The team, who won their first international major title for 34 years in 2008, will be bidding to win their first ever World Cup. Considering the wealth of talent available to Spain, it is remarkable that they have never won the prestigious tournament. However, they are currently one of the big favourites for the tournament in South Africa after qualifying with a 100% record from their group.

The new Spain 2010 away shirt is predominately dark blue with an orange V neck collar. Manufacturers Adidas place their yellow logo below the collar. The manufacturers place an orange and yellow stripe down the shoulders. The club badge is also situated in the top left of the shirt.

Spain suffered an early setback, the 20 year old Jakob Jantscher scoring on the edge of the 18 yard box against the European Champions, only in his 4th appearance for Austria. A beautiful dribbling move created from a throw in, leaving Jantscher free in the box, wonderfully finished off with a powerful strike and deflected into the net. Spain were quick to hit back, and on the 10th minute Mr Reliable – Cesc Fàbregas drew the Spaniards level after David Silva Teed up the Arsenal hitman, Fàbregas cooly slotting the ball home.

Spain were 3-1 up at half time. Looking good for their money, Vicente Del Bosque decided to make 5 changes at half time proving just how much depth Spain have within their ranks. Two substitutes Bosque had to his disposal proved to pay off as on the 55th minute mark, Daniel Güiza converted after some astounding one touch football – leading to only his 6th international goal for Spain, which may come as a surprise to some, considering how highly rated the Fenerbahςe frontman is. Austria looked uninterested and deflated.

Life after Luis Aragonés – Del Bosque masterminds another victory.

Spain are starting to prove that they can win the World Cup in South Africa, with a reputation yet to be tarnished, Spain have accumulated 41 victories in their previous 43 games, a record that is sure to continue under the guidance of Vicente Del Bosque. With the International stage coming to an end for 2009 and domestic action heating up across the world, can Spain continue their dominance on the international scene into 2010? Only time will tell.

Could we see similar scenes to this in 2010 at

the World Cup in South Africa?

The team, who won their first international major title for 34 years in 2008, will be bidding to win their first ever World Cup. Considering the wealth of talent available to Spain, it is remarkable that they have never won the prestigious tournament. However, they are currently one of the big favourites for the tournament in South Africa after qualifying with a 100% record from their group.

The new Spainish 2010 World Cup shirt is predominately red with darker stripes down the side and blue touches around the collar and sleeve trim. Manufacturers Adidas place their yellow logo centrally below the red and blue round neck collar whilst the three traditional yellow stripes are placed down the shoulders and sleeves. A large national badge is also placed in the top left of the shirt.

The scene was set, two of the worlds biggest teams were set to clash. The 54,851 seater Vicente Calderón Stadium the venue. Maradona’s men were under pressure, this coming after a disappointing qualification campaign – qualifying at the last hurdle with a 1-0 win over Uruguay. Diego Maradona, also under fire from FIFA after the inpromptu outburst to the media following their qualification to South Africa. Early on Spain threatened, showing Argentina their intentions. A one touch passing move, engineered beautifully was slid in for Xavi, only for him to scupper the chance. Argentina didn’t show much ambition in the opening stages of the game and on the 16 minute mark, a wonderfully crafted move from Valencia’s David Silva, skipping past Demichelas to fire on goal which was saved well, unfortunately for Romero and Argentina, Alonso pounced on the rebound to poke the ball home and send the Spaniards into raptures.

It was a very dominant half for Spain, Andres Iniesta denied by Romero and David Villa’s rebound being cleared of the line by Fabricio Coloccini. The referee waved away protests, the Spanish claiming handball. For Argentina, the chances were very few and far between. Fernando Gago’s through ball to Benfica youngster Angel Di Maria, proving to be one of the only opportunities of the game was wasted as he tried to lob Iker Casillas, all to no avail.

At half time, strong words must have emanated from the mouth of Diego Maradona as Argentina came out fighting. The Argentines had the earlier of the chances, not going down without a fight. Raul Albiol gave possession up near the touchline, being robbed by Maxi Rodriguez.

As the Madrid man tried winning possession back, he brought Rodriguez down in the area leading to an Argentina penalty. Step up Lionel Messi, converted beautifully, sending Casillas the wrong way. That was Messi’s 13th goal in 41 appearances for Argentina.

