| Name | Age | Position | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iker Casillas | 29 | Goalkeeper |
| 12 | Victor Valdés | 28 | Goalkeeper |
| 23 | Pepe Reina | 27 | Goalkeeper |
| 2 | Raúl Albiol | 24 | Defender |
| 3 | Gerard Piqué | 23 | Defender |
| 4 | Carlos Marchena | 30 | Defender |
| 5 | Carles Puyol | 32 | Defender |
| 11 | Joan Capdevila | 32 | Defender |
| 15 | Sergio Ramos | 24 | Defender |
| 17 | Álvaro Arbeloa | 27 | Defender |
| 6 | Andrés Iniesta | 26 | Midfielder |
| 8 | Xavi | 30 | Midfielder |
| 10 | Cesc Fábregas | 23 | Midfielder |
| 14 | Xabi Alonso | 28 | Midfielder |
| 16 | Sergio Busquets | 21 | Midfielder |
| 20 | Javi Martínez | 21 | Midfielder |
| 21 | David Silva | 24 | Midfielder |
| 22 | Jesús Navas | 24 | Midfielder |
| 7 | David Villa | 28 | Attacker |
| 9 | Fernando Torres | 26 | Attacker |
| 13 | Juan Mata | 22 | Attacker |
| 18 | Pedro | 22 | Attacker |
| 19 | Fernando Llorente | 25 | Attacker |
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spain. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
2010 World Cup Spain Roster | WORLD CUP 2010
Preview: Germany vs. Spain | WORLD CUP 2010
THE BIG PICTURE
Euro 2008 winners Spain were one of the favourites going into World Cup 2010, while Germany have been identified by many as the most impressive team in the tournament so far. Which should all add up to one excellent World Cup semifinal. It’s a rematch of the Euro 2008 final, which Spain won 1-0 with a goal from Fernando Torres.
Torres’ involvement is the big question mark here. The striker returned from injury in time for World Cup 2010, but hasn’t looked even close to his best. There’s a definite possibility that coach Vicente del Bosque could “rest” Torres and replace him with either Fernando Llorente or an extra midfielder. Might not matter though, since David Villa is scoring more than enough goals for everyone, and is the current World Cup top scorer with five. More at the Spain blog.
Germany’s aggressive attacking style has been an unexpected but very much welcome World Cup surprise. Attacking midfielder Mesut Özil’s name is possibly already engraved on the Best Young Player Award trophy, Bastian Schweinsteiger’s midfield displays have had more action than a Michael Bay movie and striker Miroslav Klose is now just one goal behind Ronaldo on the list of all time World Cup goalscorers. The big miss for Germany will be young Thomas Mueller, who is suspended. More at the Germany blog.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
An all expenses paid trip to Soccer City in Johannesburg to compete in the 2010 World Cup final. Though Spain’s Euro 2008 victory was a symbolic shrugging off of the “under-achiever” label, the real test is winning the World Cup, which is something La Furia Roja have never done.
Incredibly, Germany haven’t won a World Cup in 20 years, and haven’t won the thing since reunification. This tournament looks like Germany’s chance to not only reclaim the World Cup, but to do so in a style that could redefine perceptions of German football. But they need to beat Spain before thinking about that.
Germany v Spain
Full Time Result
| Best Odds | Bookie | |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2.84 |  |
| Draw | 3.30 |  |
| Spain | 2.70 |  |
Total Goals
| Best Odds | Bookie | |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2.5 | 1.73 | |
| Over 2.5 | 2.22 | |
First Goalscorer
| Best Odds | Bookie | |
|---|---|---|
| David Villa | 5.37 | |
| Miroslav Klose | 7.50 |  |
| Fernando Torres | 8.60 | |
| No Goal Scorer | 9.00 | |
OUR PREDICTION
First of all, I’m predicting a great game. Spain’s quick passing vs Germany’s high-octane counterattacking? Yes please. As for a winner… based purely on the fact that Germany have scored eight goals in the knockouts so far, while Spain only two, I’m predicting an 8-2 win for Germany. Or, more realistically, 3-1.
FAN RESOURCES
 | Germany |
 | Spain |
Germany-Spain: Five things to watch | WORLD CUP 2010
DURBAN, South Africa – Wednesday’s World Cup semifinal between Spain and Germany is many things. A battle between soccer powerhouses, a rematch of the 2008 European Championships final and a clash of styles.
The pros and cons of Spain’s measured approach and Germany’s ruthless counterattacks have been hotly debated for the past few days, ever since form and fate paired these teams together.
Yet amid all the conjecture and discussion there are a couple of facts that no one is disputing: this is the most anticipated game of this World Cup and either side would be a worthy champion.
Here we take a look at the five things to watch for in this monumental clash between a pair of soccer titans.
1. Can you hear the drums Fernando?
Spain striker Fernando Torres has been one of the biggest disappointments of the World Cup, failing to score in all five games and looking a sorry shadow of his normal self. While the outstanding form of his attacking colleague, David Villa, has papered over the cracks somewhat, there is no better time for the Liverpool man to finally make his mark on the tournament.
Torres scored the winner against Germany in the final of the 2008 European Championships and at his best is one of the best forwards on the planet. At his current level, he is a liability.
Look out for: Rumors that Torres is not fully fit have followed him ever since Spain’s opening game, only to be summarily shot down by the national team staff. If you see him not moving with the kind of fluidity you’d expect from such a finely tuned athlete it could be your eyes deceiving you – or Spanish officials might have been economical with the truth.
