his last
After Spain’s horrific performances in Brazil, changes need to be made and the first one to go should be Spain’s manager Vicente Del Bosque, says Eric Duffy. … [Read more...]
Avoiding Brazil a priority for Spain
As reigning World and European titleholders, Spain’s only mission in this World Cup is to continue their winning ways and retain their trophy again, as Eric Duffy explains. Although they may not be the odds on favourite to win (that would be Brazil), due to the obstacles—injuries, unfortunate refereeing decisions, weather, luck, etc. — all teams will face during the tournament, Spain has as good as a chance as any of the other top teams. In a tournament like the World Cup, these uncontrollable events are what make the difference between victory and defeat. The team that ends up hoisting the … [Read more...]
Shilton: Casillas can break my record
Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton says that Spain captain Iker Casillas can break his record for World Cup clean sheets this year. Shilton, who also holds the record for number of England caps at 125, kept 10 clean sheets in his World Cup career and is tied for the record with France's Fabien Barthez. Spain's captain Casillas currently has 7 shutouts, but could potentially play in another 7 games if he makes it to his second consecutive World Cup Final in Brazil this year. "Personally I hope he doesn't break it!" Shilton said. "It is possible for him to get the record but I hope he … [Read more...]
Infographic: England’s Road Through The Group Stages
England face Italy on Saturday night in the jungle city of Manaus, which will look and feel like a very close encounter, not least because of the humidity! Apart from the stifling conditions and dodgy playing surface, what else do we know about the Arena Amazonia and England's other World Cup venues? Thanks to this handy infographic below from Hertz, you can find out all the details about each stadium Roy Hodgson's men will be representing the Three Lions in, so you can follow England in Brazil this summer. And, if you dare to dream, the graphic also shows England's potential route to the … [Read more...]
Barcelona close to Rakitic deal
Barcelona are expected to announce the signing of Croatian international Ivan Rakitic later on this week. Rakitic will move from Sevilla for a fee of around £16.2m and become part of Luis Enrique's new-look Barcelona team. Rakitic, who is preparing to face Brazil in the World Cup opening match this Thursday, has agreed personal terms with Barca and is just awaiting the clubs to agree the final figure and conditions of the transfer. Upon completion, Barca are expected to commence with Cesc Fabregas' transfer to whichever club he chooses. The Croat is expected to cost the Catalan club around … [Read more...]
Fabregas nears Chelsea switch
Cesc Fabregas is close to completing a £30m move to Stamford Bridge following Barcelona's decision to sell the Spanish international. The Blues are the favourites for Fabregas' signature after former club Arsenal rejected the chance to re-sign him. There was an option in Fabregas' contract that Arsenal would have the first option to buy the player if Barcelona were willing to sell, but Arsene Wenger has refused to take up the offer. Instead it appears as if Chelsea are holding off Manchester City and United in the race to sign Fabregas. Jose Mourinho has openly admitted that he is interested … [Read more...]
Costa passes Chelsea medical ahead of £32m move
Diego Costa has undergone a medical with Chelsea ahead of a heavily-anticipated £32m transfer from Atletico Madrid. The Spanish striker scored 32 times as Madrid won La Liga and reached the Champions League Final in a fantastic season at the Vicente Calderon. Costa was part of the Madrid team that knocked Chelsea out in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and even scored from the penalty spot in the 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge. He has been linked with Chelsea for months and looks set to end the speculation over his signing if he completes personal terms with the club. The deal looks set … [Read more...]