USA v SPAIN - a fan's perspective!

A few months ago, I heard the news that the Spain National team would come to the US to play the national team in Foxboro Massachusetts and well, I just had to be there. The last time that I had seen La Roja live was during the group stages of the Germany World Cup 2006 when they played Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. So it had been too long and I really wanted to see los Campeones del Mundo, especially those players that I had never seen play LIVE like David Silva, Victor Valdes, the Villarreal crew, etc, etc, etc.

Of course there were deadlines at my day job, so I really couldn't take off Friday nor Monday, so we took a red eye Friday night from LA to Boston, and would head back on another red eye back home Sunday night. The Spain-USA whirlwind extravaganza was on.

It had been ages since I flew on a red eye, so when we arrived Saturday morning, we were knackered. I was supposed to meet my fellow LA Madridista, Peggy (@Peggles12) and NYC Madridista Leora (@SR4CR9), at the Westin Providence to go look for (stalk) La Roja. But once my husband and I checked into our hotel early, we crashed. Peggy, Leora, and co. had the time of their lives bumping into the team at the elevators.

My husband and I woke up late and decided to head straight to Gillette Stadium. The arena was a bit of a nightmare to enter and exit, much like the Rose Bowl. Parking was steep, but the atmosphere was great in the parking lots and it was nice to see everyone tailgaiting before the game. Both USA and Spain fans were mingling well and showing their colors. La Roja was well represented inside and outside the stadium. I would say 60% Spanish fans and 40% USA fans.

A couple of notables: Alexis Lalas and Tony Meola (ex USA Internationals) were on hand signing autographs. The World Cup was on display. I love the fact that La Roja travels with La Copa del Mundo! I was able to meet Allen (@groguet01) from Villarreal USA and talk footy etc before we got into the stadium. Allen was able to attend the training sessions on Friday and was impressed with the contrasting styles. He also mentioned that someone in Spain saw him on Spanish TV. I guess they were surprised to see a head to toe Villarreal fan, in attendance. We soon got separated from Allen due to our seating.

My husband is crazy about taking pictures of fans and football stadia atmosphere, so as soon as we entered Gillette, we ventured over to the American Outlaws/Sam's Army area. The USA supporters were seated behind the goal. My husband went down to the front, but I waited and tried to meet up with the conlaroja group to take a photo together. Needless to say, I couldn't find anyone at the appointed time. Then all of a sudden La Roja came out to train, right in front of the American Outlaws/Sam's Army goal, so I dashed down to the front and started taking tons of warmup and training pictures. (Yours truly took all of the Spain National team photos.) The stadium security were not thrilled with me being in the aisles upfront, so I made my way into the second row and proceeded with my photo shoot. Little did I know that I was sitting right next to another tweep or twimigo and LA Madridista Leslie (@lesliej_) who was sitting in the US Supporters section. We didn't figure this out until AFTER I posted my pictures on facebook. Small world, no? Where would we be as soccer/football fans without the twitter and facebook communities?

Once La Roja finished their training, I caught up with my husband back in our seats. I also finally connected with RMLA Peggy, who was sitting nearby. The game started and I decided not to take photos so I could fully experience the game. Peggy was surrounded by some pissed off US fans. My husband and I were sitting among some very happy La Roja fans. (Including me) My husband however was extremely grumpy and upset at the US display.

At halftime, I went upstairs to buy my husband a coke with Peggy and missed Forza Futbol friend and guest ~ Señor Segunda from La Liga Weekly and Futbol En Vivo co-host, Arch Bell (@archbell). Nevertheless, I was able to meet him and his wife and catch up at the end of the game. Arch is a 100% red, white and blue fan, so he wasn't too thrilled with the goleada nor the way the team played. I was estatic that La Roja won and that I got to see 4 goals. That said, I felt bad for the US fans who spent all that money and travelled all the way to Foxboro, only for the US team to not even try. Bottom line it was merely a commercial outing for Bradley and the boys. Very sad.

