Chivas v Real Madrid ~ San Diego time!!

This is my last post on RMA and their pre-season in LA. It has been one of the best 10 days of my life. Following your team is just one of the best experiences ever. I got a sense for the trials and tribulations of being associated with this great club and how down to earth the players really are. They are just normal people. I want to thank Peggy van Huizen and Leo Gutierrez for the great coverage and for being part of the Forza Futbol dream team. Hopefully we can do it again next year! Look out España for Forza Futbol La Liga Tour March 2012!




Match Report


Chivas is starting their new season this weekend and have a lot more games under their belt. The crowd was 60% Chivas fans and 40% Real Madrid.

Players missing from the game for Real Madrid: Sergio Ramos (back spasms), Khedira (toe), Sahin (knee), Alonso (back pains)

First half thoughts: Chivas playing a very defensive game. They defended in packs and gave RM very little space in the midfield. They produced continuous tactical fouls, which impeded Los Blancos from playing their game. Chivas stole a lot of balls, and provided several long balls over the top, catching RM unawares. RM was not able to capitalize on their chances. Carvalho looked a bit slow at the back. Kaka appeared to be out of sorts and rather tired. RM passing was a poor. Chivas began the first half at a frentic pace and then slowed the game down, and controlled the tempo of the game.

That said, Adan played done well in goal. Cristiano was his effervescent self and Varane impressed with his speed and ability to make key interventions in front of goal. The 18 year old defender read the game well, had a few close scoring opportunities from set pieces, and performed admirably overall. Still, Coach Jose Luis Real was very happy that his team kept the game at 0-0 at halftime.



Second half thoughts: Wholesale substitutions were made by Real Madrid after halftime. No problem, because they have a solid bench. Some key entries were Pepe, Callejon, Albiol and Casillas. As previously mentioned, Chivas starts the Mexican league this weekend against Atlante, so coach Real made two critical substitutions to preserve his backline from injury. Those two substitutions also allowed Real Madrid to win the game.

Gold cup winner Hector Reynoso was taken off at the 54’. Cristiano scored his first goal, assisted by Benzema, in the 72’. Miguel Ponce, another defender, was substituted in the 74’. A minute later, Pepe was taken down in the penalty box. The referee pointed to the spot and Cristiano converted it easily in the 75’. Steam roller Real Madrid carry on, in their devil may care way, in the 81’. This time Ozil provided an exquisite pass to Cristiano who closed the game with a beautiful finish. Hat trick. Full time RMA 3-0 Chivas.


Kudos to Cristiano: I have really been impressed with Cris’ performances and willingness to please the crowd and put on a stellar display. Some notables:

The versatility of Cristiano Ronaldo. The first goal was scored a la Llorente from Athletic Bilbao. Cris moved into a center forward (no 9) position, between two Chivas defenders and physically muscled his way through to score. His penalty was pure power and his last goal was a work of art.

For Cristiano, there are no friendlies. The Portuguese International put on his A game in San Diego and in LA. He picked up the team by the scruff of their necks in the second half and claimed a hat trick in the process. No surprise, Cristiano was voted hands down the man of the match.


Food for thought: Back to the game, the bottom line, is that Chivas came to play a complete game, not an open game on the counter like the LA Galaxy, but a full on tactical game, and if not for their defensive substitutions in the second half, the scoreline might have been different. Real Madrid without Xabi Alonso, Khedira, and Sergio Ramos is just not at the same caliber or world class level. This was only a friendly and a pre-season game. However, the first half performance is definitely something for Mourinho and staff to take note as food for thought.


Chivas Guadalajara: Luis Michel, Esparza, Reynoso (Magallón, 54 '), Medina (Gallardo, 67'), De Luna, Araujo, Mejia, Fabian (Jesus Sanchez, 78 '), Ponce (Ledesma, 74'), Medina ( Nava, 83 ') and Arellano (Antonio Salazar, 78').

Real Madrid: Adan (Casillas, 46 '), Arbeloa (Nacho, 46'), Varane (Albiol, 46'), Carvalho (Pepe, 46'), Marcelo (Casado 82'); Coentrao, Granero, Kaka (Callejon, 46'), Özil (Joselu, 82'), Benzema (Jese, 78) and Cristiano.

Goals: 0-1 (72') Cristiano. 0-2 (75'): Cristiano, penalty. 0-3 (81') Cristiano.

Referee: Ricardo Salazar. Booked Mejia (35 '), Arellano (42') and De Luna (55 ') for Chivas and Coentrao (40') and Cristiano (55 ') for Real Madrid.

Stadium: Qualcomm Stadium. 38,211 spectators.



Post Game Press Conference: Jose Mourinho



Asked about Coentrao: “ We brought him here because he can play a lot of positions and not just to be competition for Marcelo. Coentrao had never played as a holding midfielder, that position is different for him. Alonso, Khedira and Granero are midfield players, positional, fixed pivots, whereas Coentrao, is accustomed to playing in more lateral positions, deeper, dynamic, something different from what I have in the team. I did not want to play 90 minutes, but 45, because he had already played the whole game against the Galaxy, but the problem of Xabi Alonso has pains in back. The third game against Philadelphia, Fabio will be rested as he has already played too many minutes. "

With the midfield injuries of Sahin, Khedira, and Alonso, do you need another midfield or will you call back up Lass or Gago? "What Sahin has is an injury. We hope that he can play in China or at the start of the season. But Xabi is not an injury, he has back pain, and Khedira is a small thing. The majority are not real injuries. Today we were missing all of them and were able to play with Coentrao and Granero. If necessary, we can play Pepe in the midfield. Varane also told me he has played enough games player in midfield and is available. We have the players we need. There is time until August 31, to obtain one more striker. I don’t want to even think about asking for anyone else, because the club has made great strides in this area. " (So Pepe, Coentrao, Varane and of course Granero are options in midfield to play a holding role.