With a fearsome strikeforce of David Villa and Fernando Torres and a creative backbone of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, Spain are one of the favourites for the upcoming tournament in South Africa but first had to go through the lengthy process of qualifying.

The group draw held no fears for a rampant Spanish side with Turkey looking the biggest obstacle and Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina providing other capable opposition.

The campaign began with great expectations as the team welcomed Bosnia to Murcia. However, the away side provided a stern test and only a single David Villa goal in the 58th minute could seperate the two sides. Two more goals from Villa then helped Spain to a  comfortable 4-0 home victory over Armenia before a comprehensive 3-0 victory away to Estonia.

A tricky match away to Belgium was next up for the Spanish. An early goal for Wesley Sonck made for an interesting game. However, Spain thought back with an Andres Iniesta goal and an 88th David Villa strike to win 2-1. The team kept their 100% record intact with a tightly contested 1-0 home victory over Turkey with Gerard Pique grabbing the only goal.

The reverse match against Turkey was expected to be the toughest of the group for Spain. An early goal for Semih Senturk ensured Spain would have to show their best form to get anything out of the match. A Xabi Alonso penalty looked to have rescued a point for the team. However, they went one better as Liverpool winger Albert Riera scored in the 92nd minute to make the score 2-1.

The result meant that Spain had won 6 out of 6 matches and were pretty much qualified for South Africa 2010. A fantastic 5-0 home victory against Belgium followed before another home win, this time against Estonia guaranteed their place at the tournament next summer.

An underwhelming 2-1 victory away to Armenia was next before a trip to second place Bosnia. Spain destroyed a normally resolute Bosnia team with five goals in normal time. Two stoppage time consolations made the score look more respectable at the final whistle for Bosnia but nobody could deny that Spain were the favourites to win the World Cup after a 100% record in qualifying.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque used the match as an opportunity to experiment with a few of the players on the periphery of the side, who are eager to edge themselves into the coach’s plans for next summer.

And the players who came into the side began to prove that the short, quick passing philosophy runs throughout the whole squad. Santi Carzola was staking his claim for a place in the side, coming close on numerous occasions in the opening stages. The pick of them coming when his delivery floated over everybody and smacked against the post.

They were keeping the ball from the hosts with apparent ease, and it paid off after 33 minutes. A great string of passes was finished off when Xavi Hernandez floated one of his trademark passes over the top for Cesc Fabregas; who chipped the ball over an onrushing Berezovski to put the visitors into the lead.

The second half saw Armenia find a foot-hold in the game, and show some real attacking intent. Previously, the hosts had been content to let Spain dominate the game, but now found themselves unlucky to still be behind. A Gerard Pique block denied possibly their best opportunity.

Spain were beginning to find their rhythm once more, until conceding a free-kick in a dangerous position. Karamyan’s pin-point delivery was met by the head of Robert Arzumanyan; who fought off stiff competition to power the header home.

The European champions looked to show their character by regaining their momentum, and hit straight back, regaining the lead after winning a penalty. Juan Mata made a striving run into the penalty area, only to be brought down by the Armenia ‘keeper. And the Valencia youngster scored the resultant spot-kick, sending Berezovsky the wrong way.

The game did not fizzle out, however, as both sides looked to grab a final goal. Fabregas forced the Armenia goalkeeper into a good save late on, whilst the hosts were also looking troubling.

So, despite the brave efforts of Armenia, Spain go into their final match in the qualification stages with a 100% record from their nine fixtures. It was by no means their most convincing victory of the campaign, but it was a result which proves why the European champions will be the ones to beat in South Africa.

&border=0&rel=0&egm=0&color1=0x666666&color2=0xefefef' /> ]]> http://spain.footballblog.co.uk/persistence-overcomes-resistance-as-spain-maintain-100-record.html/feed 0 http://spain.footballblog.co.uk/spain-5-0-belgium.html http://spain.footballblog.co.uk/spain-5-0-belgium.html#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:43:43 +0000 juandeful http://spain.footballblog.co.uk/?p=57 Despite the fact that they go into the final three matches of qualification for the 2010 World Cup with qualification yet to be guaranteed, Spain should be by no means worried regarding their chances. Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Belgium means the European champions are sitting pretty at the top of Group 5, with maximum points from their seven matches, and a six point advantage over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Braces from Valencia duo David Villa and David Silva, with Gerard Pique also on the score sheet, kept Spain’s hundred percent record in qualifying untarnished.

