Bummed by the strike? We've got you covered Part#1

Hey Forzafutbolers!

Are you bummed by the La Liga strike like millions of fans around the world? We hear you. While we cant get the LFP and AFE (players union) to end the strike any sooner, we can help you get your La Liga fix. In the first part of our series "Bummed by the La Liga strike" we give you a choice selection of some of our most downloaded of the recent past.

The Best of the Forzafutbol podcasts

1. Seville Derby - Adam (Ooh Betis) & Aaron (Monchi's men) talk up the Andalucian derby, its a fun pod.
2. Eduardo Alvarez of ESPNSoccernet talks about all things Spanish football and Copa America
3. Around La Liga - Elisa & Ravi set the table for a new season. The new arrivals like Bielsa, Alexis, success of the Spain U19 and U21 at the Euros and a lot more.
4. The Copa America wrap up. Forzafutbol's tournament awards for the good and the brickbats for the not so good. Special guest Rob (@santapelota) & Chris (@chris_elastico)
   
5. Jose Antonio, a labour lawyer from Madrid breaks down the financial mess in Spanish football, the complexities of Ley Concursal and SADs

For more podcasts please find them:

1. On iTunes "forzafutbol podcast" OR
   
2. Click on our podcast gadget on the right sidebar on our website OR
   
3. Go here

What is the secret to Spain's success?

Yours truly, Elisa from Forza Futbol, can now add author to her resume. She has collaborated with Jorge Zuazola from Spanish Leadership and Juan Arango from SimplyFutbol.com and Goltv to bring to the English language world how Spain tranformed from always also rans to winners. Ballfoot (Balompie) v Football Leadership Lessons from the Spanish Champions: The success of the tiqui taca is the name of the book. How humble, talented players were able to adopt a winning mind set after 50 years of famine. Moreover how the clubs and international youth levels continue to develop and inspire future generations by instilling pride and a system that relies on the control and movement of the ball.

This is the fourth book of a four part series. There is also a Spanish Series and an English series. I encourage you to buy and support this series, particularly in English. The world has a lot to learn from Spanish football system and leadership style. The books are available at Amazon.com

Other three books in English:


Spanish Leadership in Football is Ballfoot: 2011-2012 opportunities with the World Champions and the U-21 European Champions




Spanish Leadership in Football means Ballfoot: Post 2010 World Cup Analysis




Spanish Leadership in Football means Ballfoot: The 2008-2009 football season (European Cup Success)

Athletic Club Cantera Work Part Deux: International Guys

In the last Athletic post I talked about how the club cemented most of their existence in the cantera work, how the philosophy made the youth system vital for Athletic's survival.

Now, many people might think that we sign players just because they are Basque born or raised but not because of their technical qualities. Nothing can be farther from the truth than that.

Athletic's youth system is a dog eat dog world, where kids from all over Euskadi work gruesomely for the dream of making it to the first team, some stay due to their willingness to put on some hard work (and you have people like Koikili or Toquero in the first team to show that) but it is mostly based on two characteristics: physical strength (Basque football is uniquely based on power due to the size of the players) and ball technique.

Sometimes we get good generations, sometimes we get bad ones, all in all we've never been relegated to La Liga Adelante.

The success of a cantera is shown on how many people made it to the first team (7/8 players out of Athletic's Starting XI are from the youth system) and how many people are singled out for the National Teams, with the quality Spain has now, being called is a huge honor and the following Athletic players have been called in the 2010/2011 season:

Senior Squad: Fernando Llorente, Javi Martínez (WORLD CHAMPIONS), Andoni Iraola
U-21: Javi Martínez, Mikel San José, Iker Muniain, Ander Herrera (EURO CHAMPIONS), Ander Iturraspe, Igor Martínez
U-20: Aitor Fernández.
U-19: Enric Saborit, Sergio Mendigutxia, Jon Aurtenetxe, Diego Royo, Eric Morán, Jonás Ramalho.
U-18: Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta, Urtzi Erleaga.
U-17: Aymeric Laporte, Guillermo Fernández, Néstor Salinas.
U-16: Iker Undabarrena, Aitor Seguin, Markel Etxebarria.

As the call-ups show, Athletic has now a young competitive club and the younger guys are slowly but surely stepping up to the plate, there's a good present and a bright future for the club and for our National Team.

UEFA U-19 Championship: Spain-Belgium

After the U-21 Euro rush and the fact that the U-20 boys will be playing the WC this month, many of us had forgotten about the U-19 Euro.

Spain had a hard time picking up the boys for each team since the competitions were really close in time and at that level most of the guys are pros under contract, the teams might not want to lend a player for 2 grueling tournaments in the summer.

For what I can see, this is the tournament where the "lower level" aka more inexperienced players of that age group are going to be battling it out, still this is a testimony of the depth of Spanish football these days.