On Pedro Leon and other players that Mou does not counted on this year. “I do not like to call them "dropped." "That's not a good name, just the coach has a way of working with a small squad, each day I work 10 v 10 drills. I like to have a squad of 21, open to the youth team, when an injury, I want to have a Castilla player step in to play. " He continues: "These footballers have to decided if they want to play at a team, where they will not have a lot of chances to play, I don’t like to call them “dropped” or say they are not good.... The first thing is to be professional, they themselves must be smart and think that if they will not play and do not like this situation, Real Madrid is working to find solutions. Garay understands that playing alongside Pepe, Carvalho, Albiol and Nino, we have enough in that role. If he gets an opportunity to go to another great club or country (Benfica), where there are more options to play, then he will look for a new life or career. For me this is good for him. Because staying in Madrid, to train every week and when you don’t play and go home, this is not good for a professional. The players have until the end of August, to accept one of the many options to go to a great club. But calling them “dropped”, no that is not the right word, the correct word is players who will not get playing time. " (So Mou is encouraging the “lost boys” to accept one of the transfer or loan options to go abroad or to another team in La Liga. Very interesting indeed and well said by Mou.)

Asked about his thoughts on the Chivas game and performances: “It was a great game, fabulous fitness training. For many years I have come to the US with Chelsea, Inter, and RM, every year we play against MLS and Mexican teams, against both Chivas and Club America. These teams play well and with a lot of fouls and this is what we need. We don’t need easy games or boring games. We need to play against teams that give us a difficult time and Chivas was very successful in giving us a difficult time.”

About Kaka: "He had six years without a proper preseason between World Cups, Copa America, injuries, his move to Madrid ... Now he is with us from day one, without missing a beat. He participated in all 12 training sessions completely. He played 45 minutes against Galaxy and 45 against Chivas and I hope he will play 45 against Philadelphia. He has a proper preseason and that is what he needs. His body needs that."

About CR7: "Cristiano is Cristiano, always with ambition, with motivation, with a joy of playing, and pride of playing well, whether in China, Japan or the United States. He always wants to play well and score. He knows how to win and get three goals to score as many points, as the rules of the tournament with 3 points for every goal. He has played with this mission. It's great to have. "

On comparisons to Phil Jackson, coach of the LA Lakers and the fact that Mou has coached many years with big teams and personalities. Should we call him the European zen master? “Noooooo. Basketball is Basketball. Soccer is Soccer. NBA has special rules in the basketball world. Impossible to compare. Of course I have read a few things and I know that he is such a big coach. Basketball coach is a basketball coach…”




For more youtube videos of Mourninho’s press conference, go to Forza Futbol’s youtube page.

As always you can find numerous more photos from the San Diego game day at Forza Futbol’s facebook page.

By the way the mixed zone, where the players come out was great with easy access to the players. I was able to ask both Iker and Chori about Xabi's injury. It made my day.


ADDED BONUS: FORZA FUTBOL ON REALMADRID.COM

Forza Futbol gets quoted in English and Spanish on realmadrid.com. Check this out! Our very own Peggy is a reference for the club!! Incredible!

Spain - one year after winning World Cup 2010

Spain lifting the World Cup 2010

July 11th, 2010

Spain was crowned the World Champions of football for the first time in history. It took them 80 years since the inaugural World Cup was played in 1930. Better late than never – as the old adage goes.

Prior to the Euro 2008, the thought that Spain would win a big trophy was almost unthinkable. They almost always brought a talented squad to all the big tournaments. But somehow they always seemed to under-perform at key moments and bow out. So the challenge was more psychological than anything else. Can Spain seize the moment and overcome their mental blocks? They answered that question emphatically in Euro 2008 when they overcame a cagey quarter-final match-up against old nemesis Italy in a penalty shoot-out and following it up with convincing wins in the semifinals against Russia and against the Germans in the final.

The World Cup is as big as it can get. It is a much bigger stage than Euro Cup. Despite the shock defeat to the US in Confederations Cup 2009, Spain entered the World Cup as the strongest favorites. With Brazil in a rebuilding mode under Dunga, an Argentina team managed by the maniac Maradona plus the fact that Italy and France were on the decline, Spain was expected to reach the final and anything less would have been considered a failure.

Spain couldn’t have had a worse start, a shock defeat to Switzerland. Criticism rained on the players and Coach Vicente del Bosque home and abroad. Losing the first group game in a World cup means there is no margin of error anymore. They had to win the remaining two games to top the group and avoid a potential run-in with Brazil in the 2nd round. Del Bosque showed calm and composure in the tempest of criticism from all and sundry in Spain leading up to the 2nd game against Honduras, which Spain won comfortably. They went on to beat Marcelo Bielsa's Chile in the final group game after some anxious moments in the initial part of that game.

Spain went on to beat Portugal in the 2nd round, Paraguay in the quarterfinals, Germany in the semifinals, and the Netherlands in the final with 1-0 victories. While Spain didnt score as freely as they did in the Euro 2008, they controlled the tempo in all these games.

The lack of goals can be attributed mostly to the defensive posture adopted by the opponents. Barring Chile, who played their usual attacking style, the rest of the teams made significant adjustments to counter the Spanish passing game. In many cases they would give two-thirds of the pitch and the possession to Spain to try smothering them in the final third. The lack of contributions from the centre-forwards didn’t help either.

They persevered and believed in what they were doing despite being less flashy and less attractive. I believe this is where Spain has improved the most from Euro 2008 to World Cup 2010. The calm with which they took the loss to Switzerland and how they continued to display the same composure throughout the tournament bodes well for the future of Spain and doesn’t bode well for their opponents.

July 11th, 2011

One year away from that memorable moment when Andrés Iniesta slotted home the winner in the final, the future of Spain looks as bright as it has ever been. Despite a few reverses in the friendlies following the World Cup, Spain has a 100% record in the Euro 2012 qualifiers, a shoe-in for Ukraine-Poland 2012. The core of the team that won the World Cup 2010 is intact plus a bevy of exciting new players ready to renew and re-invigorate, Spain looks set for a deep run in the Euro 2012 next summer.