2. Getting Klose-r to history
Miroslav Klose always reserves his best form for the World Cup and this year is no different. The Bayern Munich striker barely played during the latter part of the German club season but has already rattled in four goals in South Africa and is looking very sharp.
He now sits tantalizingly poised to take a shot at history, with his career tally of 14 World Cup goals, level in second place all-time with fellow German Gerd Mueller, and one behind record-holder Ronaldo of Brazil.
Look out for: Klose will like his chances of beating Spanish defender Carlos Puyol for pace. Expect him to occupy some deep positions and then attempt to run on to long balls forward, just like he did against England in the round of 16.
3. Loew lucky sweater
German head coach Joachim Loew would be entitled to feel a bit jealous every time he looks in his hotel room wardrobe. Because the man in charge isn’t the one getting the credit for his team’s success, it is his “lucky” blue cashmere sweater that he hasn’t washed since the start of the tournament.
Superstition aside though, it is Loew’s tactical acumen that has had a huge role in Germany’s progress through the tournament, but Spain will provide a whole new challenge Wednesday.
Look out for: Loew has every reason to feel good about the structure of his side but he will be forced to make at least one change. In-form midfielder Thomas Mueller is suspended, meaning either Cacau, Piotr Trochowski or Toni Kroos will come in. Cacau’s selection would be the most adventurous; Trochowski is the player most similar to Mueller.
4. Clutch Casillas
After a disappointing performance in Spain’s opening defeat to Switzerland, questions were raised over the form of Iker Casillas, the side’s goalkeeper, captain and talisman. Critics even suggested he may have been distracted by the presence of his former girlfriend, a sideline television reporter.
But Casillas has responded strongly ever since and produced a string of strong saves to close out the group stage – and against Portugal and Paraguay.
Look out for: When Spain won the European Championships two years ago Casillas played a huge role – but not just between the posts. He is the spiritual leader of this side and has an important job in inspiring and motivating his players. After being uncharacteristically quiet and reserved early in the event, he has found his voice recently.
5. Midfield maestros
More than anything else this match could be decided by the showdown between midfield stars Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany and Xavi of Spain. Xavi is pure class, with simple touches and maximum efficiency – and has barely given the ball away all tournament. Schweinsteiger is more dynamic and creative and has been the German heartbeat so far.
Look out for: Schweinsteiger may have less freedom to roam forward in this clash, needing to keep a defensive eye on Spain’s talent-laden midfield. But if Germany is to get a foothold in the game he must keep an offensive mindset and Xavi and his colleagues on the back foot. Whatever your allegiance, enjoy the contest between these two men with differing style but similar excellence.
World Cup anti-stars shine for semifinalists | WORLD CUP 2010
CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Wayne Rooney looked like a lost little boy. Lionel Messi tried and fought and ran into a brick wall. Cristiano Ronaldo had two opponents, one on the field and one in his own head. Kaka lost his composure and his reputation as one of the world’s elite.
This World Cup is an ad man’s nightmare, a tournament where a determined posse of anti-superstars who got busy with preparation and focus instead of commercials and celebrity functions emerged as the heroes.
While the biggest names in the game have now fled the African continent to count their millions and dwell on their summer of failure, the leading lights from each of the final four teams are more than happy to duck so far under the radar that their backs almost scrape the ground.
Spain striker David Villa is a quiet and reserved family man whose idea of a wild night is attending a charity function with his childhood sweetheart wife. Here in South Africa, he has been the driving force behind the Spanish run to the semifinal with a tournament-leading five goals and inspired play that carries none of the flashiness of a Ronaldo or Messi but is ruthlessly efficient.
When Real Madrid shelled out $131 million for Ronaldo a year ago, a hefty chunk of that figure was a nod to the Portugal star’s commercial appeal. Barcelona paid Valencia $50 million for Villa this summer, yet every penny of that transfer fee was for his pure ability as a player. Villa doesn’t do fashion shoots or promote underwear in his spare time. He will win you matches, though. Lots of them.
“For me it is the football,” said Villa in an interview at the 2008 European Championships. “It is my life, my love, my passion, my drive.”
Germany’s Thomas Mueller did not even have a full professional contract a year ago before being promoted to the Bayern Munich first team and earning an international call-up after an inspired club season. Argentina coach Diego Maradona refused to share a stage with Mueller at a press conference before an exhibition game in March, but the 20-year-old Mueller had the last laugh with a spectacular performance Saturday to dump Argentina out in the quarterfinals.
Mueller has been the biggest breakout star of this World Cup. Little known outside his homeland before the tournament, he has become a midfield destroyer capable of launching devastating counterattacks. His suspension for the semifinal against Spain on Wednesday (due to yellow-card accumulation) is a huge blow for the Germans, yet Mueller retains his wide-eyed appreciation at the way his World Cup has unfolded.
“I could not have hoped for things to be as good as this,” he said. “You have expectations of yourself but sometimes it is easier to come in without people expecting a lot of you.”
The level of focus and public demand seemed to weigh heavily on soccer’s biggest stars, especially Rooney and Messi. Ronaldo is too wrapped up in his own universe to notice the scrutiny, while Kaka is used to the spotlight that follows Brazil everywhere but still could not raise his game.