What can I say but La Roja were at their best and put on quite a show. I loved watching El Guaje play upfront with el Tiburon de Vallecas (Negredo). I thought Santi Cazorla was brilliant in attack and clinical in front of goal. He was definitely my MotM. David Silva was simply amazing advancing the play forward. Xabi Alonso and Sergi Busquets controlled the midfield and tempo brilliantly. Pique was a wall at back, while Pepe Reina was solid in goal. With all the changes in the second half and the fact that La Roja led 3-0, the boys decided to take it easy. It was nice to see the Villarreal trio: Borja Valero, Santi Cazorla, and Bruno link up, combine and not miss a step. Andres Iniesta was also playing some stunning fantasy football. All in all a brilliant match for the spectator, with so much juego bonito.

I finally got to meet Leora at the end of the match and hear her stories at the hotel and sitting upfront behind the Spain National team bench. I can't wait to meet up with Leora and Peggy in LA, when Real Madrid arrive for their preseason training! Penyas Unite!

It took a long time to exit Gillette Stadium and the parking lot, but all in all I went to sleep exhausted but with a big smile. On Sunday, we met up with a friend of my husband's living in Boston and got to do the touristy things around Quincy Market, the Boston Commons, etc. We even got to eat some tasty Italian panini and yummy cannoli, before we took off again. Would I do it again? You bet!

You can find my fotos on facebook or here on flickr. Enjoy!

Stars that La Liga desperately need to stay

Yes, ultimately we know that either Barcelona or Real Madrid will win the 2011-2012 la liga title. At the end of the day however, there is still 18 other teams that are either fighting for a place in Europe or desperately trying to avoid getting relegated. In this post I'd like to look at some of the stars that do not belong to the top 2 that may be on their way out this summer. I'm am also trying to be hopeful that they would stay otherwise the league would lose interest.

Athletic Bilbao:

Iker Munain: The 18 year old winger has been an undisputed starter this season on the left wing under Joaquin Caparros. He has entertained viewers week in week out and is one of the rising stars of la liga

Javi Martinez: The 22 year old is a world cup winner and there is reportedly lots of interest in him from other teams. He has had a decent campaign so far and could be on the way out.

Fernando Llorente: The big number 9 is a wanted man over Europe especially in the Premier league. His dangerous ability to win headers and to fight at the end of crosses has got him 17 goals this season. Like all journalists, Tottenham Hotspur couldn't believe themselves when they had an astonishing £26 million bid turned down by Bilbo. However will they come back for the Basque striker in the summer? He doesn't mind staying at Bilbao but will champions league football or an increased wage lure him away from Spain? I must confess my opinion that it would be very hard for Athletic to hold on to their man.

Atletico Madrid:

Sergio Aguero: Kun has continued to carry Atletico this season with Forlan's departure looking very likely. Lots of teams are in for him because he's matured now and is a very good finisher. He looks very likely to stay after saying that he'd like to honor his current deal which lasts until 2014.

Diego Forlan: Back in July the idea struck me that la liga would feature the world cup's best player. This however has turned around completely on me. Forlan has mainly featured off the bench at this end of the season and judging by the behavior its clear to see that there has been some sort of falling out at Atletico. It is almost certain that he is headed for the exit door in the summer but I'd still be hopeful of him staying in Spain at least. La liga would loose a very good footballer if he goes.

David De Gea: Atletico's very young and promising keeper has got himself on the radar of many top clubs this season. Clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United who have goalkeeper problems have all confessed that he has the talent. The English media have begun to say that a deal with Manchester United will be completed within the next two weeks. It's certain that he has talent and plenty potential for the future, but is he good enough to become Manchester United's No.1? Honestly I think that he isn't ready for that big of a move as yet. He needs at least another year to gain some experience to be playing for such a big club.

Espanyol:

Jose Callejon: A former Real Madrid youth product, Callejon has lit up the Cornella -El Prat at times this season. By now Madrid maybe wondering how he was able to get away from their sights. The winger is very important if they are to improve next season, bearing in mind the fantastic start they had to this campaign.