I sign-off with a couple of links to the Spanish campaign in South Africa 2010.

1. Summary of Spain in WC 2010 – the final is at the beginning and then the video takes us from the first group game through to the semifinals. Includes shots of Spanish papers in between.
2. Spain past and present – a nice summary of what Spain lacked in the past culminating in WC 2010 triumph. Slightly low quality but I loved the idea and the nice touch at the end of the video
3. Casillas – El Salvador -  a summary of Casillas’s  saves in the World cup, not fully captured in the video #1 which I believe were as important as the goals of Villa & Co

Spain U-20 World Cup Call-up

The RFEF finally got the list of players that will play the upcoming U-20 World Cup in Colombia, the base group continues with those players that didn't move up to the U-21 level.

C. ATLÉTICO DE MADRID SAD: Jorge Pulido Mayoral and Jorge Resurrección Merodio “Koke”
ATHLETIC CLUB: Aitor Fernández Abarisketa
FC BARCELONA: Martín Montoya i Torralbo, Marc Bartra Aregall, Marc Muniesa Martínez, Oriol Romeu Vidal, Sergi Roberto Carnicer, Cristian Tello Herrera.
SL BENFICA: Rodrígo Moreno Machado
RCD ESPANYOL DE BARCELONA SAD: Jordi Amat Maas, Álvaro Vázquez García
HÉRCULES CF SAD: Francisco Femenia Far “Kiko”
LIVERPOOL FC: Daniel Pacheco Lobato
MÁLAGA CF SAD: José Luis García del Pozo “Recio”
REAL BETIS BALOMPIÉ SAD: Ezequiel Calvente Criado
REAL MADRID CF: Fernando Pacheco Flores and Sergio Canales Madrazo
SEVILLA FC SAD: Antonio Manuel Luna Rodríguez
VALENCIA CF SAD: Francisco Román Alarcón Suárez “Isco”
REAL ZARAGOZA SAD: Alejandro Sánchez Benítez “Alex”

As expected, only one of the U21 Winners is playing again, Martín Montoya, the rest didn't go there.

The RFEF had a hard time picking up players for the U-19, U-20 and U-21 tournaments since they were all pretty close, I guess one of the reasons why Canales didn't go to the European was that they were saving him to have a experienced man in the midfield for the WC.

La Masía keeps dominating the Spanish call ups and some of their young up and comers will have the chance to prove themselves in a big international stage, I'm looking forward to see what the famed Bartra-Muniesa duo can do, according to many people they are the Puyol/Piqué of the future.

Koke was one of the good surprises of the season and fully deserves to be on the team, he's doing a great job for Atleti and I think many people will be watching his performance to bid for him in the upcoming transfer window.

I am really not sure why Dani Pacheco was called since he didn't really play for Liverpool at all this season, maybe Rafinha would have been better for the team since he's played this season?

Thankfully neither Iker Muniain nor Thiago Alcántara were called, they would have ended dead on their feet by the time next season comes.

Spain is in group C and will debut against Costa Rica in Manizales on July 31st, they also have Australia and Ecuador on their group, on paper they should win it and move onto the next round.

Forza Futbol 137: Eduardo Alvarez

Eduardo Alvarez ESPN Soccernet

On today's special episode of Forza Futbol, we have Eduardo Alvarez of ESPN Soccernet. He writes a weekly column called La Quiniela, where he predicts the week's action in the Spanish League. We talk La Furia Roja, Real Madrid, Barcelona and the state of the league. He has had the wonderful opportunity of covering La Roja during the Euros and World Cup of late. We hope to have him back to report on his live coverage in Madrid of El Clasico and in Valencia on La Copa final. Great stuff. Highly recommended.

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SPANISH HEARTS: Tragedy Strikes Again

With the recent tragic cardiac arrest on the pitch, by Salamanca's Miguel García during the game at Real Betis' stadium, there appears to be some disturbing medical patterns emerging in the Spanish game. Thankfully, Miguel García was revived by the Betis and Salamanca doctors, but his heart stopped for 25 seconds and the player has now knows that his career is over.

Why are young Spanish players encountering heart problems? Is it the rigorous training? diet? performance enhancing drugs? medical services? not enough monitoring or tests? It just does not make sense.

The list keeps growing:

1) Sevilla's Antonio Puerta had a heart attack on the pitch during the opening game of the 2007-8 season against Getafe. He was revived, but passed away three days later.

2) Espanyol's Daniel Jarque, heart stopped, while he was on the phone to his girlfriend in a Florence hotel during the 2009-10 pre-season.

3) Real Madrid's Ruben De La Red collapsed during a Copa del Rey game against Real Union at the start of the 2008-9 season. He has been told by the medical staff that he can no longer play.

4) In January 2010, Sevilla's Sergio Sanchez was diagnosed by the medical staff, after complaining of pains, with a serious heart condition. He was been seeing specialists and appears to have recovered and is now training with the club.

The press domestically and abroad are questioning the Spanish league's sporting and medical policies and practices. As a result, the Spanish medical societies and specialists are conducting a study on sudden deaths in athletes. The purpose is to analyze all deaths of sport players under 35 to determine the cause and address prevention efforts. According to the Spanish Sports Council, about 20 athletes die from heart related problems every year. Something has got to change.

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH FERNANDO TORRES?

I am worried about El Niño. He looks distant, frustrated and just not enjoying his game while playing with his current club Liverpool. He is normally a very positive person and a loyal player to boot. But why the sudden change in spirit and attitude?