The excuse made for several top stars was that they were exhausted from a full season with their European clubs. Yet that argument has been summarily blown out of the water by Wesley Sneijder, who has sparked the Netherlands to their first World Cup semifinal since 1998.
Sneijder played a full and productive campaign with Italian club Inter Milan, which benefited from his industry and impact to achieve an unprecedented trophy triple of the Italian league (Serie A) title, Italian Cup and, most notably, Champions League crown.
While the Dutch team is one of the more glamorous at the World Cup, Sneijder likes to play the role of the funny man. After his two-goal effort sunk Brazil in the quarterfinals, Sneijder was happy to poke fun at himself.
“The ball just slipped through from my bald head,” said the follicularly challenged 26-year-old of his winning header. “It was a great feeling.”
The only South American side left in the tournament is the biggest underdog of the bunch, Uruguay. And while Diego Forlan is the biggest star his homeland has produced in recent times, his career looked destined to falter when he failed to settle at one of the world’s highest-profile clubs.
Forlan’s move to Manchester United in 2002 was a disaster as he failed to score in his first 27 games and became a target for ridicule. On one famous occasion, no less than three English newspapers used the same headline to mock his plight – “Diego Forlorn.”
Forlan ended up resurrecting his career with Villarreal and Atletico Madrid, leading the latter to the Europa League title in May. Having guided Uruguay this deep into the World Cup, he is a realistic contender for the player of the tournament award.
“The attention has not been ours,” said Forlan, who has a co-team-high three goals in South Africa. “While everyone has been thinking about other teams we have swum through a net.”
Perhaps something was lost in translation but it is pretty clear Forlan meant the Uruguayans have ducked under the radar. Just like himself.
And just like the real stars of this World Cup, they have provided a timely reminder that hype and hoopla count for nothing in the heat of battle.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Ramos embodies Spain’s tough-guy attitude | WORLD CUP 2010
JOHANNESBURG – There is still more than a week to go and three games to be played to determine the World Cup champion, but Spanish star Sergio Ramos has already wrapped up one title.
“He is still the best-looking player [in the tournament],” Spain teammate Cesc Fabregas said. “It doesn’t matter how his eye looks.”
Ramos was left with a nasty gash above his right eye after being accidentally kicked in the face by Paraguay’s Jonathan Santana during Spain’s 1-0 quarterfinal victory at Ellis Park on Saturday night.
While the incident worried Ramos’ legion of female admirers, soccer fans took the incident as an indication of the new hardened edge running through the Spanish side.
Despite Santana’s boot catching the 24-year-old Real Madrid player full in the face, Ramos was back on his feet within a minute and sprinted back into the action.
“He showed a lot of bravery,” midfielder Xabi Alonso said. “But that is no surprise. He is a tough man, a hard player, and he puts everything on the line for this team.”
Spain surged its way to the 2008 European Championship title with a brand of soccer that won international acclaim for its fluidity and attractiveness. Things have been a lot tougher at the World Cup. Since an opening game defeat to Switzerland, Vicente Del Bosque’s team has been forced to fight for its life.
With Paraguay employing a rugged and physical style, this was the kind of game in which previous Spanish squads may have backed down. Instead, Spain survived a bizarre series of events early in the second half to clinch victory thanks to David Villa’s 83rd-minute strike.
Oscar Cardozo missed a penalty kick and a chance to give Paraguay the lead after 59 minutes after aiming his shot within easy reach of goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Just a minute later, Spain was awarded a penalty of its own, only to have Alonso’s effort stopped by Paraguay keeper Justo Villar.
“We showed a lot of spirit,” midfielder Pedro said. “We haven’t shown everything we can do yet in this tournament but here we are in the last four. What we have shown is that we can fight very hard and overcome difficult situations. We have answered questions about ourselves.”
Spain is firmly established as one of the tournament favorites but faces a tough challenge against Germany in Durban on Wednesday after the Germans thrashed Diego Maradona’s Argentina 4-0
Despite boasting a long and proud soccer history, Spain has never won a World Cup. After Brazil and Argentina were both defeated in the quarterfinals, it may never get a better
Victory at Euro 2008 has given the Spanish an extra confidence and an ability to lift themselves even when they are not producing their most attractive style of soccer.
“We have come here to win the competition,” said Ramos, with bruising over his eye and a dressing covering a deep cut. “We don’t want to settle for anything less.
“We are about putting our team first and sacrificing ourselves if we have to. I didn’t think about putting my head in there when he [Santana] swung his boot. It was instinctive. We do what we have to do.”
If Spain keeps doing whatever necessary to win, then it could be lifting the trophy on July 11. Like Ramos proved, results are more important than looks – on and off the field.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Paraguay and Spain have qualified for World Cup quarterfinals | World Cup 2010
Today were played last two World Cup 2010 Round of 16 matches: Paraguay vs. Japan and Spain Vs. Portugal.
So after these two matches we know last two World Cup teams who will play in the World Cup quarterfinals: Praguay and Spain.
The first match was played between the Paraguay and Japan. In the regular time result was 0-0, so they played extra time, but extra time also finished with 0-0 result. After that, the winner is decided by penalty kicks. Paraguay had more luck than Japan, and the result after penalty kicks was 5-3.