Vicente del Bosque sent out a very strong side, although Barcelona prodigy Sergio Busquets did get the nod ahead of Cesc Fabregas. And the home side’s impressive start left Belgium with no response. The front pairing of David Villa and Fernando Torres, which brought so much success as Spain conquered Europe last year, also began promisingly.

Villa had numerous chances to open the scoring early on, with his best chance being denied by a superb reflex save from Guillaume Gillet. Liverpool’s Torres also came close, as his shot skimmed past the post. La Furia Roja were granted an excellent opportunity to take an inevitable lead, when Anthony Vanden Borre blocked off Villa’s route inside the penalty area. The Valencia man took the spot kick himself, but hit his shot straight down the centre, and this always gave Gillet a chance to keep it out, which he took.

Belgium still offered little in response, although the longer the game drew on, the more frustrated Spain would grow. And luck was still not on their side, as Torres hit the woodwork again; his deflected shot banging against the post.

David Silva did, however, ensure the Spaniards went into the interval ahead. He collected a neat through ball from Valencia team-mate, Villa, before drilling a low shot into the corner of the net.

Silva celebrates after opening the scoring

It didn’t take long for the goal scorer to return the favour, as, with the second half still in its infancy, the duo linked again, with Villa picking the ball up on the edge of the box, shifting it onto his right foot, and hitting his shot past the Belgian ‘keeper.

The visitors needed a few minutes to compose themselves, but received no rest bite. Villa was once again involved, as he cut the ball back to Gerard Pique, who had continued an impressive run from the defence; before passing the ball past Gillet.

Spain had put the game out of the reach of their opponents, and demonstrated some of the mesmerising keep-ball they have become so renowned for. They were making the Belgian players chase the ball. Although they may not have been desperate for another goal, the group leaders still managed to find one. Silva drilled the ball into the back of the net from an almost identical position to Villa’s goal, but on the right.

Cesc Fabregas did eventually get his chance off the bench, being brought on after 70 minutes. And del Bosque almost reaped the immediate rewards. The Arsenal man released an impressive strike from some way out, which Gillet did well to keep out.

Fabregas did make his presence known, however, towards the end of the match. He was played into acres of space; after Xabi Alonso’s pass cut the Belgian defence apart; before unselfishly playing the ball square for Villa to grab his second with a simple finish.

Fifth goal capped a great performance

So Spain go into their final three matches on the road to South Africa, knowing that a win against Estonia on Wednesday would all but guarantee progression.

&border=0&rel=0&egm=0&color1=0x666666&color2=0xefefef' /> ]]> http://spain.footballblog.co.uk/spain-5-0-belgium.html/feed 0 http://spain.footballblog.co.uk/spain-are-fab-but-cesc-is-crocked.html http://spain.footballblog.co.uk/spain-are-fab-but-cesc-is-crocked.html#comments Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:59:57 +0000 akvbcfc http://spain.footballblog.co.uk/?p=55

Spain romped to a 6-0 victory in the friendly against Azerbaijan, but the overriding emotion at the final whistle was fear for the health of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas who was forced off the pitch after sustaining a head injury. He required stitches in the wound and at present, his participation in the Condeferations Cup must be at risk.

Manager del Bosque selected a strong side for Spain; Casillas was in goal, while Arbeloa, Albiol, Marchena and Capdevilla provided the Madrid keeper with protection. Xabi Alonso, Fabregas, Cazorla and Riera were in midfield with Villa and Torres starting up front.

Spain started brightly enough, with the team creating good chances and David Villa hitting the post early on. Azerbaijan did not heed the warning handed to them by Villa and the striker went on to score a quickfire hat-trick before half time. Villa’s first strike came in the 34th minute, and his second came a mere 4 minutes later as Spain constantly created chances for the Valencia forward. On half time, Spain were awarded a penalty for the foul on Fabregas, and David VIlla once again stepped up to place the ball beyond the keeper and into the back of the net.