Does he feel that he made a mistake coming to Liverpool? The recent ownership debacle at Liverpool really hasn't helped, though many believe that the players are professionals and should separate themselves from any off the pitch shenanigans. But how can the debt, lack of transfer budget, not affect El Niño? The man who brought him to the club, Rafa Benitez, appears to have left a sinking ship, just at the right time. Many of the key players that were part of the club when Fernando arrived, have left the club (Alonso, Mascherano, etc) and have not really been replaced with the type of quality player that the team needs, to contend for a Champions League place, much less the title.

And what about the wear and tear to his body that playing in the most physical, referee lenient, fast paced, league can bring? Last season Torres played injured more time than not and never fully recuperated from his injuries. The number of games with Spain and the EPL, very little breaks. I am sure that this to adds to his second guessing of his choice and change in attitude and mentality.

But what I believe, is gnawing at his brain the most, is the fact that he was a shadow of his former self throughout Spain's World Cup run and probably feels that he was more of a hindrance, than a contribution to the team. He didn't score any goals and many felt he held the team back. Sure, Pepe Reina during his post eulogy aka celebration in Madrid, really tried to point out that El Niño was a valuable part of the Spanish team and was a huge contributing factor in their World Cup victory, but somehow I feel all those kind words were heard by deaf ears.

4 years prior, he was on top of the world. He scored the decisive goal in Spain's European Cup victory. He was an essential part of Luis Aragones' group that broke the quarterfinal hex, that built that winning mentality that Spain could win, playing their way, and their style. He also initially played a brilliant couple of years at Liverpool, playing Champions League football, excelling in the league. The most notable season when they came in 2nd place and even were in the title race up until the very end, but all that is now very distant. Football can just change on a dime.

Fernando is still very young, only 26 years old. But he has played an awful lot of football. He started playing in a local club when he was 5. He was discovered by Atlético Madrid scouts at 11. He debuted with the first team at 17. I shudder to think, but maybe El Niño is getting burned out? Playing at the highest level for 9 years, he seems to be at this tipping point, and needs to find a way to invigorate his game. Recapture that spark, what drew him to love the game as a child. The modern game is cruel, and burnout is always a strong possibility. Look out Wayne Rooney, Ronaldhino, the original Ronaldo, Kaka, it is just so hard to sustain that kind of pace and intensity for a sustainable period, over the life of a career in the today's game.

So what of El Niño? Can he beat this shadow looming over his shoulder? Would a change of scenery to a more tactical league IE Serie A benefit him? Would a return back home to Spain, a more technical league, that protects marquee players, help Fernando regain his form and fitness? Or maybe just a change to different club in the Premiership, would that do the trick? A team with more finances and better players? Or is the fatigue and mental anguish just too much, and a move to less demanding league, but still playing Champions League, a better move? One step back, two steps forward, to rejuvenate the juices? Or is it just a bad patch, as Pepe Reina has said, similar to David Villa's current situation. Too many games, no chance to rest the body.

Of course, the transfer price, salary, family needs, and Liverpool demands, must all come into play, should El Niño decide to leave Liverpool.

I think he needs a move, out of England, either Spain or Italy, whomever can afford him and could use a quality striker, asap. I know he scored this past weekend, his second for the year, but the clock is ticking and a player's life span and years at the top is so very short. What do you think?

UPDATE ON TV REVENUES AND WINTER TRANSFERS

The more you get into Spanish Football, the more you realize that it is a reflection of Spanish culture, society, economics, and that in itself makes it truly unique and an odd bird at times.

The Spanish clubs historically negotiated their respective TV rights, further adhering to the provincial nature of Spain. This has led to a huge disparity of the haves (Real Madrid and Barçelona) and the have nots (everyone else besides the aforementioned big two) along with a tenuous middle class (Valencia, Sevilla, Atlético, Villarreal and Athletic Bilbao).

At last, the Spanish federation, club owners, etc have realized that they are falling further and further behind the English Premership, Bundesliga, etc, who sell TV revenues collectively. In addition, the current system is not sustainable considering the Spanish economy and debt laden clubs. Thus, there have been a series of meetings to change the Spanish model, when the majority of the Spanish clubs' current deals end. The actual details of how to distribute the 600 - 900 million dollar pot is the bone of contention.

Last week, the big two (RM and Bar), made a joint proposal to the 20-team representatives as follows: 34% to the big two, 11% to Valencia and Atlético Madrid and the remaining 55% to the rest of the league. Sevilla, Villarreal and a few other teams made a counterproposal to divide 40% evenly among the 20 clubs and the balance or 60% spread based on each team's annual performance. No agreement or consensus has been made except to meet again Oct 22nd.

The biggest proponents of change are the aforementioned middle class. Currently Athletic Bilbao is the 5th most watched team in Spain, but ranks 8th on the list in TV Revenues. Getafe's current deal is larger than Athletic's.

Parachute payments for relegation, docking points when teams file for administration, an investment cap and spending cap to curb debt, are all under consideration as well.


GOOD NEWS WINTER TRANSFER MARKET CHANGES

The current rule that restricts a Spanish club from signing a player from another Spanish team who has played five games in the league is now history. This restriction has been appealed because it is viewed as going against the employment rights of football players.

The rule originally was enacted in the spirit of trying to stop the stronger teams from pillaging the smaller ones. But in the end it hurt the smaller teams as well, in that they could not strengthen their squads. All in all, the rule was archaic and a bit silly, so this is good news.

Of course there are still Champions League and Europa league restrictions in regards to Winter transfers.