Today's second match played Spain and Portugal. In this game also were not many goals, and the first half ended 0-.0 However, in the second half, in the 65th minute of the game, David Villa scored the goal for Spain, and led his team in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Paraguay vs Spain Preview – Quarter Final | World Cup 2010
Spain and Paraguay aiming for their best ever World Cup finishes
Paraguay will be attempting to reach the semi finals for the first time in team history while Spain is aiming to at least equal their best ever finish of fourth place at a World Cup when the two meet in a quarterfinal clash at Johannesburg on July 3
Spain had to win their last Group H game against Chile to make the playoffs after losing to Switzerland 1-0 and beating Honduras 2-0. They beat Chile 2-1 and the three points and goal difference put them in first place with six points. They then looked impressive in their 1-0 playoff match against Portugal and seem to be peaking at the right time.
Paraguay drew reigning World Cup champions Italy 1-1 and then beat Slovakia 2-0 before drawing New Zealand 0-0 for five points and top place in Group F. They then beat Japan 5-3 in a penalty shootout in their playoff game after a goalless 120 minutes to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.
For all the scoring power Paraguay has with forwards Oscar Cardozo, Edgar Benitez, Lucas Barrios, Nelson Valdez, Roque Santa Cruz, and Rodolfo Gamarra in the squad, they don’t attack enough though. This will be fatal against Spain because if they fall behind as the Spanish are masters at ball possession, as shown against Portugal. Their chances may be few and far between, so Paraguay has to make the best of them. If they do happen to get the lead, it’s possible they could hang on for a victory, but if they sit back and wait for chances instead of trying to create them, they could be waiting all night.
Spanish striker David Villa is on fire at the moment with four goals in the tournament so far and that’s a good thing for Spain as his partner Fernando Torres is stone cold. Torres was taken off against Portugal and replaced by Fernando Llorente who played well for the rest of the game. It shouldn’t shock fans if Llorente starts against Paraguay and they still have midfielder Cesc Fabregas who can score goals if needed as a substitute.
The Spanish defence is solid with Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevila, and Sergio Ramos, and keeper Iker Casillas has been there when called upon for the most part, but he still doesn’t look like the Casillas of old. Spain looked off form in the group stage, but owned the ball against Portugal, so it looks like Paraguay is meeting them at the wrong time.
Spain vs Paraguay Odds and Predictions
The two teams have met just three times in the past with Spain winning once and the other two ending in draws. Spain has a habit of underachieving in the World Cup, so it wouldn’t be a huge shock if they get knocked out here. But going on the form of the two teams at the moment they should take this game 2-0.
Spain’s “We” Revolution | World Cup 2010
I was on a plane en route to Helsinki last week when Spain beat Ukraine, 4-0. I was going to see the highlights later on Finnish TV, but before I could I was obliged to attend a conference for the day job, and go through the usual cheese and wine reception. The reindeer salami was good, but I was trapped in a small group with a Dutch woman and two men, a Belgian and a Spaniard. The conversation was flagging. Suddenly, the doors flew open and in strode a Catalan lady, whom I recognized from the conference circuit. Spotting me and the Spaniard, and assuming Spanish to be our lingua franca, she exclaimed “Nosotros ganamos 4-0!” (We won 4-0!).
This was quite an extraordinary event, almost worthy of a newspaper headline. I can see it now: “Catalan Says ‘We’ When Referring to Spain!” Of course, never having heard such a phrase escape the lips of a citizen from Barcelona, I decided to respond with a joke — “You’re referring to the Estatut?” — upon which the lady in question picked up a piece of reindeer sausage and flung it (playfully) in my direction. (The Catalans have just won a vote which changes their constitution (Estatut) and basically grants them more autonomy – not that they were exactly under Madrid’s yoke before. But anyway. All power to them, say I.)
For some, it’s the beginning of the end – the “Balkanization” of Spain. It was Franco’s worst nightmare, the vision of a Spain broken up into its component parts with every little two-horse region given the official stamp to do more or less as they pleased under the auspices of cultural variety. Now that the Catalans have declared themselves a nation, says the right-wing of Spain, the rest will follow. It’s Eisenhower’s domino theory all over again, transferred to the Iberian Peninsula. And it’s going to happen soon, cry the traditionalists. Spain is fairly federalist anyway, after the 1978 Constitution granted self-regulatory rule to an unholy host of autonomous communities – but none of them went around proclaiming their nationhood. They took what they were given, and went back graciously to the table to eat. The only Oliver Twist to ask for more was the Basque Country, but everyone expected that.
The first World Cup held after democracy came to Spain was in 1982, as an implicit recognition of the country’s return to the fold. Spain played terribly, and went out at the first group stage – but let’s not dwell on that. Rather it needs to be mentioned that ever since that national debacle, the Spanish themselves have doubted their ability to come together as a nation and win a major sporting event. The bulk of the players in 1982 were from Real Madrid and the Basque region’s Real Sociedad. The latter had just won the Spanish league title. Rumors of the two factions in conflict abounded; it eventually became the accepted reason for the failure on the pitch. The players have always denied it, but methinks that some of them have protested too much.
Fast forward to 2006: Spain’s national team is doing rather well. They’ve qualified with ease for round two, beating Ukraine, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia on Friday. The Tunisia match even featured an inspiring comeback. Suddenly, “we” were everywhere. “Somos el coco!” screamed Wednesday’s headline in Marca, Spain’s Madrid-based footballing tabloid. That phrase, loosely translated, “We are the tops” – is a curious one, suggesting that Spain is superior in all aspects of the World Cup – attack, defense, even handsomeness. (Well, Fernando Torres and Raúl were voted onto the list of the top ten best-looking players by the good ladies of Germany before the tournament.) That’s right, “we” have youth, experience, ambition and verve. Look upon my works ye mighty and despair! And we’ve (they’ve) only played two games.