Pablo Osvaldo: Osvaldo has been very impressive this season. A key player for them which almost booked a place in Europe next season. He has been so impressive, he's earned a special scouting visit from Harry Redknapp who traveled to watch the Buenos Aries born forward. Whether it's a done deal or not only time will tell, doing a bit of research, some websites are reporting that Osvaldo signed for 15.6 million to Tottenham Hotspur. It's most likely false but with Espanyol failing to secure a place in Europe, will Tottenham lure him away having already secured a place in the Europa League?

Sevilla:

Alvaro Negredo: Another one of the Madrid youth system, Negredo has bagged 18 goals for Sevilla this season. He has attracted alot of interest from the Premier League with most clubs looking for that extra foward. Unfortunate to be over-looked for Spain's successful world cup squad, may be the likes of Roman Abramovich are having serious conversations on whether to invest in him. However with Luis Fabiano gone back to Brazil, Sevilla will try very hard to keep their man for next season with the Europa League to look foward to.

Diego Capel: One from Sevilla's very own youth system, Capel has been impressive this season and he will have many managers pondering on whether to have the exciting winger in their side.

Diego Perotti: The young Argentine winger has attracted a lot of interest this season. Again its Harry Redknapp involved as he has showed his interest in the player. Spurs look to be invading Spain this summer as they fight for Champions League next year. Perotti is young and is an exciting prospect for the league in the future years if he stays.

Jesus Navas: The little right winger has been excellent for Sevilla this season. His quick dribling and ability to run at defenders is what a lot of teams are looking for, especially in the Premier League. Many of England's top clubs are desperately looking for extra width in their sides and they may turn towards the world cup winner for an answer.

Valencia:
Vincente Guaita: During the season established himself in the starting 11 but later replaced by Cesar. The 24 year old keeper has a bright future and with the arrival of Diego Alves from relegated Almeria, he may force a move to secure regular football. Lets hope that he stays in Spain rather than a move to another country.

Ever Banega: A long target of Liverpool, Benega was crucial to Valencia's 3rd place finish this year. With Liverpool given funds to spend in the summer and Arsenal needing to bring in new players after another trophy-less year, The Premier League might be his likely destination. Be assured though, that Valencia will do all they can to keep their current squad and build on it for next year.

Juan Mata: Valencia may be forced into selling their star as a payment of 20-30 million is believed to be needed for the servicing of the Mestalla. According to some football websites, this money can be acquired from the sale of Mata. Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool are believed to be interested in the world cup winner. Financial problems may yet again see Valencia lose a top player.

Villarreal:

Borja Valero: The surprising season that Borja has had was unpredictable considering that he was initially loaned out from West Bromich Albion. He has proved to be a key signing for the submarines and his deal has been made permanent to a 5 year contract. He looks almost certain to be a Villarreal player next year having only joined this season.

Giuseppe Rossi: By far the best spell in a Villarreal shirt for Rossi. Over 30 goals scored in all competitions this year, he is one of the hottest strikers around and is a wanted man all over Europe, especially in Italy where Milan, Inter and recently Roma are fighting for the signature of the future of the national team. He has not only performed admirably for his club, having reached the semis of the Europa League, but has also been a key player for Italy post world cup. A late equalizer against Germany and a goal vs Ukraine is what Cesare Prandelli was hoping for given the job of developing the new face of the Azzuri. At 24 he still has lots of years in him and could be a major star for whoever he plays.

As reported by Forza Futbol, there is set to be departures of Spanish players to other leagues where they can earn much more money. It is therefore important that the various clubs try their best to hold on to there stars otherwise television audience will suffer and so will the league. The situation with the television deals for the big 2 have to be resolved quickly and the weaker teams must ensure that they are financially stable so that they can challenge for titles. It is very important that these players stay to keep the league attractive for viewers world wide to watch.