UD Almeria Preview

Coach: Hugo Sanchez, ex-coach of Mexican MNT, Pumas and Necaxa
Stadium: Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos, Capacity (22,000)
Region: Andalusia
Nickname: Rojiblancos (red-whites)
Derby: Sevilla, Malaga, Betis
Sponsor: Petronor
Kit Description: Home: A classic red and white striped Umbro kit with black shorts and shocks with red and white trim. Away: A blue and white half-panel shirt with white shorts and socks. Third: A black kit overall with red trim.
History: UD Almeria, is a relatively new club founded only in 2001, though the club can trace its roots back many years with the founding of Agrupacion Deportiva Almeria, also known as AD Almeria in 1971. AD Almeria's secured a promotion to La Liga in 1979/1980. They finished in ninth place, but were relegated back to the Segunda Division the year after. At the end of the 1981/1982 season the club collapsed into financial ruin. Eight years later football CF Almeria were formed. They would play at the regional level for three years before securing promotion to Tercera Division in 1992.  January of 2001 would prove to be the dawning of a new era for CF Almeria, as they merged with Polideportivo Almeria to form Union Deportiva Almeria. In 2003, Alfonso Guillermo became majority shareholder, and club president and the 2006/2007 season saw UD Almeria win its way to the Spanish top flight.
Trophy Room:
* 2006/07 : Second in Segunda División

Famous Former Players: Alvaro Negredo
Main Story from last year: Despite the fact that Hugo Sanchez made nice with former club Real Madrid, wooing one or more of the potential challengers for the Merengues presidency against eventual winner Florentino Perez and setting himself up as a future coaching candidate at the Bernabeu, Don Hugo actually took over from former coach Unai Emery and improved on the former wunderkind's job. In fact, if Pellegrini suffers a few setbacks in his first high profile job, don't be surprised if former team-mate Valdano comes calling.

Transfers: Transfers in Domingo Cisma (Numancia - loan period ended), David Rodríguez (Celta loan period ended), Fabián Vargas (Boca Juniors), Goitom (Murcia), Bernadello (Newell's Old Boys). Transfers out Negredo (Real Madrid - buy back option exercised), Mané (Getafe), Carlos García (Betis - one year loan), Bruno (Valencia), Iriney (Betis), Juanito (Málaga), Esteban Solari (transferable)

Squad Overview: With the loss of Negredo who was recently brought back to Real Madrid only to be sold to Sevilla, the club is hoping that Henok Goitom, who played last year on loan at Real Valladolid from Real Murcia, will fill in the void. Goitom is athletic, a bit pacier than Negredo, but nowhere near as physical but he'll be able to coordinate well with the likes of Pablo Piatti and Crusat. They have a young squad, they play attractive football and Hugo Sanchez has completely rehabilitated his career after a disastrous role as Mexican National Team coach, but I think they can't hellp but fall backwards a bit.

Prediction: Treading water: 13th

Real Sporting de Gijon Preview

Coach: Manuel Preciado, ex-Racing, Murcia and Levante coach in that order.
Stadium: El Molinon, the oldest ground in Spain (25,885).
Region: Asturias
Nickname: Los Rojiblancos (The Red-whites),
Derby: Real Oviedo
Sponsor: Ayuntamiento de Gijon, the City Council of Gijon
Kit Description: Home: A nice red and white striped Astore kit with blue shorts and socks. Away: An all red kit with a blog sponsor logo and white trim and striping throughout. Third: An all dark-blue kit with red trim on the shirt.
History: The club began in 1905 under the name Sporting Gijones. It was given royal patronage in 1912 and were promoted for the first time to the Spanish first division in 1944. They were highly successful during the late 70's and early 1980's spending 21 straight season in the Spanish first division and competing for titles and cups throughout that stretch and qualifying for UEFA Cups 6 times, advancing to thr round of 16 twice, most recently in 1991. In 1998 they were relegate and spent the next 10 years struggling in the lower divisions.
Trophy Room:
* Primera Runners Up: 1979
* Copa del Rey runner's up: 1981 and 1982

Famous Former Players: Marcelino Garcia Toral, Laurie Cunningham, Luis Enrique (ex-Real Madrid and FC Barcelona) and David Villa
Main Story from last year: Escaping relegation after being recently promoted. Most people accepted that Malaga were quality enough to stay in the Primera, but no one who saw Sporting de Gijon play last year could have assured themselves that the Asturian club had the mettle to stay up. They had a fairly exciting attack but leaked in the goals. The most memorable match of the season came when they played Valencia at El Molinon (The Large Windmill as it is called in Castilian because the stadium was built on the site of an Old Windmill) and David Villa, who came up through the youth team system at Sporting and is clearly still a supporter of the Asturians. The Gijon faithful welcomed him back with open arms and gave him a truly memorable experience.

Transfers: Signing Rivera (Betis), Juan Pablo (Numancia), Arnolin (Vitoria Guimaraes), Miguel (Atlético Madrid), Alberto Botía (Barcelona B - one year loan). Losing Lafuente (Athletic Bilbao - loan period ended), Raúl Cámara (Recreativo), Omar Hernández (Málaga B), Jorge (Nàstic - one year loan), Colin, Neru, Sergio Sánchez (contracts ended)

Squad Overview: It is a young squad with little flair. They've signed Alberto Botia, a highly promising central defender from La Masia in Barcelona and are getting some interest from Birgingham City for highly rate MF Michel, but they lack depth and will be found out this year.

Prediction: One year finishing in the top flight after 10 years in the wastelands does not make for an easily predictable trend, but Sporting de Gijon are a small club, with few resources and the other clubs at their level have gotten stronger while they continue to struggle. Relegation spot for them: 18th.