Two wins, and the first person plural is everywhere, even on the lips of Catalans. Is the country perhaps about to swing back to a centrist, Madrid-based philosophy? The autonomists are quaking. Their only hope is that Spain will blow it, lose their confidence and come home a week later. If they keep on winning, who knows? Even the Basques might start to take an interest. Now that would be revolution.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Spain reign as fullbacks climb | World Cup 2010
South American sides have turned 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ into a demonstration of their own particular talents with the most impressive team performances up to now and all underlined by the dominance of their individual players in the Castrol Index. However Europe has begun to erode some of the ground claimed by the CONMEBOL nations early on and that is perfectly illustrated by the presence of Spain's two fullbacks at the head of the latest ratings.
Joan Capdevila has blossomed since joining Villarreal in 2007 and he was a mainstay of the team that lifted the UEFA EURO crown two years ago. In South Africa he has performed impressively in a team that has worked overtime to put the disappointment of their opening-game defeat by Switzerland to bed and deliver three much-improved subsequent performances in which they have conceded just one goal - to Chile - while marching on towards a last eight duel with Paraguay.
Often deployed as a left-midfielder earlier in his career, Capdevila's ability to attack effectively and send over accurate crosses has also helped him to score highly in the Castrol Iindex, an innovative system which uses the latest technology to objectively analyse and rank player performances and which is being used at the FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Ramos raider
Sergio Ramos is just as adventurous down the right, and La Roja's two raiding full-backs have had a large say in Spain's supremacy - by some distance - as the team delivering most crosses in the tournament. A total of 106 crosses were executed in their four games, which was 28 more than their closest rivals in that category, Germany. Spanish defenders have only conceded nine shots on target and two goals in four games, while Capdevila (81%) and Ramos (79%) also have above-average passing success rates for defenders.
Defenders fill the first five Castrol Index positions with the long-time leaders, Chile duo Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce, losing their pre-eminent positions after suspension ruled both out of their Round of 16 defeat to Brazil. However they have not been the only South American defenders to enhance that continent's fine reputation, with Paraguay's Antolin Alcaraz in third place and Argentina's Martin Demichelis fifth.
Alcaraz's ratings in each game have been high and remarkably consistent and he scored well again on Tuesday as Paraguay squeezed past Japan via a penalty shoot-out to earn a place in the quarter-finals, the first time they have advanced so far at a FIFA World Cup. The 27-year-old has made the fourth most clearances (10) of those players still in the competition.
Dividing the two CONMEBOL representatives is Philipp Lahm, who has demonstrated with a series of influential displays just why Germany coach Joachim Low turned to the Bayern Munich defender for his new captain when Michael Ballack dropped out through injury. Both Lahm and Demichelis are defenders who contribute in attack as well and their passing success rates (Lahm 82% and Demichelis 86%) are above-average for players at the back.
Gerrard on the move
Steven Gerrard and Juan also made big moves to put themselves in the top seven positions. Juan scored Brazil's opening goal against Chile on Monday while playing a full part in helping keep a clean sheet at the other end - Brazil's second in successive games. Like Uruguay, Brazil have only allowed opponents 12 shots on target.
England have had a campaign to forget but in Gerrard they had a player who need not reproach himself for their disappointing demise. He scored highly in Sunday's defeat by Germany, with Castrol Performance Analysts noting the crucial block he made on Miroslav Klose with the score at 2-1. In an attacking sense he was also influential and had a total of six shots in the game as he tried to haul England back into contention.
FIFA.com will be publishing the latest Castrol Index after every round of matches here at South Africa 2009, and in the meantime you can read more statistical analysis and delve deeper into this unique ranking system by following the links on the right.
Any questions on the Castrol Index? Anything you don't understand or puzzling you? Just click 'Add your comment' and we'll do our best to answer them here on FIFA.com over the coming days.
Villa scores for Spain in 1-0 win over Portugal | World Cup 2010
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)—David Villa finished off a move of Spanish perfection to finally break down Portugal’s defensive wall Tuesday, giving the European champions a 1-0 win and a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Villa scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 63rd minute, while Cristiano Ronaldo again failed to inspire Portugal.
A trademark Spanish passing move found Andres Iniesta in the center. He flicked the ball through to Xavi Hernandez, who backheeled to Villa, who was bordering on being offside as he charged in on the left.
The Barcelona-bound striker saw his first shot blocked by Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo, but on the rebound, he coolly slotted home with his right foot.
“It was one of my best goals because it got us through to the next round,” Villa said. “Keep scoring so we can keep going.”
Portugal’s only defensive weakness had been on its right flank, where Ricardo Costa struggled. He was sent off for elbowing Joan Capdevila in the 89th minute, stifling a late Portuguese drive.
“The match was extremely intense,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. “In the second half, we were better than Portugal. We had greater depth in our play, and we controlled the game very well.”
Ronaldo, the world’s most expensive player, showed only rare flashes of brilliance at the tournament, however.
“We believed that he can do it,” Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said. “He is our leader, our captain.”