Goalkeepers

Edgar Badia Guardiola(R.C.D. Espanyol S.A.D.)

Adrián Ortolá Vaño(Villareal CF SAD)

Defenders

Albert Blázquez Robles(R.C.D. Espanyol S.A.D. )

Ignasi Miquel Pons(Arsenal FC)

Daniel Carvajal Ramos(Real Madrid C.F.)

Sergi Gómez Sola(F.C. Barcelona)

Jon Aurtenetxe Borde(Athletic Club)

Jonás Ramalho Chimeno(Athletic Club)

Midfielders

Pablo Sarabia García(Getafe CF SAD)

Rubén Pardo Gutiérrez(Real Sociedad de Fútbol S.A.D.)

Juan Muñiz Gallego(Real Sporting de Gijón S.A.D.)

Alejandro Fernández Iglesias "Alex"(Real Madrid C.F.)

Juan Miguel Jiménez López "Juanmi"(Málaga CF SAD)

José Gómez Campaña(Sevilla FC SAD)

Forwards

Álvaro Morata Martín(Real Madrid C.F.)

Borja González Tomás(Club Atlético de Madrid S.A.D.)

Gerard Deulofeu Lázaro(FC Barcelona)

Francisco Alcácer García "Paco"(Valencia CF SAD)

Tournament has already started with a victory for Spain 4-1 against Belgium, in this match something strange happened: it was suspended due to rain when Spain was winning 1-0, the next day the match started again at 0-0 due to UEFA's regulations, I think it is really unfair because the guys had worked hard for about 20 minutes and should have kept the score like in tennis, what if Spain had lost? that rain delay would have been a cause for the RFEF to sue UEFA.

The starting XI for that match was:

Badia

Gómez - Miquel - Blázquez (Carvajal m.64) - Aurtenetxe

Pardo - Fernández - Sarabia (Captain) - Jiménez (Alcácer m.50)

Deulofeu (Muñiz m.61) - Morata

Goals: 1-0 Sarabia PK (m.15), 1-1 Cuvelier (m.46), 2-1 Alcácer (m.65), 3-1 Muñiz (m.91) , 4-1 Morata (m.93)

In action: Deulofeu, Sarabia, Muñiz and Morata (source: UEFA.com)

Spain played the usual tiki-taka that's taught at the NT in all levels, kept the ball and generated opportunities but paid for the lack of effectivity in the definition with Belgium's goal; Meléndez read the situation correctly and sent Alcácer and Muñiz out, they gave the team more depth and secured the victory in the second time, the change of Muñiz x Deulofeu was very similar to the Muniain x Jeffren in the U-21 tournament, the Barça future "stars" didn't quite made it and had to be replaced by "hungrier" players, at the end it changed everything.

This is a great opportunity for these boys to be seen, so they will give their all, I hope they bring back the title.

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!

Forza Futbol on La Lambretta Radio - Spanish Football Bilingual Podcast no 2

Today, Edu from La Lambretta Radio and yours truly Elisa talk about the following topics:

o USA v Argentina friendly
o Spain v Czech Republic Euro Qualifier
o Second Division in Spain - La Liga Adelante
o Edu's trip to Madrid to watch Real Madrid v Sporting Gijon
o La Liga
o Upcoming friendly USA v Spain in Boston

and much more.

A great way to learn Spanish or English on the topics we love!


You can find it here, on ivoox, itunes or www.lalambrettaradio.com

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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.

Listen Now:

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USA v SPAIN - International Friendly coming to the US!

Fabulous news today, the Spanish National team will be coming to the East Coast of the US to play a friendly agains the US Men's National team. They will be playing June 4th in Foxboro, Massachusetts near Boston, at Gilette Stadium, the home of the New England Revolution.

Who knows if all the stars will be attending? No word yet on when tickets go on sale. We at Forza Futbol will keep you up-to-date with the latest news via twitter, facebook, our website, and podcast!

This will be a bit of a revenge match for La Furia Roja, as the USMNT broke their winning streak at the Confederation's cup in the summer of 2009 during the semifinals. (15 games wining streak, 35 games without a loss, was put to bed by the US.) Surprisngly, this is the first time that La Roja has played a match in the US against the red, white and blue!

This is a fantastic opportunity to see the World Cup champions in the flesh. The USMNT will be using this game as preparation for the upcoming Gold Cup tournament.

Are you going to the game? How will you be making your trek? Where will you be staying? We want to hear from you!

Update: One member of Forza Futbol will be going to Boston! Elisa! I have booked my flights, hotel, and car for a quick weekend of La Furia Roja love and USA spunk! Contact me! Let's meet up! Twitter: @eu_forzafutbol, facebook: medelliae (elisa forza futbol uranga), email: forza.futbol@yahoo.com!

