Spain picked up their third European Under-21 trophy yesterday. Having previously won the title in 1986 and 1998, they are now just two short of Italy’s record of five. They beat out strong Swiss opposition, who were looking for their first title. The Swiss had not let in a single goal since the start of the tournament. But Spain changed all that. A header from Herrera in the 41st helped dry the sweat from Spanish hands going into the second half.
Herrera Celebrates Goal
But the temperature increased in the second half as the Swiss came battling back. In the end though, they were not able to convert their chances, and Spain got in the death-blow just before the end. Thiago spotted the Swiss keeper off his line and belted in a free kick from 40 meters out (81′).
Despite not managing to find the net in the final, Adrián got an extra piece of goal for his troubles. He picked up the Golden Boot for this top scoring record of 5 goals. Another top stat from this top scorer shows what a goal poacher he is with nine off-side calls going against him in the tournament.
World Cup winning, Juan Mata picked up the bronze boot—with Swiss striker Admir Mehmedi getting the silver—for his two goal tally. The midfield play-maker actually got to heft the metal shoe curtsy of his assists, as there were four other players with two goals to their names but he had the most assists with two of those as well.
Mata with the bigger of his two awards
Fellow World Cup winner and team captain, Javi Martínez, got to be first in something that won’t get you anymore metals, but is kind of important if you want to stay in the game against hard teams. He committed the most fouls. Actually he tied with Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri; they both committed 15. Of course, Martínez suffered 22.
So here’s to the boys from Spain, who proved once again that if you play as team with some rhythm and flare and are as solid as walls and quick like the hare. You can pick up the trophy anytime and were.
Now all we need is for the Under-17 team to win the World Cup.
Belarus came out with the defensive minded tactics and high work rate needed to hold Spain off in the Semi-Final of the Under-21 European Championships on Wednesday. They put up a brick wall that proved just as motile as Spain’s tiqui-taca style. The hard work of the men in white was rewarded just before the end of first half with goal born of an odd combination of luck and skill. A long throw-in on the right side was headed upward by the Belarus captain, Sivakov. The ball came down near the center of the box where Domínguez was holding off Voronkov. With his back to goal and defender behind him, Voronkov bicycle-kicked the dropping ball around himself and the Spanish center-back. The ball then continued on its miraculous journey as it bounced in off the far goal post (38′). Meanwhile, in Spain’s goal, de Gea had neither seen the ball being stuck nor saw it go in.
After the start of the second half, Spain keep looking like they might get the equalizer. With over 70% of the possession and 11 shots on goal in total by the time they were 10 minutes into the second half, no one would have bet against them. But Belarus keep closing them down. And when they did mange a shot on target, which were mostly headers—an odd trend be sure for Spain, but long passes from the wings were about all Belarus would allow—they were faced with the incomparable goal tending of Gutor.
As the minutes of the second half slipped by, everyone began to wonder if Spain would/could score. They maintained their composure. But Belarus maintained their determination.
Spain left it to the last. In the 89th minute, Adrián bombed forward to blast a cross from Jeffren into the net. The whole of the Spanish bench went racing down the touch-line to celebrate the tie that would take them on into extra time.
Adrián and Mata Celebrate Late Goal
When the extra time began, Belarus held on to the tie with everything they had. Despite both sides having used their substitutions early, neither looked ready to pack it in. After a few more near misses from Spain, Capel’s leaping cross from the left-wing found Adrián’s head, and Spain were finally in the lead (105′). Capel’s brilliant assist with a first-time ball was rewarded—with him being buried under a mountain of Spanish subs. It was down to Spain’s captain, Martínez, to dig him out. On the other side of the pitch, Adrián was celebrating his fifth goal in four games with Jeffren and Bojan.
Jeffren put the icing on Spain’s cake and blew out the last of Belarus’ candles in one spectacular shot from center-field, which soared past everyone to make the final score 3-1.
When the final whistle went, the Belarus players dropped onto the pitch like they had been shot. Spain’s coach, Luis Milla, went over to his opposite number, Georgi Kondratyev, immediately to congratulate him on a truly remarkable performance. Milla knows that Spain lucked out. That they could have easily lost their place in the final against Switzerland, who knocked-off the Czech Republic 0-1 in extra time.
