Manchester United keeper David de Gea is likely to be selected ahead of Real Madrid's Diego Lopez for the 2014 World Cup this year despite contrasting seasons with their clubs. With Victor Valdes ruled out due to a knee injury picked up in midweek, one spot remains, and the United youngster is expected to take it. … [Read more...]
Luis Aragones, 1938-2014
Spain, and the world of football, is today mourning the loss of the legendary Spanish coach Luis Aragones. Aragones died in Madrid this morning, at the age of 75. He had suffered a short illness, and his passing took many by surprise. His loss will be particularly felt by fans and former players of Atletico Madrid. He managed Atleti on four occasions, winning them the La Liga title and lifting the Copa Del Rey three times. Atletico will be holding an emotional minute's silence before their game against Real Sociedad on Sunday. As a player, Aragones made nearly 400 appearances for Atletico. A … [Read more...]
Spain select controversial Costa
Vicente del Bosque has called up Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa to his Spanish side for the first time following the striker's recent switch of allegiance from Brazil to Spain. The selection marks the end of the tussle between the two countries for Costa who has caused friction between the two confederations and fans of La Roja. … [Read more...]
5 players who could make the World Cup squad
Vicente del Bosque has a tough task in selecting 23 men out of around 50 world class players, choosing a squad based on form, potential, cohesion and experience so that Spain can retain their FIFA World Cup crown. An unsuccessful Confederations Cup campaign has seen change flourish in the Spanish camp with various newbies coming into the squad, but can any of these outside contenders realistically make VDB's final 23? … [Read more...]
Isco could rejuvenate Spain in time for World Cup
Ignore all of the Gareth Bale hyperbole, the stand-out signing for Real Madrid this summer was 21 year-old Isco. The diminutive playmaker has been a revelation since signing from Malaga for roughly 1/3 of Bale's transfer fee but has eclipsed even Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu so far this season. He's so far managed 5 goals in his first 8 games for Madrid, just one less than Ronaldo at this point in the season with both contributing the same number of assists. But Isco didn't join to provide competition for Ronaldo - he came to revolutionise an ageing midfield with the Spanish flair … [Read more...]
Spaniards in the Prem – Mata omitted as Michu stars
The Barclays Premier League has seen a recent rise in Spanish players, especially during the summer transfer market. Here we provide a round-up of their performances over the weekend. Of all of the Spaniards who played on Saturday and Sunday, the one who made the most headlines was someone not even selected on the bench. Juan Mata found himself out of Chelsea's squad for their game against Fulham which has caused quite an uproar. The diminutive playmaker has all the attributes which has helped Chelsea to two European titles but is being frozen out by Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge. … [Read more...]
Goalkeeping dilema for Del Bosque ahead of Finland clash
Vicente Del Bosque faces a decision headache when it comes to selecting the 1st name on his team sheet this evening. Iker Casillas would normally be his 1st and only choice to play between the sticks. However, the stopper from Mostoles hasn't played in a competitive match for his club side since January. … [Read more...]
Can the ghosts of the past inspire a Real Madrid fightback?
After their defeats at the hands of the top two in Germany last week, the Spanish big two must produce comebacks of epic proportions if they are to realise their dreams of a Clásico final at Wembley in the Champions League showpiece event. For tonight’s match against Borussia Dortmund, a communication went out to all Real Madrid club members asking them to wear their white shirts and have their Madrid scarves at the ready to create as much of a hostile atmosphere in an attempt to intimidate their teutonic opponents. The current Spanish champions will rely on memories of great battling … [Read more...]
All Roads Lead To London For Mourinho
Where will the "Special" or newly self christened "Only One" be coaching next season? Many in Madrid believe they can convince the Portuguese coach to remain at what they consider to be the World's greatest club. However, the evidence would appear to be piling up to a move away and the destination may be very familiar one to all involved in his entourage. Reports are emerging that Jorge Mendes, the coaches agent, had a dinner meeting with his client and Roman Abramovich recently at the super agents Madrid residence. … [Read more...]
San Iker No Longer Worshipped By “The One” And All
Iker Casillas finds himself at the centre of most of the media talk in the Spanish capital this week, but for reasons he would rather not be concerned with. All of the talk in the press, radio and TV is about why Casillas is not in Mourinho's plans and might he not even feature again this season? The rumours have created many a heated debate and the Madrid faithful appear to be worryingly split down the middle. With the medical green light for him to start training having been given a couple of weeks ago and the doctors and technical staff allegedly having given him the go ahead to start … [Read more...]