Spain will now play Paraguay in the quarterfinals on Saturday at Ellis Park.
Exactly two years after Spain ended a 44-year drought by winning the European Championship, the team stayed on course to become the first European titlist to add the World Cup since West Germany did it in 1974.
Spain was about teamwork, and it showed from the start. Fernando Torres and Villa immediately moved down the left, looking to exploit Portugal’s weakness on right back. Within the first seven minutes, Eduardo had to make three quality saves to keep Portugal in the game on angled shots from Spain’s two strikers.
“His performance was brilliant,” Queiroz said of his goalkeeper. “He saved and kept the team fighting for the result.”
Portugal went out of the tournament after conceding its first goal in four games.
“To lose by one goal in a championship hurts very badly,” Eduardo said.
After the sterling start, strangely enough, Spain did not continue to pound Portugal’s weak right side and instead settled for the intricate passing game through the center it has become famous for.
Once Portugal’s defense settled, it proved why it has one of the best in the world, conceding only one goal in its last 12 matches. It clogged play in the center and Spain got frustrated to the extent that it was reduced to long-range attempts Gerard Pique.
“We never lost our confidence,” Villa said. “We know the potential we have and what we can give.”
Portugal’s problem was that Ronaldo was yet again off form. Right before the opening whistle, he looked up at the night sky and started pleading with his arms outstretched, almost begging to finally make his mark on a huge game.
The heavens didn’t respond.
Ronaldo’s best attempt came from a free kick in the 28th minute when he launched the ball from 35 meters (yards) with such unpredictable dipping swerve and speed that all Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas could do was block it with his body and see the ball bounce free.
Otherwise, Portugal could rely little on its captain. As he was pointing left and right where his teammates should go, he often walked.
In four games, he had shown only a few flashes of his brilliance.
Early in the second half, Portugal almost got the breakthrough it wanted when a cross from Hugo Almeida bounced off the leg of Carles Puyol and the deflection sailed marginally wide of Casillas’ goal.
For all of Torres’s running, he still showed he had not fully recovered from his right knee operation in April. Instead of scoring the winner like he did two years ago to, he was replaced by Fernando Llorente in the 59th, and the match immediately changed.
Llorente had a great header on his first touch of the ball, which Eduardo saved. But two minutes later, Villa scored the lone goal.
Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Joan Capdevila, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso (Carlos Marchena, 90), Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, David Villa (Pedro Rodriguez, 88), Fernando Torres (Fernando Llorente, 59).
Portugal: Eduardo, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa (Liedson, 72), Pepe (Pedro Mendes, 72), Raul Meireles, Hugo Almeida (Danny, 58), Tiago, Ricardo Costa, Fabio Coentr
ao.
Villa scored his fourth goal of the tournament in the 63rd minute, while Cristiano Ronaldo again failed to inspire Portugal.
A trademark Spanish passing move found Andres Iniesta in the center. He flicked the ball through to Xavi Hernandez, who backheeled to Villa, who was bordering on being offside as he charged in on the left.
The Barcelona-bound striker saw his first shot blocked by Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo, but on the rebound, he coolly slotted home with his right foot.
“It was one of my best goals because it got us through to the next round,” Villa said. “Keep scoring so we can keep going.”
Portugal’s only defensive weakness had been on its right flank, where Ricardo Costa struggled. He was sent off for elbowing Joan Capdevila in the 89th minute, stifling a late Portuguese drive.
“The match was extremely intense,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. “In the second half, we were better than Portugal. We had greater depth in our play, and we controlled the game very well.”
Ronaldo, the world’s most expensive player, showed only rare flashes of brilliance at the tournament, however.
“We believed that he can do it,” Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz said. “He is our leader, our captain.”
Spain will now play Paraguay in the quarterfinals on Saturday at Ellis Park.
Exactly two years after Spain ended a 44-year drought by winning the European Championship, the team stayed on course to become the first European titlist to add the World Cup since West Germany did it in 1974.
Spain was about teamwork, and it showed from the start. Fernando Torres and Villa immediately moved down the left, looking to exploit Portugal’s weakness on right back. Within the first seven minutes, Eduardo had to make three quality saves to keep Portugal in the game on angled shots from Spain’s two strikers.
“His performance was brilliant,” Queiroz said of his goalkeeper. “He saved and kept the team fighting for the result.”
Portugal went out of the tournament after conceding its first goal in four games.
“To lose by one goal in a championship hurts very badly,” Eduardo said.
After the sterling start, strangely enough, Spain did not continue to pound Portugal’s weak right side and instead settled for the intricate passing game through the center it has become famous for.
Once Portugal’s defense settled, it proved why it has one of the best in the world, conceding only one goal in its last 12 matches. It clogged play in the center and Spain got frustrated to the extent that it was reduced to long-range attempts Gerard Pique.
“We never lost our confidence,” Villa said. “We know the potential we have and what we can give.”
Portugal’s problem was that Ronaldo was yet again off form. Right before the opening whistle, he looked up at the night sky and started pleading with his arms outstretched, almost begging to finally make his mark on a huge game.
The heavens didn’t respond.
Ronaldo’s best attempt came from a free kick in the 28th minute when he launched the ball from 35 meters (yards) with such unpredictable dipping swerve and speed that all Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas could do was block it with his body and see the ball bounce free.
Otherwise, Portugal could rely little on its captain. As he was pointing left and right where his teammates should go, he often walked.