Spain haven’t seen an Under-21 European title since 1998. But with some many glittering bits of silverware piling up back home these days, La Furia Roja is expected to win.
Of course, the Swiss aren’t about to go quietly into the night. They haven’t lost a single match leading up to the final. And someone is sure to remind both camps that is was at the hands of the Swiss that the senior side suffered their only defeat at the World Cup. Spain’s been know to have bad luck with these kinds of ill omens, but Spanish players of today have a hard time letting their heads drop. They suddenly have a history and pedigree that trumps silly superstitions. So, with any luck, these boys will had to that history and that trophy cabinet come Saturday.
Tomorrow, Spain will face Belarus in the Semi-Finals of the Under-21 European Championships being held in Denmark this summer. They topped their group—comprised of England, the Czech Republic, and the Ukraine—with relative ease after a somewhat over-confident start. In the first group game, La Furia Roja went toe-to-toe with the English Lions. Spain came out strongly. But after Herrera headed in the opening goal off a corner kick on 14 minutes, the team started passing around the backfield like they 8-0 up. Resting on their possession stats proved to be foolhardy when England’s Welbeck scored the equalizer just a few minutes before the final whistle (88′).
Herrera's Header
Yet, like their big brothers in the First Team—who lost their frist game to Switzerland in the World Cup—the mishap has made them stronger. They quickly turned into a team that worked consistently hard for each other and the results were stunning. They turned the group runners-up, the Czech Republic, upside down with a brace of goals from Adrián (27′ and 47′).
Adrián Celebrates Goal
Spain’s did one better in their last group match against the Ukraine. World Cup winner, Mata opened Spain’s account—scoring in the same minute as the number he wears on his back, 10. Adrián made Spain comfortable on 27 minutes. But Spain continued to press, and on 72 minutes they were rewarded in the form of a penalty when Mata was pulled to the ground in the box. He took the spot kick himself and did a beautiful job of it. Just. Two minutes later, it looked like the Ukraine players would get a consolation goal after Spain’s Keeper, de Gea, was judged to have brought down a player in the box. But Spain walked away with another clean sheet thanks to a poor spot kick from Konoplyanka and the safe gloves of de Gea.
de Gea (Spain's Goalie)
So, is Adrián the next Villa? Is de Gea the next Casillas? Well, yes. And while I’m on the subject. Alberto Botía is a scary dead ringer for one Gerard Piqué. It’s all there, the general physique, the strength in the air, the positioning, and precision defending. He even has the backward run and shirt tucked in with the ties on his shorts noticeably undealt with. All that is missing is the need to wear long-sleeved shirts in all weather.
The bottom line is that Spain is having no trouble turning out more talented players who can play the beautiful game in the beautiful way. There can be little doubt that Spain will end up in finals, probably with Switzerland. And so long has that meeting doesn’t turn out to be a jinx for them, Spanish players like Mata and Martinez will be looking for yet another corner in their apartments to store something shiny in.
Confucius said, “never give a sword to a man who can’t dance”. It’s a friendly little reminder that coordination, timing, flexibility, and creativity are just as important in dance as they are in kicking someone’s butt. The same is true in sports. It’s the reason American Football players take ballet lessons. So in honor of Confucius’ wise words let’s take a look at some of our favorite footballers busting a move.
We’ll start back at the World Cup in South Africa. The Germans have just handed a 4-0 beating to Argentina. As they backed up their gear and celebrated their advancement to the semi-finals, the South African staff started to sing and Schweinsteiger didn’t want to leave them hanging.
I’m not sure you can qualify this next one as a dance per-say. But since this was the goal celebration that smashed records at Real Madrid we will give it to Ronaldo and Adebayor.
Amid celebrations at the San Siro of AC Milan’s 18th league title, a mysterious figure appeared holding the Scudetto trophy. Boateng showed why he is one of the best play-making midfielders out there when sold his Michael Jackson impression.
What are you going to after smoking Manchester United in the Champions League? Disney Land? No. What you do is. get a bunch of your triumphant warrior brethren together and go to your girlfriend’s concert. Piqué showed up front and center for Shakira’s concert in Barcelona with Xavi, Villa, Pedro, Bojan, and Busquets in tow. I’m pretty sure they didn’t sign up for being pulled up on stage by the singing sensation for a little “hips don’t lie” dance lesson, but man were they good sports about it. Most of the boys formed a wall by putting their arms around each others’ shoulders—effectively preventing them from moving too much. But Busquets was fearless and got right into it. He and Piqué should be applauded for their willingness to give it a go. And considering they don’t actually have hips, they all did pretty freaking good.