CA Osasuna Preview

Coach: Jose Antonio Camacho, ex-Real Madrid and Spain MNT coach
Stadium:Estadio Reyno de Navarra, (19,800).
Region: Navarre
Nickname: Los Rojillos (The Little Red-Ones), Gorritxo
Derby: Athletic Bilbao
Sponsor: Yingli Solar, a Chinese solar power company
Kit Description: Home: A very nice red Diadora with dark blue shorts and white striping. Blue sockes with red trim as well. Away: An all white kit with red trim and striping throughout. Third: An all dark-blue kit with red trim on the socks. Note: The Osasuna kit's sponsor Yingli Solar is one of the nicest logos I have seen on a football kits ever. A really nice design and it adds so much to the kit, it's amost like another badge. Diadora did a great job on Osasuna's kit.
History: The club was founded on some unrecorded date in 1920. The Sociedad Sportiva was incorporated first to be able to collectively buy a ball and some kits. The club was given its name, Osasuna, which means health, force or vigor in Euskara. They have spent 31 of their seasons since in the first division with their highest finish being fourth on two occasions, once in 1990-1991 and in 2005-2006 which qualified them for the UEFA Cup which they then advanced to the semifinals eventually losing to eventual winners Sevilla. Last year however, they were in danger of relegation for much of the last part of the season being saved on the last day of the season, they were going down considering that they were also losing 1-0 to Real Madrid, but they came back with two goals in the second half with the decider coming from ex-Madrid cantera product Juanfran.
Trophy Room:
* 4 UEFA Cup participations
* Copa del Rey runner's up: 2005

Famous Former Players: Michael Robinson, Javier Aguirre, Carlos Vela, Manuel Almunia, Jon Andoni Goikoetxea
Main Story from last year: The incredible last day of the season where they saved themselves from relegation, but the story of the year was what a local farmer in Osasuna did to push his club on. They were at the bottom of the table for 11 weeks but if they managed to beat Real Betis, he was going to donate one suckling pig for every first team player. It was all over the local news, the videos of the cute little piggies, the players were up for the match and the rojillos drew to the beticos but a week later, after a long week of gastrointestinal motivation, the players beat Espanyol at home and they feasted on the little porkers. The End. I guess alot of you have these visions of Charlotte's Web and saving Wilbur, but we all motivate ourselves by whatever means is necessary. Send complaints care of CA Osasuna in Spain.

Transfers: Signing MF Calleja from Malaga for two years on a free from Malaga. They also bought FW Carlos Aranda from relegated Numancia who like Calleja is an ex-Real Madrid youth team product.

Squad Overview: If people thought Osasuna were in trouble last year, they'd be hard pressed to find anymore optimism for this coming season either. They've brought in some experience in Calleja and Aranda, but they have lost a ton of players like Sunny, Tiago Gomes and Hector Font who all returned to their former clubs when loan spells ended. The club will be younger, they had a productive set of games at the end of the season when Camacho brought in some younger players who played well.

Prediction: They don't look any stronger than last year, but this will be another atrocious year at the bottom of the table in Spain with maybe 10 teams vying for 3 relegation slots. I don't have much faith in Osasuna, but I think there are huge problems in Gijon, so I think Osasuna because of Camacho who is a top quality coach save themselves and finish 15th.

Real Valladolid CF Preview

Coach:José Luis Mendilibar, ex-Athletic Bilbao
Stadium:Estadio José Zorrilla, (26,512).
Region: Castile and Leon
Nickname: Pucela, Pucelanos, Blanquivioletas or Albivioletas(White-Purples),
Derby: Real Madrid
Sponsor: Caja Duero, a banking institution serving the communities of Salamanca y Soria
Kit Description: Home: An lavender and white striped top with white shorts and white socks. Away: A lavender and black striped shirt with black shorts and black socks. Third: An all purple kit with white stripes. Note: Last year's away kit was a monstrosity of teal and purple so black and purple is acceptable considering.
History: Real Valladolid was founded on the 20th of June in 1928 from the union of Real Unión Deportiva and Club Deportivo Español. It vacillated between the top three divisions for much of its existence culminating with a 3-0 win on aggregate over two legs against Atletico de Madrid in the now defunct Spanish League Cup (the equivalent of today's Carling Cup in England) in 1983-1984. They enjoyed some success in the late 90's with future Liverpool and Valencia boss Rafa Benitez, reaching as high as 7th under subsequent coach Vicente Cantatore. After Mendilibar left Athletic Bilbao in 2005-2006 and became coach in Valladolid, the team responded with their best performance in the second division since winning it in 1958-1959. They finished that year with an all-time high 88 points, winning it by 8 points over their closest rivals and 26 points higher than the fourth placed team that year. They were also mathematically promoted in the 34th round of matches, the earliest ever for a second division team. Since then they have started well in the first division both years but their lack of depth has hurt them and they have finished 15th twice.
Trophy Room:
* Second Division: 1947-48, 1958-59
* Spanish League Cup: 1983-84

Famous Former Players: Ruben Baraja, Cuahtemoc Blanco, Rene Higuita, Fernando Hierro, Gabriel Heinze, Luis Garcia Sanz, Carlos Valderrama
Main Story from last year: The club have parlayed their success in the second division into two strong if not stellar seasons in La Liga. Built on a strong and tight defense, Mendilibar has built his club slowly, with talent borrowed, bought and stolen from the lower divisions. They squeaked by relegation, a product of how poor the very bottom of La Liga really was last year, and have seen 4 of their players (Alberto, Inaki Bea, Victor and Vivar Dorado), and most importantly highly rated GK Sergio Asenjo, leave Valladolid for greener (less-purpler) pastures. The club are training for some inexplicable reason in a small town outside of Birmingham, England and are beginning a slow, rebuild under coach Jose Luis Mendilibar.

Transfers: Signing MF Nauzet Alemán from Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. Jacobo (Getafe - loan period ended),  Héctor Font (Osasuna), Diego Costa (Atlético Madrid), Alberto Bueno (Real Madrid Castilla), Fabricio (Deportivo), Manucho (Manchester United), Pelé (Porto - one year loan), César Arzo, Marquitos (Villarreal)

Squad Overview: In losing Asenjo the club are faced with conundrum in goal. Give it veteran Paraguayan keeper Justo Villar who is making his way to Europe for the first time in his career at the age of 32 or trust 21 year old ex-Depor starlet Fabri. Look for Villar to start. The defense is held firm by Valencia defender Ruben Barajas's brother Javier and Valladolid captain Marcos, but at 35 years of age he isn't the player he once was. The center of the pitch is in good hands with Borja anchoring the back but the loss of five important players will definitely hurt. Goitom is back in Almeria after his loan spell ended so ex-ManU FW Manucho might finally get some minutes there and Alberto Bueno stands to help a bit in support.