In four games, he had shown only a few flashes of his brilliance.
Early in the second half, Portugal almost got the breakthrough it wanted when a cross from Hugo Almeida bounced off the leg of Carles Puyol and the deflection sailed marginally wide of Casillas’ goal.
For all of Torres’s running, he still showed he had not fully recovered from his right knee operation in April. Instead of scoring the winner like he did two years ago to, he was replaced by Fernando Llorente in the 59th, and the match immediately changed.
Llorente had a great header on his first touch of the ball, which Eduardo saved. But two minutes later, Villa scored the lone goal.
Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Joan Capdevila, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso (Carlos Marchena, 90), Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, David Villa (Pedro Rodriguez, 88), Fernando Torres (Fernando Llorente, 59).
Portugal: Eduardo, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao Sabrosa (Liedson, 72), Pepe (Pedro Mendes, 72), Raul Meireles, Hugo Almeida (Danny, 58), Tiago, Ricardo Costa, Fabio Coentr
ao.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
David VILLA-Spain | World Cup 2010
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Top scorer at UEFA EURO 2008 and a fixture at the sharp end of the Spanish attack, David Villa is currently one of the world's hottest striking properties. A born competitor with an unquenchable thirst for finding the net, Villa always has the goal in his sights whether playing as an out-and-out forward, in a withdrawn role or wide-left in a front three.
Known as El Guaje (an affectionate name given to children in his native Asturias), this quick and explosive hitman is certainly not afraid of hard work, and is always willing to drop deep and help out his midfield. It is this level of commitment and the gutsy nature of his performances that make the Valencia man a fan's favourite for club and country, as well as earning him his fair share of run-ins with match officials.
Naturally right-footed, Villa is nearly as proficient with his left, thanks to a childhood accident and his father's foresight. Seeing how his four-year old son would not stop playing even after bearing a plaster cast on his broken right leg, Villa senior felt it best to show the youngster how to strike the ball with his weaker foot.
Now 28, Villa came up through the youth ranks and began learning his trade at Sporting de Gijon, before exploding onto the La Liga scene at Real Zaragoza, where he enjoyed two goal-filled years between 2003 and 2005. Valencia then spent big to bring the front-runner to the Mestalla, though El Guaje quickly repaid the investment by coming within one goal of the division's top scorer's award, El Pichichi, in his debut campaign. He did however finish as the leading Spanish-born scorer, an honour he has since claimed on two further occasions.
After the 2009/2010 season, Villa signed with FC Barcelona and will now wear the vaunted blaugrana colours after helping Spain qualify simply for South Africa 2010. The Asturian made his debut for La Roja in February 2005, during Spain's successful qualifying campaign for the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™. And the tournament itself could barely have started better, with Villa notching twice in his country's 4-0 opening win over Ukraine. Despite Luis Aragones's side's exit from the competition in the Round of 16 against France, Villa's four-goal haul certainly did his own standing no harm whatsoever.
Since then, save for absences through injury or suspension, Villa has been an ever-present in La Roja squad and had already racked up 36 goals at the time of publication. Now second in Spain's all-time scorers' list, at his current rate Raul's record tally of 44 appears well within his reach.
Playing a part in his huge popularity is that, whatever plaudits and success come his way, Villa never fails to play down his own role and heap praise on those around him. And next up for Spain and their inspirational goal-getter is the sizable challenge of South Africa 2010, where he and his mates will be keen to make up for the disappointments of 2006.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Spain and Chile through, Switzerland and Honduras out | World Cup 2010
Nobody will really be surprised with the end result tonight. Chile and Spain were the clear favourites at the start of the day to go through from this group and that is exactly what happened.
There was a chance for Switzerland. Had they won they would have gone level on points with Chile and Spain and it would have come down to goal difference, but they didn't. Instead, they drew 0-0 with Honduras while Spain beat Chile 2-1.
So, Switzerland and Honduras can go home and Spain get to meet Portugal in the last sixteen while Chile get Brazil - two matches you have to make time for.
Spain didn't cruise to victory and I am probably looking for this more than anything, but they looked like they had another gear if they needed it. Chile were industrious but I fear they will struggle against Brazil.
Honduras picked up their first point of the World Cup and it was a deserved one while Switzerland ultimately disappointed in their match - despite having a few chances.
Overall, a good group stage to the World Cup - but now it gets a little more exciting. I can't wait.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Spain edge Chile, both go through | World Cup 2010
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Spain beat ten-man Chile 2-1 to finish top of Group H and book a Round of 16 meeting with Portugal, while their opponents' courageous display was rewarded with a date with Brazil.
Goals from David Villa and Andres Iniesta, coupled with Marco Estrada's dismissal, appeared to give the European champions an impregnable lead at the break, but Rodrigo Millar's deflected strike got the South Americans back into a game they were desperate to win to guarantee a place in the knockout phase. As it transpired, Switzerland's inability to beat Honduras ensured Marcelo Bielsa's side advanced – something the Chilean players discovered, to their immense relief, after their faces had been pictures of desperation upon the final whistle in Tshwane/Pretoria.
A capacity crowd at Loftus Versfeld Stadium anticipated a beguiling duel between two footballing sides, whose players swiftly began satisfying those expectations. Chile's Alexis Sanchez drew gasps from the spectators with an eye-catching drag-back, while Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta served notice of his return to fitness and form by nonchalantly side-stepping two opponents and freeing Villa.