The Ones That Got Away: Real Madrid Cantera

The transfer policy of Real Madrid is supposed to be a balance of Super Star imports, the best Spanish players that money can buy and the cantera. Well of late, the first two criteria have been very true, but the cantera or youth academy/development has been pretty poor. Well, poor for Real Madrid, that is. Most youth players have had very little chance of breaking the starting eleven as the team demanded instant results. The club required proven players and the jump for Segunda B to Primera was deemed to steep.

The most recent opportunity emerged when Castilla was promoted from Segunda B (the third division) and played in Segunda A (the second division in Spain). This opportunity to rejuvenate and repurpose the cantera, really came to nothing. Several players left Castilla after promotion because they saw the writing on the wall and wanted first team football. Only Miguel Torres (now at Getafe) broke through to the Real Madrid first team. Add to that, Real Madrid really didn't have the players in Real Madrid C to replenish Castilla, so they were relegated two years later, back to Segunda B. All in all, a very short term, short sighted approach to youth development and promotion.

That said, many Castilla and Real Madrid C players have moved on to play in other teams in La Liga and have flourished. One might say that the purpose of Real Madrid's cantera is to prepare players to play in the rest of the Spanish league. But is this really something Real Madrid should be proud of? Or is it merely a waste of resources and lack of vision?

Here is a list of some of the active ex Real Madrid canteranos, now plying their trade elsewhere:

Samuel Eto'o (Inter), Juan Mata (Valencia), Borja Valero (Villarreal), Luis Garcia (Espanyol), Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Roberto Soldado (Valencia) , Dani Parejo (Getafe), Jose Callejón (Espanyol), Juanfran (Atlético Madrid), Javi Garcia (Benfica) to name a few.

What do these players have in common? Attacking players who were given very little chance to reach their potential and play for the club of their youth and dreams. Unfortunately, they were not deemed important enough by the President, directors and coaches, who were more worried about their positions and instant success.

With the departure of Guti and Raúl (who originally came from Atlético), Iker Casillas is the only home grown canterano playing in the first team. Iker was scouted, formed, developed, promoted to, and succeeded in the first team. I guess you should also include Alvaro Arbeloa and Esteban Granero. But they were initially sold by the club, and later bought back, once they proved their worth at Liverpool and Getafe, respectively.

Is this really a successful youth policy? Is this the price of success?

BEST XI of ROUND 19 in LA LIGA

The hallway point in La Liga and there were a lot of thrills, spills, and surprises. Let's take a look at who were the best of the bunch of this past weekend's matches.


GOALKEEPER

DAVID DE GEA (ATLETICO MADRID) had an incredible game against Mallorca. The score line is quite deceiving as this was a game of end to end attack. But De Gea kept out all of the Barallets dangerous shots including saving Pierre Webo's penalty.


DEFENSE

JAVIER CHICA (ESPANYOL), IVAN HERNANDEZ (SPORTING GIJON), CARLOS DIOGO (REAL ZARAGOZA) and JEREMY MATHIEU (VALENCIA)

Chica had a stellar game vs Sevilla. The Perico full back was immense, keeping out Sevilla's attacks especially on the wings. Young Hernandez had a howler last week, but solid this week in the rojiblanco defense, intervening at critical times against Trezeguet & Co at Hercules. Diogo is normally not mentioned in the best lists of late, but he played extremely well in the fog, hanging on to the 1 nil scoreline in a six pointer against Levante. Lastly, Valencia's Mathieu was brilliant in defense and attack and managed to slip in a goal from a very narrow angle.


MIDFIELD

PABLO PIATTI (ALMERIA), SERGIO BUSQUETS (BARCELONA), BORJA VALERO (VILLARREAL) and XABI PRIETO (REAL SOCIEDAD)

Little Piatti was amazing against the Madrid giants. He was the energizer bunny, causing mischief and 100% responsible for Almeria's goal. Busquets controlled and manhandled the Malaga midfield. He was a big part of the reason that the malagueños got very little time on the ball. Valero is just on fire this season. He was involved in every single goal in Villarreal's 4-2 thriller against Osasuna. When you think leader and Real Sociedad, only one name comes to mind, Xabi Prieto. He started the away goal fest against Getafe with a penalty and then executed the final pass on each subsequent goal.