At half time, Fabregas was replaced by Segio Busquets, the young Barcelona midfielder, and Spain continued in their rich vein of form. The Azerbaijan keeper got nowhere near the fierce Albert Riera strike. David Guiza came off the bench and was rewarded for his attacking play when he fired home the 5th goal after 70 minutes. Azerbaijan never really got going and Spain pushed on in Baru. Fernando Torres was not on top form on this occasion, but it is a credit to the striker that he still managed to get his name on the scoresheet with a cheeky lob over the onrushing keeper in the dying minutes.

In the end, it was a comfortable win for Spain, and a good warm up for the Confederations Cup, but there will be worries over the state of Cesc Fabregas. While the likes of Xavi and Busquets are waiting for their chance to shine, del Bosque will hope that Fabregas can regain full fitness as soon as possible as he looks to have as many options available to him as possible.

In the clear light of day, del Bosque will be pleased that his team functioned well together and he will be delighted with the form of David Villa. It is clear that the rumours surrounding his future are not affecting the Valencia forward, as he continues to perform when required. Alongside Villa, Riera also impressed the manager which will leave the manager with food for thought as he looks to decide between Riera and David Silva for the first game of the tournament on Sunday night against New Zealand.

Spain march on, and this performance begs the question, is there anyone out there that can stop del Bosque’s men?

Perfect. Is there any other way to describe a Spain side who have taken the world by storm? Six wins out of six have taken Spain to the brink of qualification for the 2010 World Cup, and let’s be honest, that’s exactly what you would expect from Vicente del Bosque’s side.

Spain are ranked as the best international team in the world, and so far, no-one has managed to touch a side who are enjoying a 31 game undefeated streak which is stretching back 3 years! Opening their qualification campaign was always going to be an arduous task for the Spanish side with the levels of expectation having sky-rocketed after their recent successes in the European Championships. However, a Spanish side full of household names stuck to their task well, as David Villa continued his fabulous form for his country by giving Spain a 1-0 lead against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and that Villa strike proved to be crucial as Spain held out to gain those first three crucial points.

Four days later, Spain welcomed an Armenia side who had been earmarked as the ‘whipping-boys’ in the group, and they lived up to their name as Spain ran away 4-0 victors. The game will be remembered as the day that Bojan Krkic made his debut for the national side. Spain were always in control and Capdevila put them ahead inside the opening ten minutes, setting Spain on their way. A David Villa brace was added to by Marcos Senna who grabbed an uncharacteristic goal, and Spain marched on. Top of the group, and on their way.

Spain had to wait for their next game, but when it came to the away game in Estonia, the side continued from where they had left of against Armenia. This time, Spain walked away with a 3-0 victory, where the first goal was crucial in allowing them to assert their dominance over the Estonians. Juanito was the scorer of the crucial first goal, and then David Villa continued his irresistible form for both club and country by doubling the advantage from the penalty spot. Carlos Puyol, the defender who is finding it increasingly difficult to get a game for his club side Barcelona, got the third goal with 20-odd minutes left in the game and Spain rode to victory…again.

It was a similar story on October 15^th, when Spain, who lost Fernando Torres early on to a leg muscle injury, had to fight hard for a victory over Belgium, in Belgium. Andres Iniesta scored an equaliser to an early Belgium goal before David Villa once again scored, in the 88^th minute, to seal a dramatic win.

We move to March, when Turkey were brushed aside in the Bernabeu as a Gerard Pique goal led Spain to a victory that gave them a 5 point lead at the top of the group. In their sixth group game, and possibly the hardest to date, Spain travelled to Turkey and gained a tremendous 2-1 victory. Tuncay, the Middelsbrough player, had given Turkey the lead before Xabi Alonso equalised from the spot, and then it was the turn of Daniel Guiza to become supersub as he laid the ball on a plate for teammate Albert Riera to fire home to seal a sixth straight victory for the side.

Well, what can I say? It has been an absolutely fantastic start for Spain who have played tremendous football and they deserve to be 6 points clear of Bosnia-Herzegovina at the top of the group. Potentially tricky ties against Turkey and Estonia were well negotiated by a Spanish side who seem to be the complete package. Their starting XI is possibly the best in the world right now and they seem to have strength in depth, which is crucial when chasing top honours.

Spain have won all of their last 11 matches, and I wouldn’t bet against them winning the remainder of their qualification fixtures, sealing their place at the 2010 World Cup.
Spain – the best team in the world.
It’s as simple as that.