Vicente del Bosque today announced that Vitolo and Sergio Asenjo have won call-ups to the national team squad ahead of games against Ukraine and the Netherlands. There were also recalls for Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez as well as Athletic Bilbao defender Mikel San Jose. Rayo Vallecano striker Alberto Bueno's hopes of a call-up were dashed by del Bosque, who instead preferred to name Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata in his full squad. Instead, Sevilla winger Vitolo and Villarreal goalkeeper Asenjo will hope to impress the Spain boss and win their first senior caps. Vitolo, a … [Read more...]
Is Alberto Bueno worthy of a Spanish call-up?
Spain face Ukraine and the Netherlands in the next fortnight as European football takes a short break for the international schedule to resume. One man who won't be happy to see a pause in proceedings is Rayo Vallecano striker Alberto Bueno who has been in scintillating form since the turn of the year. The former Derby man, who will turn 27 next weekend, is the top scoring Spaniard in La Liga with 15 strikes for the season. He's scored in five of his last seven games, including an incredible four in the win over Levante at the end of February. With national team selection just one week … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
Barça Rely on Camp Nou Spirit for Champions League Comeback
F.C. Barcelona went through a light training and preparatory session at lunchtime today at the Camp Nou in advance of the return leg of their last 16 Champions League tie against A.C. Milan this evening. However, the Blaugrana know that their attitude and approach to the game once the match has kicked off can be anything but light as they seek to overturn a first leg deficit. … [Read more...]
La Liga dominates Ballon d’Or shortlist as 7 Spaniards vie for title
FIFA has announced a 23 man shortlist for the Ballon d'Or award which will be announced at a gala on January 7th 2013. Included in the list are seven players from the victorious Euro 2012 Spanish squad whilst 12 of the 23 selected ply their trade in La Liga. 6 Real Madrid players are named and 5 from Barcelona with Atletico Madrid's Falcao being the sole candidate exempt from the big two teams. FIFA and a group of experts from France compiled the list for national team coaches, captains and various journalists to vote from. … [Read more...]