STRIKE FORCE

JOSE MARIA CALLEJON (ESPANYOL) and DAVID VILLA (BARCELONA)

31 goals this week and both Callejon and Villa bagged two a piece. With Osvaldo missing, Callejon, normally a winger, stepped into some big boots, but was able to show his finishing skills in a critical game for the European dreaming, Espanyol. El Guaje is starting to warm up and fine tune is mind reading skills with Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, and Pedro. His goals looked so easy. You gotta love the nutmeg to Asenjo in the 2nd goal. Pure class.

Real Club de Mallorca Best XI of the Decade

Continuing our series of looking at the best players of the decade, we turn to our friend Jeremy Tanner from the Mallorca Offside blog for his Best XI.

I am going with a 4-3-1-2 formation based on the strengths of the club.

Let's start with the two strikers. Mallorca has had lots of good strikers, many of which performed better for other clubs, but my top two choices were not that difficult to make.

SAMUEL ETO'O(2000-04)

If you have watched Eto'o for any length of time, you know his greatness. He was Real Madrid owned yet at age 19 in 2000, came to Mallorca where he spent four seasons showing the flashes of talent that led him to even more goal scoring success at Barca and now Inter. With over 150 appearances for Mallorca and 50 plus goals, he is probably our best player of the decade and has stated often he wants to finish his career in Palma.

DANI GUIZA(1999-03, 2007-08)

Any long time Mallorca fan knows the wasted promise that was Guiza in the early part of the decade. He started as part of the B team as a youngster and did nothing by the time he left in 2003. He returned as a project in 2007 and spent the next year winning the Pichichi as La Liga's top goal scorer with 27 goals, none of which were PKs. He simply dominated and put his partying ways aside to develop his talent which lead to a place in Spain's winning team for EURO 2008. While he then took the money and went to Turkey where he has regressed. His foundation in Mallorca in the early part of the decade with a return for a magical season earns him the partnership with Eto'o. These two at their best would match up with any strike partnership of any team this decade.


Midfield

For a small club, Mallorca has had some great midfielders as well over the past decade so picking four is not as obvious as it may seem. I am picking the obvious talented and long serving choices, but including a couple of supremely talented players who made brief contributions to the team or may see their full potential realized elsewhere.

In this formation, I am going to add a "Triquartista" attacking midfielder and that choice is:

BORJA VALERO(2007-08, 2009-10)

In terms of a decade long analysis, this may be a slight reach, but I think he belongs in this team. He is basically a Real Madrid man, but he came to Mallorca in 2007-08 and did not do a lot, was then sold to West Brom for 08-09, but came back to Mallorca for 2009-10 where he was our best player and lead the team to a 5th place finish. Take him off that team and we are mid table. His talent is obvious and at age 25, he is now in Villarreal and is a big part of the future for the Spanish national team. Players who stand out in Mallorca but will make it big elsewhere are the epitome of Mallorca's team and players like Valero and my next midfield choice should have a few places on this team.

The next choice is:
GONZALO "CHORI" CASTRO(2007-Current).

I am going to go with him for the final spot in the midfield over Fernando Varela, who was a little more steady over a longer time in the decade but simply not as good. Castro came to Palma from his home country of Uruguay in 2007. He started slow but took over for Valera in 2009 and spent 2009-10 becoming one of Mallorca's top players. Still only 26, he will move on and likely get more recognition elsewhere. Because most of the other midfielders who did not make this team may have played longer and held starting positions for longer, they simply were not spectacular enough to stand out and make an all decade team.

The last two places in the midfield are probably the most obvious as these two guys combined talent and longevity to making Mallorca a better squad.

ARIEL IBAGAZA(1998-03, 2006-08) is an obvious choice for the midfield. He came to Mallorca from Argentina in 1998 and was part of the CL qualifying team and the Copa winning team. He left in 2003 and returned in 2006 playing two more years before heading on to Villarreal. His leadership and ability to read the game might put him on any all time Mallorca team not to mention the team of the decade. With over 200 appearances in the decade and the ability to make those around him better, earns him a place on this team.