The contest's first chance fell to Fernando Torres, who raced in behind the Chile defence but, under pressure inside the area, blazed over. A better one then fell to Mark Gonzalez. Jean Beausejour squared the ball across goal and, although it was marginally behind the 25-year-old winger, he will have been disappointed at his failure to get a decent connection on a close-range shot.
Chile continued to push the pace until the 24th minute. That was when the Europeans took the lead. And that was when Villa became the first Spaniard to reach ten goals in major international competitions. Xabi Alonso started the move, robbing Jorge Valdivia of possession and launching the ball forward. Torres gave chase, outstripping the last Chilean defender and forcing Claudio Bravo to race from his line and, while sliding, divert the ball away from the Liverpool striker's path. Unfortunately for the Real Sociedad goalkeeper, his clearance dropped into the path of another clinical Spaniard and Villa, from 40 yards, duly curled the ball into the unguarded net.
Thirteen minutes later, Spain moved into a two-goal lead. Alonso carried the ball through the midfield and fed Villa, who broke into the area and, after drawing two opponents to him, cut the ball back for Iniesta to effortlessly pass it into the bottom-left corner of Bravo's goal. The referee, Marco Rodriguez, then red-carded Estrada, who had tripped Torres as he was galloping into the penalty area seconds before the goal.
Logic said that it was curtains for Chile. Bielsa, their indomitable coach, said otherwise. He remodelled his tactics, electing to attack through the centre rather than from the wings, introducing Millar and Esteban Paredes for Valdivia and Gonzalez in an adventurous double substitution. It immediately reaped dividends. Two minutes after the restart, Millar's shot deflected off Gerard Pique and looped over goalkeeper Iker Casillas and into his net.
Thereafter, however, Chile struggled to unravel their opponents' tactics and, when they did, Parades wasted half-chances. Villa fluffed better ones, his touch deserting him twice in quick succession around the hour mark. Vicente del Bosque's side then intelligently played possession football. Gradually, they exhausted their adversaries, who were already a man down. Bielsa bellowed instructions from the touchline, but Spain's impeccable ball retention left the Chileans unable to execute their coach’s orders.
There were looks of relief and delight from the Spaniards upon the final whistle. There were ones of uncertainty from the Chileans. That was until they heard the news: they were through to the Round of 16.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Penalty miss not due to pressure
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New Barcelona striker David Villa refused to blame pressure for his second-half penalty miss which denied him a hat-trick as Spain's 2-0 win over Honduras put their FIFA World Cup™ back on track.
After their shock 1-0 defeat by Switzerland in their opening match, Villa inspired his side to a comfortable win over a limited Honduras side on Monday at Ellis Park to give them three points in Group H. Spain still need to beat Chile on Friday to be sure of reaching the last 16.
The Hondurans looked pedestrian as Spain attacked in waves and Villa's brilliance shone for his goals on 17 and 51 minutes, but he failed in his hat-trick bid when he hit his 62nd-minute penalty attempt wide of the right post.
"I just missed the shot, I have been practising these kicks all my life, but I missed that one," said the 28-year-old, who signed for Barcelona last month. We were 2-0 up at that point so there was no real pressure."
The UEFA EURO 2008 winners have struggled to impress in South Africa so far and Villa said there is a long way to go if Spain are to win their first FIFA World Cup title. "We still need to beat Chile, but there is a long way to go before we can even think about being world champions, both in terms of time and matches," he said
Spain must now beat Chile - who defeated Switzerland 1-0 earlier Monday - on Friday in Pretoria to be sure of making the knockout phase, while Honduras will play for pride in Bloemfontein against the Swiss, who can still qualify.
Spanish comeback: Spain vs. Honduras 2-0
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Spain vs. HondurasIn today's last match at the 2010 World Cup, between Spain and Honduras, winner was Spain with 2-0 score.
Today the Spanish team showed that they are really quality team and have a good chance to achieve great results on the World Cup 2010. Although many people believed in the Spanish team, their opinion changed after the first Spanish match at the FIFA World Cup.
Specifically, the Spaniards first game played against relatively weaker team - Switzerland, and lost with 1-0 score.
Today, the Spanish game looked much better, and the final result could be much more similar to the result of the match between Portugal and North Korea (7-0).
Both goals for Spain team scored David Villa, first goal in the 17th minute of the game, and second goal in 51st minute of the match. Villa was also named as "man of the match" according to FIFA.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Shock for Spain : Spain vs. Switzerland 1-0
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Spain vs. Switzerland 1-0Last match of the first round of World Cup group stage has brought an amazing match in which Switzerland defeat favored Spain with 1-0 result. So European champion, and the main favorite for the World Cup title experienced a shock which nobody hoped for.
World Cup has finally brought us a real drama! Spain dominated from the first to the last minute of the match, but failed even to get a single point. With brilliant tactics of Swiss team succeeded to stop Spain thanks to great defense and great Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
The biggest hero in this historical victory of the Swiss team was midfielder Gelson Fernandes who scored only goal on the match in the 52nd minute. The action began goalkeeper Benaglio with long ball.
Despite the fact that the whole match played a subordinate role, Switzerland, in addition to this goal, has several good opportunities and could score second goal, especially from the great opportunity in the 74th minute. Then Eren Derdiyok done a great job in the Spanish penalty area, but had no luck because he hit the goal frame.