So, “throw your hands in the air and dance like you just don’t care” (Jay R). You all won something shiny this year. And with any luck I’ll get to show you dancing fools again next year.
Inspired by the fact that several Spanish National Team players were known to cheat at BINGO during the World Cup, I present jersey, or if you prefer Kit, BINGO.
It works like all BINGO games. Here the idea is to do some crowd watching and see what kinds of jerseys you can spot on the fans. This is, of course, easier to do if you are actually at the match, but you might try it at home, if you are like me and spend most of half-time looking at random images of fans. Like the clever Spanish players, feel free to adjust it to meet your needs. If you do change it let me know what you added. Enjoy!
B I N G O
Messi
Goalie Jersey
National Team
(Not currently playing)
Captain’s Jersey
(Away Team)
Former player
Player not at the game because of injury
Bundesliga Club
Captain’s Jersey
(Home Team)
Club Team 3 or more players currently play for
(Change strip if watching club game)
Substitute player
Random Sport
(American Football, Basketball, Rugby…)
Starting 11 player
Home Team
Club Team not representing Anyone on either team
Away Team
(Strip they are playing in)
Club Team only 1 player currently or used to play for
In Germany’s qualifier for the 2012 Euro’s today, they maintained their winning edge by beatting Azerbaijan 3-1. Yet, all was not as it seems.
While the German starting-lineup tried to follow along with the band in Azerbaijan’s home stadium playing their national anthem, I was busy counting centerbacks.
1
Benedikt Höwedes
2
Holger Badstuber
3
Mats Hummels
Ah, wait, did I just say there were three centerbacks? Yes, Yes I did, and while Hummels and Badstuber slotted into their normal roles in front of goal; Höwedes was relegated to the right flank. That meant that Lahm was kicked out of his position. So Löw plays him as a holding midfielder alongside Kroos, presumably to replace the injured Khadira.
I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to seeing Lahm in midfield. I certainly didn’t manage it in the allotted 90 odd minutes. He looked down-right out-of-place, and Howedes didn’t look much more comfortable at right back, even though he has played there for Schalke before.
The unorthodox defense-midfield combination resulted in an uncleared ball that eventually made its way past Neuer and into the net (Huseynov 89′).
At the other end, Germany was hit and miss. Kroos had a couple of balls fly in just off target early on—cracking shots from distance. The first goal for Germany came in a moment of confused brilliance when Höwedes kept the ball in and provided a cross that nearly found Podolski’s head, but some defensive work saw the ball cleared into Özil’s feet. He then somehow managed to slot the ball between the defender and the goalie, so that it would bounce in off the far post. Özil didn’t expect the ball to go in, and it took the congratulations of his teammates for him to show any pleasure in scoring the opening goal (30′).
Goal two added to Gomez’s scoring record of four in the last three national games. A perfect long pass from Badstuber, a great run and cross from Özil, and Gomez couldn’t help but slot it past the keeper (41′).
Azerbaijan would have given the Germans quite a run for their money, if their goal hadn’t been disallowed for an incorrect call of offside just after the half (65′).
The Germans though, ended up putting the game beyond all doubt when Gomez’s strike was parried by the goalie and Schürrle got a boot to it (90′). With only his second goal in the national first team, he put the contest beyond question and all but secured Germany’s advancement.
The weather was perfect. Gillette Stadium was amazing, and the pitch was immaculate.
Gillette Stadium Photo by D. Miller
As the fans arrived, the Stadium filled with red.
U.S. Soccer Fans
U.S. fans were encouraged to wear red as the team sported red jerseys with a blue sash. No one had to tell the La Furia Roja fans what color to wear, though Spain was forced into wearing one of their change kits with the home side in red. They went with an all white kit that is either new or a third strip I’ve never seen.
So there was no lack of red, white, and blue, meaning that no one looked terribly out-of-place in the home of the Patriots.