The last spot in our midfield goes to JUAN ARANGO(2004-09), the best player ever to come out of Venezuela. After some early years in the Mexican league, he came to Palma in 2004 and spent 5 years with us where he was likely the best player in the team while they struggled to survive. After combining with Guiza in 2008-09 to help make Mallorca one of the most exciting teams around, he was sold to Monchengladbach in Germany for a paltry 3 million. He was a faster, higher scoring Carlos Valderrama type player who controlled the game for Mallorca in the midfield, but scored many big goals when needed as an attacking midfielder. He and Borja Valero are so good that they would fight for that attacking midfielder role, but I would keep Arango behind Valero on the field simply because of his maturity and the ability to read the game. Another player who would probably make a Mallorca all time team in addition to the team of the decade.

The back four is where it gets a bit tough as most of Mallorca's stand out defenders played early in the decade and unless you are a real Mallorca fan, you may not know many of these guys.

The first choice is probably pretty obvious in MIGUEL ANGEL NADAL.

Nadal is Mallorca through and through as he is from the island and started his career in 1986. He spent the 90s playing for Barca but returned to Palma in 1999 and played out his career until 2005. Even in his later years, he was still strong in the back and his heading and leadership was second to none. Part of the CL and Copa del Rey winning teams in the first half of the decade, he is another player that probably makes an all time team in addition to an all decade team. He is now part of the coaching staff with Laudrup and will likely take over for him when Laudrup is either fired or can't be paid or if the team is successful and Laudrup's ego takes him to a bigger club. One word for Nadal is simply Legend.


IVAN RAMIS(2001-current; on loan to Valladolid 05-06)

Ramis makes this team because not only has he been a solid player the whole decade starting with the B team at age 16 and the top level since 2004 at age 20, but because he has improved to the point where now, at age 26, he is Mallorca's top defender and is coveted by top clubs. He missed out on a move to Celtic last year but is still likely to be sold when the right offer comes in as he is now at peak value. Like Nadal, he is strong at the back and his height makes him great at clearances, but his stability, improvement, and overall contributions the entire decade all by age 26, earn him a place on this all decade team.


FERNANDO NAVARRO(2005-08).

After developing in the Barcelona system, Navarro came to Mallorca in 2005 and spent 3 seasons drastically improving while helping Mallorca transition from relegation struggler to European challenger. His toughness, consistency, and strength, in over 100 appearances for the club, caused him to stand out enough to earn a place on the national squad for Spain for EURO 2008 and a move to Sevilla that summer. At age 28 he is an important player for Sevilla and like many players, we got to see a portion of his prime and development in Palma.


FERNANDO NINO(1998-2005).

Nino is best known for the stability he helped create in the back with Nadal as they were the strength of the defense for the first half of the decade while Mallorca saw so many other players try to earn regular places. He was a big part of the CL team and the Copa winning side. Like Nadal his heading, strength, leadership, and durability, gave the coaches a player they could count on for years until an injury cut short his career in 2005. Like most defenders, he earned his reputation quietly and over a long period of time.


Keeper

LEO FRANCO(1999-04)

Despite the great play of current keeper Aouate, the decade long potential that was Miguel Moya, the player of the decade in goal has to be Franco. With almost 150 appearnces in the first half of the decade, he gave a lot to the team before moving on to Atletico Madrid. He was the keeper on the 3rd place team from 2000-01 and won the Copa del Rey in 2003. While certainly up and down in his performances, his longevity and team results says something. He was a solid keeper and his results earn him this spot even though Aouate and Moya probably are better overall keepers from a talent standpoint.


Bench

For all the great choices, there are plenty of players that would make a nice bench even if most of them didn't play for Mallorca for very long or did not show their real talent until after they left.

Names like Riera, Luque, Tristan, Jonas Gutierrez, David Navarro, and Aritz Aduriz are players who would be great subs on this team.

For a small club, you would be hard to find a team with a better overall starting XI then Mallorca for the decade.