Prediction: After placing 15th for two years straight with essentially cantera players from the whole of Spain, Mendilibar has spun the wheel again with a new set of cantera players and is hoping for similar results. I'm thinking a slight dropoff to 16th narrowly escaping relegation.

La Liga Preview

This is an exciting year for Spanish Football. ESPN joins Gol TV here in the States with broadcasting rights of Spanish GamesThe best players in the world, and I don't think I'm exaggerating in the least, are now playing in Spain. Barcelona have attracted Zlatan Ibrahimovich to add to their treble winning side of last year losing only Samuel Eto'o and Alex Hleb in the process. Real Madrid have ushered in the new Galactico Era of Florentino Perez, bringing the likes of Kaka, CRistiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to a club that had already finished second in the league after two consecutive titles. Valencia, who were speculated to be a selling club, especially of their top talent, had an about face at the last minute to drive up the price or they've been able to attract serious investment and are serious in contending for the European slots. In either case, Davids Villa & Silva are still a part of Los Che. The middle of the table has gotten stronger, clubs like Atletico de Madridand Villareal have unexpectedly become buying clubs all of a sudden, and even Espanyol have a stronger and deeper squad than in recent memory.With so much optimism in the air, despite the still lagging economy, we see off Real Betis, Recreativo Huelva and Numancia to the second division and welcome in some very interesting newcomers. Real Zaragoza comes straight back up after one season in the Segunda which makes their investment in ex-Huelva and Racing coach Marcelino Garcia Toral a quick payoff. The next newbie is Xerez, which is on the southwestern coast where Sherry wine is made hence the name of the club and the town, and finally we get Tenerife which being in the Canary Islands means that it's actually off the coast of Africa between Morocco and Mauritania.

We'll be following up with individual team previews over the next two weeks but in the mean time I leave you with this map for those who are unfamiliar with the geography of the region, and where the clubs are roughly.

Forza Futbol 68

This week on Forza Futbol Mando and Hannah are joined by Elisa and Kevin in a end of season La Liga Round Table. Together we discuss what is going on in the world of La Liga. Get the whole episode here, direct download here or subscribe in iTunes.

New Zealand 0 - 5 Spain

Fernando Torres is a goal machine with three goals in the first 17 minutes. Cesc Fabregas scored the fourth goal and David Villa scored the fifth.

Confederations Cup: Spain

The Spanish squad for the Confederations Cup has been announced. Spain are in Group A where they will be facing South Africa, Iraq and New Zealand.

How they got here: 2008 UEFA Euro Champions

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel Reina (Liverpool, England), Diego Lopez (Villarreal)

Defenders: Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Valencia), Arbeloa (Liverpool, England), Gerard Pique (FC Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Joan Capdevilla (Villarreal)

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Santiago Cazorla (Villarreal), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal, England), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool, England), David Silva (Valencia), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Xavi, (FC Barcelona), Albert Riera (Liverpool, England)

Forward: Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Fernando Llorente (Athletic de Bilbao), David Villa (Valencia), Fernando Torres (Liverpool, England)

Andres Iniesta was originally announced in the squad but had to pull out of the squad due to injury.

Come back tomorrow for more on the Italian squad.

La Liga Team of the Season

Well, since everyone else on the site is given their team of the year, and I can't just pick FC Barcelona's starting eleven, here are my best in La Liga for the 2008-2009 season.

GK:
Andres Palop, Sevilla

Fullbacks
Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid
Dani Alvez, FC Barcelona

Centerbacks:
Cata Diaz, Getafe
Jarque, RCD Espanyol

Midfielders:
Xavi Hernandez, FC Barcelona
Jesus Navas, Sevilla
Andres Iniesta, FC Barcelona
Pedro Leon, Real Valladolid

Forwards:
Diego Forlan, Atletico Madrid
Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona

Kits!

Real Sociedad 2009/10 Home and Away Kits









Photos courtesy of Football Fashion

Málaga 2009/2011 Home Kit





Photos courtesy of Football Fashion

Dreams and Nightmares

"We haven't won anything." Josep Guardiolia has parroted this phrase innumerable times throughout Barca's season. The Catalans have had praise heaped upon them. Press from inside and outside Spain has not been hesitant in labeling them the second Dream Team. Even the Wall Street Journal, a U.S. financial newspaper having just unveiled a sports section, included a piece on Barcelona's "Three Headed Monster" which has set scoring records in this year's Liga BBVA. The Blaugrana have shown real character throughout the season, and have at many points warranted all of the flattery. Their coach, a shrewd manager, has been consistently dismissive of the hype since, as he says, their 2009 trophy cabinet remains empty.


Valencia warrants a pat on the back this season as well, having dealt with financial crisis (that included a dry spell in pay for the players), disappointing elimination from Europe, and a drop to an eighth place position in La Liga. The notorious mismanagement and increasing debt (brought on by an empty second stadium) had some worried that the club would fall from grace and enter into mid-to-low table obscurity and bankruptcy. The club's stars, including David Villa and Silva, have turned their form around and climbed back into Europe without any certainty of a consistent paycheck. The match between Valencia and Barcelona featured the league's two leading scorers with neither adding to their tally. Messi, who has been relatively quiet, put Barca in the lead early in the first half but Valencia answered with a pair of goals just before half. Henry was fortunate to have been provided an opportunity in the dying minutes and showed poise in looping his shot over Valencia keeper Cesar.

Nobody can deny that Barcelona was lucky to have left with a point, but a little luck is needed to win La Liga (see Real Madrid's last five games of the 2007 season). Valencia were the better side and acted as the banana peel needed by Madrid to keep their season alive. Juande Ramos, operating with nonexistent job security in what is already one of football's  most tenuous managerial positions, will look to capitalize on Madrid's excellent form since his takeover and seek revenge on Barca for inaugurating his reign with defeat.

