La Décima – two words which will forever define the 2013/14 season in the eyes of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. Carlo Ancelotti and his band of Galácticos last season achieved what no other Real Madrid side since 2002 had – reclaim the UEFA Champions League. It was a historic season for Los Merengues as they also captured the Copa Del Rey in spectacular circumstances with a man-of-the-match performance from new superstar Gareth Bale against their eternal rivals in FC Barcelona. … [Read more...]
Malaga season preview
A new La Liga season always brings with it new faces, more excitement, and hopefully more underdogs that can compete with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Malaga CF is certainly one of those teams that will have a new look and will be aiming to improve on their 11th place finish of last season. … [Read more...]
Should he stay or should he go? Suarez’s transfer to La Liga
If recent media reports are to be believed, Luis Suarez may soon make the switch from the EPL to La Liga and with details already being talked about in public –Barcelona would pay around 30 million Euros (the number was a high as 85 million before Suarez’s “incident” at the World Cup) to Liverpool and possibly send Pedro and/or Sanchez as well— the possibility of a deal is real. Thus, the question becomes not if Suarez will move from the EPL to La Liga but should he? Eric Duffy explains. The reasons to move from Liverpool to Barcelona are simple. First, Suarez is currently one of the best … [Read more...]
Xabi Alonso: Spain Have Not Valued Our Success
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...]
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...]
Has Spain’s domination come to an end?
In their first game of this World Cup, Spain were handily defeated by the Netherlands 5-1. Even more worrying than the score line was Spain’s second half capitulation to the Oranje. It was not the performance worthy of a World Cup champion and consequently, the question (or gleeful exclamation) asking if Spain’s 6 year run of excellence is over has been widely discussed. Eric Duffy looks into whether Spain can bounce back this tournament. The truth of the matter is the answer will remain unknown until Spain face Chile in their next match on Wednesday. If Spain comes out, controls the match, … [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...]
Can Spain succeed without Diego Costa?
If recent rumours are to be believed, Diego Costa’s ongoing injury may ensure he is not included in Spain’s final World Cup roster. The Spanish national team coach, Vicente Del Bosque, has said that all players traveling to Brazil must be 100% fit by June 2nd, something that now seems impossible for Costa. After the past year of confusion and debate over Costa’s switch to Spain, his omission would seem strange and highly unexpected. However, could his absence be a blessing in disguise for Spain and their hopes of repeating as World Champions? … [Read more...]
Is Luis Enrique the Right Choice for Barcelona? They better hope so.
Barcelona wasted no time in appointing Luis Enrique as their new manager. As a former player, captain, and coach of Barcelona B, Enrique seems like the perfect hire to ensure Barcelona returns to its winning ways. However, his C.V. doesn’t necessary mean success is guaranteed; the coaches’ graveyard is littered with epitaphs of managers who seemed destined for success. In today’s game there are too many factors involved and too many unknowns for success to be a given for any manager. … [Read more...]
World Cup Group B Team Profile – Chile
Spain will face Chile in their second group B game at the iconic Maracana Stadium. Featuring in a group with two of the finalists from 2010, Chile are dark horses to qualify for the Round of 16. The South Americans will be highly charged on their home continent, but are they able to shock the current world champions? … [Read more...]