Before the players could even come out warm up in their blue training kits, I spotted someone on the sidelines I recognized. Iván Sevillano Pérez of Huecco had a mic in one hand a green ball, representing the world, at his feet. I knew what was coming, and if you don’t may I suggest you watch this video.
This video supports and utterly brilliant charity, SOccket
The Soccer Hall of Fame class for 2011 also got their due, and a delegation of soccer/football officials went through the starting line-ups before the match began.
From then on in, it was all down-hill or up-hill, depending on which team you were supporting. If you were like me and wanted to see a strong showing from both sides it was oddly encouraging and discouraging at the same time.
The U.S. rested most of its first stringers ahead of the game against Canada in the Gold Cup on the 7th. I know that this was just a friendly and the Gold Cup comes with a piece of silverware, but come on Bob. You’re at home against the World Champions; do you really need to rest your players before a game against Canada? It’s not like Spain is known for their bruising tactics. In fact, there wasn’t a single yellow card to dish out all night. The only bad challenges Spain put in were completely accidental. And the young boys of the U.S. never really pressured the Spanish players.
A Spain goal disallowed for off-side within the first few minutes of the game was about all the luck the U.S. would get when it came to the scoreline. Cazorla started Spain off in the 28th minute with a strong strike. He gave a repeat performance just before the half (41′), following Negredo’s goal on 32 minutes.
Cazorla's Shot
Spain went into the half in an unusual position 3-0 up. In addition to the goal scores, it was mostly the fine work of Alonso and Sila (each assisted in one of the goals) that made Spain’s forward momentum so fruitful. Silva was working at a rate that suggested he thought he was back playing in the World Cup.
Villa turned out to be of use too though, sadly for him, it was only as a massive distractor to the U.S.’s defensive efforts.
Spain’s backline; however, was not in the best of shapes. Albiol filled in for Puyol and did a fairly steady job of it. Reina (in for Casillas) only had to save him once. The wings, on the other hand, were a different story. Ramos had to be reminded at the half that there wasn’t some sort of invisible force field along the midfield line. He might have been hanging back with good reason though, because while he was flubbing his lines, poor Arbeloa (over in leftback) had lost the plot competently.
In the second half, the U.S. sent on Bradley and Dempsey to try to turn the tide. They did just that and most of the second half was spent down in Spain’s half. Yet, Iker only had one save to make after he replaced Reina in the 76th minute. Capdevila helped to shore up the wings (65′), Iniesta made the U. S. midfield dizzy (46′), and Torres scored (46′).
Yes, it’s true, with the weight of the blue off his back and cheers from the Spanish fans behind him, Fernando Torres found the back of the net for Spain, ending yet another scoring drought (73′).
Torres Scores
The relief Torres felt was palpable and, as the stadium erupted (several of those decibels were generated by fan-girls), Torres celebrated the goal by sprawling out in the grass face down.
Spain 4-0 U.S.A.
It was heartbreaking from the U.S. side of things. That we should have made a much better accounting of ourselves is an understatement to how the fans felt walking out to their cars. But there is a silver lining. That Spain showed up, with a near full strength side, and played with such a winning mentality is a credit to the reputation U. S. soccer has created. We are dangerous given half a chance to be. Torres said so himself in the post game interview.
And, hey, the Spanish enjoyed their time here. Iker gave a surprised smile when cheering fans across the stadium caught his attention as he walked off. He could help but wave. There were autographs for the Captain to sign too, and he generated a frenzy when he threw his gloves up among the Spanish fans. I don’t think he expected to receive that kind of attention in the States.
The record-breaking New England crowd provided amazing atmosphere according to facebook posts from Iniesta and Piqué after the game.
Sure there might have been just as many Spain fans as U.S. fans, and yes, many of the more vocal ones probably know more about the hair care products their obsessions use than how well they play, but think of it this way, the U.S. provided a pleasant experience for the World Champions. And just a few months ago we held our own against Argentina. This means the top teams in the world will keep coming back, which means we will keep getting better.
Come on U.S.A. Prove we are as extraordinary as we want to be.