Today's Champion's League semifinal at the Camp Nou has revealed that Gus Hiddink's promised goal-bananza was merely a smokescreen for Chelsea's defensive and dull strategy. For over an hour Chelsea seemed to be content to pass back to keeper Cech when under the slightest pressure.  Although the keeper was brilliant when needed, Petr would considerately gift the ball back to his counterpart Valdes when given the opportunity. The terrible trio up top for Barca did little with their lopsided possession. In fact, the game's best chance fell to a shockingly wasteful Drogba during a singular Chelsea counter-attack. The Catalan side's best chances at scoring were wasted by Eto'o and Henry's respective substitutes, Bojan and Hleb. Despite the game's dull nature and flaws, the Blues have managed to show the world that it is possible to keep Barca from scoring.

Los Blancos were the more impressive team this round, responding well to a dangerous Sevilla currently in third. Raul has once again bounced back from an anonymous performance in the mini-derby against Getafe to score three against Sevilla. The delirious Madrid press screamed "Raulazo" (roughly, Raul fest) and continues in their now deafening chant: Hay Liga, Hay Liga! Marcelo added to his surprising accumulation of goals in injury time, putting Madrid's fourth past Sevilla keeper Palop. German defender Metzelder confidently stepped into Pepe's disgraced position and gave an absolutely stunning performance. Stunning in that he was a solid centre-back that gave Madrid's back line a solidity rarely seen this season. The match featured another convincing display by Lass Diarra that has given Madrid back it's spine in the midfield. Between Huntelaar showing real potential and Lass being one of the main reasons behind Madrid's turn in form, sporting director Pedja Mijatovic is starting to look like a genius. (We'll forget about Faubert and the fact that Madrid was forced to pick between Lass and Huntelaar for a spot on the Champion's League roster)

The clasico on Saturday now has all the requisite billings of an epic showdown, minus the fact that it wouldn't be enough to put Madrid ahead. Juande's incredible opportunity to transition from London reject to Madrid hero stands directly before him. To say that the fixture is critical for both teams would be plain inconsiderate. Behind the well-earned confidence of Barcelona lies their notorious insecurity and ability to crumble spectacularly at the end of a season. If Madrid lose, they face embarrassment, but little changes in their future. The elections will still come, Florentino Perez will likely take over, new galacticos will be signed, and Ramos will still be shifting uncomfortably in his seat. A loss for Barcelona would seriously shake their confidence heading into a difficult second leg at Stamford Bridge. Guardiola's words will begin to echo in every one's head "We haven't won anything yet." The next week could lead to Madrid defending its title in perhaps the greatest comeback in modern Spanish football. Barcelona may collapse in the most magnificent manner ever witnessed, losing a title and a spot in the European Final, with a Copa del Rey final still to play against the Basques. Or, Barcelona could demolish a Madrid side that has visible deficiencies  and wrest the trophy from the Spanish capitol. As fans, we should be thankful that the Spanish derby holds both the culmination of dreams and the realization of nightmares in the balance, the drama continues.

-Alex Galarza, galarza.alex@gmail.com

Forza Futbol 62

This week on Forza Futbol Mando and Hannah review the latest from Serie A and La Liga. We talk about Espanyol and Torino will they stay safe? Milan are now in second place, can they catch Inter? Will Real Madrid catch Barcelona? Get the whole episode here, direct download here or subscribe in iTunes.

Marcelino, bread and wine

Marcelino, Marcelio Garcia Toral to be exact, is the manager at second division side Real Zaragoza. A year ago he was one of the hottest managers in Spain, the next Rafa Benitez who was drawing interest from big clubs like Newcastle United abroad and Sevilla FC at home. He had brought Recreativo Huelva up from the Segunda in 2005 and had the oldest club in Spain playing an aggressive and forward thinking brand of football rarely seen in small, recently promoted sides. He left for Racing Santander and brought them a sixth place finish, but instead of continuing with the cash-strapped Racing, he sent in his resignation stating, "Two months ago I met with the president and I told him, with plenty of notice, that I wouldn't be continuing with the team. I wanted to seek the chance to coach a bigger side with a greater chance of winning trophies - one of the so-called big clubs. That was the idea and I'll go through with it."

He had signed a letter of intent to manage Valencia, had offered his master list of transfers in and out of the Mestalla, and club agreed with his asessment, but within the week he had broken his word-of-mouth agreement, the job ultimately going to fellow young buck Unai Emery. What had gone wrong? The club had buyers remorse, they already had a huge squad with massive depths, and wasn't willing to fund Marcceino's rebuilding plan. On principle, he took himself out of the deal. Instead he contemplated a year long sabbatical rather than returning with Racing but instead he jumped head-first into the wilderness of second division football with Real Zaragoza. Was it worth it?

He arrived at Zara with all of the right public declarations: 'It would be a disaster not to come right back up to the Primera. No, it isn't a slight at my fellow managers in the Segunda. Yes, I believe we can succeed in the second division.' It sounded right. He soon realized that the lure of bringing a slumbering gant in Zaragoza back to their deserved place in the top flight was going to be difficult. "You need to defend to the death!", he screamed at his side during a training match in September. They had lost to Levante and drawn with both Las Palmas and La Real, letting in 6 goals in three early games. He saw it as a lack of committment in general rather than something lacking in any one particular defender. They have since improved drastically. They have given up only six goals at home since the beginning of January and are one of the least scored upon teams in the Spanish second division.

They stand in fifth place, 5 points behind leaders Xerez but only 1 point behind both Hercules and Rayo Vallecano who are tied at 39 points, but are on form both physically and mentally, and look likely to challenge for one of those final slots to ascend back to La Liga mas bella del mundo, the most beautiful league in the World. If they do it will be deserved, for a club and a supporters' base that have suffered greatly in their relegation, and for a manager that stuck to his principles it might just be a return to the top of the class in the Spanish League.