Every self-respecting football fan is well aware of Fernando Torres' sad decline over the last four years. He went from being a Euro 2008 winning player. And match-winner in that final, to a misfiring shell of his former self. While, I believe we saw a slight resurgence of Torres under Rafa's brief stewardship, it was nothing to get too excited about. More importantly, he'd show signs of class but that'd quickly disappear. However since returning 'home' to the Vincente Calderon, a new wave of optimism has been borne. His two goals against Real Madrid have largely contributed to this. In his … [Read more...]
Chelsea hotshot Costa set to improve La Roja relationship
Diego Costa has been one of the most highly rated strikers in world football for the past 18 months, topping the scoring charts at Chelsea despite claims of injury from boss Jose Mourinho. With 9 goals in his first 7 games in England, Costa's reputation has already begun to change from a one-season wonder at Atletico to one of Europe's deadliest finishers. However, supporters of his national football team are yet to be convinced. Costa endured plenty of criticism for switching allegiance from Brazil to Spain months before the World Cup began, though thoroughly merited his inclusion in the … [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...]
El Niño – the renaissance of a troubled star
He once was the most feared striker on the planet. A former goalkeeper, he made his mark as a striker at boyhood club Atletico Madrid, playing a part in the promotion of the team to La Liga. In his second season, at a tender age of 18, he was the 3rd highest goal scorer in the league, netting 19 times in 35 appearances. He also attracted attention from top European sides in particular Chelsea who were ready to spend £28 million on the starlet. That just shows what a phenomenon he truly was. His move to Liverpool proved to be one of the best if not the best decision he has made in his career. … [Read more...]
Falcao to follow Mou to the Bridge
Radamel Falcao started the Spanish season in spectacular goalscoring fashion for Atlético Madrid and was the centre of much transfer speculation. He was initially linked with a move to cross town rivals Real Madrid and even a big money move to Paris Saint-Germain. Recently, however, stories have emerged of a possible switch to the English Premiership and particularly with a move to current European Champions Chelsea, a side he scored a hat-trick against in the European Super Cup Final in Monaco, catching the eye of owner Roman Abramovich. … [Read more...]
Five things we learnt about Spain at the Euros
If you haven't been living under a rock for the past twenty four hours you'd be aware of the fact that Spain have once again been crowned champions of Europe after an awe-inspiring 4-0 victory over Italy in last night's Euro 2012 final. In spite of arduous comments from the media that their 'Tiki-Taka' style of football had become boring, La Roja silenced their critics once again by retaining their European Championship under the lights of Kiev's Olympic stadium with a quite dazzling display of football. Here's five important things we learned about Spain after the successful defence of their … [Read more...]
The reign in Spain occurs mainly on the pitch
Last night Spain rewrote history as they became the first team to retain the Henri Delaunay trophy and in some style too as they thrashed Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final and put forwards their claim to be the best team of all time. Vicente del Bosque's men won their third consecutive major tournament and in an invigorating, attractive way thanks to Silva, Alba, Torres and Mata goals. Spain strode out onto the Olympic Stadium turf riled by growing criticism of their play and a desire to change that. Their dominant and patient traditions of playing had been scrutinised and labelled … [Read more...]
Lessons learnt from Spain vs Ireland
I dissect the latest Euro 2012 game in which Spain ran riot against Giovanni Trappatoni's Republic of Ireland side. Goals from Fernando Torres (2), David Silva and Cesc Fabregas sealed a 4-0 victory for Spain, but what else did we learn? Too easy for Spain as they win at a canter Nothing new to learn from this game, simply revision. Imagine you were reading the ‘Spanish handbook to winning football matches’; on … [Read more...]
Spain’s Euro 2012 Squad
As defending champions and many people's favourites to retain their European crown, Spain head into Euro 2012 under strength. When I say under strength, I don't mean it on England-scale proportions but just that key men, Carlos Puyol and David Villa are absent. Add to that the pressure of holding the 'favourites tag' and playing against 10 man defences and this particular tournament could be Spain's greatest triumph yet. … [Read more...]
Three Spanish bets you should consider for this year’s European Championships
With the titans of Spain, Barcelona and Real Madrid now left with nothing to play for this season following their dramatic Champions League exits and Madrid's La Liga title clincher last night, the attentions of Spain will now turn to their national team, in their bid to win back to back European Championships in Poland and Ukraine next month. España of course go into this competition as favourites with a price of 5/2 with Bet 365 to win the tournament outright but we've highlighted three other bets you might be tempted to place during Spain's defence of their European title. … [Read more...]