Most of Spain’s attacking might comes from their expert possession and quick, precise passing. Without Xavi or Cesc, there could some uneasiness in Spain’s midfield for the U.S. to exploit. But I expect this to be minor problem. Spain should dominate the midfield with Busquets forming a strong base and Iniesta running the show up top. The sweetest man in Spain will be looking for his Barça teammate. As the top goal scorer for Spain, Villa’s past work can be described as nothing short of marvelous. But over the last few months he has struggled to score for club and country. Let’s hope the goal he got in the Champions League Final will but some fire back under his burners.
Dulce Maravilla -chibi by Noe-Izumi
Thanks to Noe-Izumi for the use of this adorable picture of Spain’s Football Heroes!
Ah, question, when did Villa wear number 10 in the National Team?
Spain’s probably going to need a little something extra to get past the U.S. keeper, Tim Howard.
Tim Howard You Shall Not Pass! LOL by robzilla
When he gets into one of his thou shall not pass moods he is almost Iker-esk, just ask Argentina. We could have a battle of the goalies on our hands, but I don’t foresee a 0-0 draw. So how are Spain going to get a ball into the net?
Well, they are going to have to rely on another national treasure.
paperNando 08 by tattiOsala
Thanks to tattiOsala for reminding us of the good old days, may the reappear fast.
You remember El Niño, who scored the wining goal in the 2008 Euro. A goal that it took him some five minutes to explain, during which he hardly mentioned himself; it was the perfect pass, Germany’s defense had him but somehow messed up, and the grass was just wet enough to let the ball travel into the net. That is one humble boy.
Now, it is true that dear Fernando Torres is walking through a desert while Villa just had a drought when it comes to goal scoring. But I have faith. The club season is over, and Torres doesn’t have to face down the Chelsea bench for a bit. Play him. See him link up with Villa and Iniesta. One of them will score and if we are very good and eat all our vegetables maybe all three will.
So for the game on Saturday, I’m wearing my Spain jersey, yes, the one a broke graduate student spent 60 odd bucks on because they won a World freaken Cup people, and I needed the one with the star that they won it in.
Anyway, since I bought that jersey like a month ago and have no U.S. gear at all, I was in a bit of a quandary as to how to represent the teams. I didn’t wan to leave the U.S. out entirely, so I created these.
U.S.A. DuckTape Bracelet by: H.Miller
Spain DuckTape Bracelet by: H. Miller
Yup, that’s four different colors of DuckTape, a couple of Sharpies, and some good old-fashioned American boredom (possibly some engineering in there too).
I’ll be wrapping them around my wrists and slapping an extra bit of DuckTape on to hold them in place come the adventures of Saturday.
In just two days time, the U.S. will be taking on the current holders of the European Championship, the World Cup, and a few Champions League victors as well, just for good measure.
Yet, fear not boys whose new kits are red – meaning the whole stadium will be decked out in a color meant to make people impassioned (good for blending in though) – Spain’s defense will be slightly weaker than usual.
Here is your hint why:
And Now For Something... by: inkscribble
Thanks to inkscribble for use of her awesome drawing, which must have made a kick-ass birthday present.
Yes, sad but true. Carles Puyol is sitting out the friendlies this time around to try to finally get over his knee issues. That means they’ll be a somewhat new face starting in the backline. My money is on Arbeloa. Now mind you he is a good defender, and Iker and Piqué can marshal the troops, but I wonder. The U.S. has striking power, even if it does come in midfielder form. They love there long, power shots. The kind that can take a defender’s head off. Spain prefers to play things quick over the ground. And while Piqué is an outstanding header of the ball, I expect to see someone from the U.S. team go charging down a sideline and send the ball flying pass the whole universe.
Join in on discussions about all your favorite football (that’s soccer for you in the U.S.) teams and players.
Watch me try to keep tabs on ten club teams and ten national teams as I follow around my favorite players with die hard fan gusto. Plus we’ll hit on major trends in the sport, predictions on who will win what where, and any fun tidbits that get my ire up.
Adelante,
H.
Copy Right Notice
This Blog is entirely for entertainment purposes. It provides non-commercial news and commentary.
Unless otherwise noted, I do not own the rights to any of the pictures, videos, or quotes used to enhance posts in this blog. I have done my best to provide the source for each item. The rights are maintained by their holders, and I encourage readers to visit their original source.
Any usage outside of fair use is purely accidental and I will take down anything the rights holders object to.
Fanatical for Football 