NEWS FLASH Update: 4.14.2011 Club Seleccion TV and US Soccer are reporting that the game time will be at 4:30pm or 16:30pm EST, to ensure that it airs in Spain at a reasonable hour aka 22:30pm or 10:30pm CET (!!). Tickets are going on sale to the general public on Wednesday April 20th at 7am via ticketmaster. Tickets start at $40.00. The match will be televised on Univision and ESPN. Let's get this party started!!

UPDATE Apr.29.2011: Spain will play Venezuela on June 1st per the latest news from the RFEF. More details to come. Rumor has it that it will be in Maracaibo. 4 days AFTER the Champions League Final on May 28th. Sigh. Lots of travel for La Roja. Once again the RFEF plans to parade the team around as much as possible, regardless of the distance and travel. Oh well, part and parcel of being World Champions.

UPDATE MAY.20.2011: Both Spain and USA will have training sessions open to the public on Friday June 3rd. Prices start at $20. Check out US Soccer website for more details.

UPDATE May 25.2011: Spain announced their roster for the USA and Venezuela friendlies. Jesus Navas and Cesc Fabregas were not called due to injury. Carles Puyol and Xavi Hernandez were given a break as well. All in all a calvalcade of stars! Welcome to new boy Manu de Moral recently transferred to Sevilla, ex Getafe. Welcome back to Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla), Andoni Iraola (Athletic Bilbao) and Bruno Soriano (Villarreal) as well as the usual suspects aka World Champions!

SPOTLIGHT ON YOUTH: International Callups and more

U-21 Friendlies vs France and Belarus

Spain U-21 coach Luis Milla has the luxury of calling up two different squads to each game. What can I say but the Spanish clubs are doing an amazing job at producing the next generation of footballers. The game against France will be played March 24th away and will not be the usual suspects. The game on March 28th will be a home fixture in Madrid and will be comprised of the best eleven.

Below are the team selections for each game:

France Fixture; Lots of Yellow Submarines and Merengues

Goalkeeper: Diego Mariño (Villarreal), Joel Robles (Atletico),

Defenders: Carles Planas (Barca), Daniel Sánchez Ayala (Derby County), Kiko Femenia (Hercules), Nacho (RealMadrid), Marc Bartra (Barca), Mario Gaspar (Villarreal)

Midfielders: Francisco Mérida (Atletico), Álvaro Vázquez (Espanyol), Recio (Malaga), Sergio Canales (R. Madrid), Asier Illarramendi (R. Sociedad), Iago Falqué (Villarreal), Nacho Camacho (Malaga)

Strikers: Daniel Pacheco (Liverpool) , Juan Carlos (R. Madrid), Rodri (Sevilla).


Belarus Fixture: the Usual Suspects and very Blaugrana

Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Atletico) , Ruben Miño (Barca)

Defenders: Mikel San José (At. Bilbao), Alberto Botía (Sporting), Álvaro Domínguez (At. Madrid), Andreu Fontás (Barca), Dídac Vilà (Milan)

Midfielders: Thiago Alcántara (Barca), Martín Montoya (Barca), Rubén Pérez (Depor), Dani Parejo (Getafe), Jonathan Viera Ramos (Las Palmas), Jordi Alba (Valencia), Ander Herrera (R. Zaragoza).

Attackers: Iker Muniain (At. Bilbao), Bojan Krkic (Barca), Adrián (Depor), Emilio Nsue (Mallorca), Diego Capel (Sevilla).


The One that Got Away

Many of you may have noticed that there were three Spaniards on the pitch playing for Schalke 04 when they beat Valencia in the round of 16 game in Germany. We all know Raúl and Jurado, but the new shining star at left back was young 21 year old Sergio Escudero. Escudero was a canterano at Real Murcia, who Schalke purchased for $2.5M Euros this past summer. Real Murcia, now in the third division, is experiencing deep financial troubles and this transfer was manna from heaven. But what concerns me is why didn't any of the Spanish leagues' Sporting Directors identify this diamond in the rough? Why wasn't their an offer on the table from a Spanish club? What happened to the great scouting networks? Why did the youngster have to leave Spainfor Germany to find fame and fortune? This is very worrisome indeed. On the positive side, at least he is being mentored by Raúl and Jurado.


U-17 European Championships Mini Tournament

Youth Football at the National level is an extremely important part of development of future generations. Even though one could say that U-17s are still very rough and immature, the RFEF and coaches take it very seriously. The U-17s will need to play three consecutive games this week to qualify for the U-17 European Championships. Spain's under 17 side have been drawn together with Belgium, England and Northern Ireland in Elite round group 5. Matches will take place in Belgium from 26 to 31 March, with the winners going through to the finals in Serbia.

Coach Gines Melendez' roster is as follows:

Goalkeepers: David Gómez Vázquez (Deportivo La Coruña), Alfonso Herrero Peinador (Real Madrid).

Defenders: Carlos Garrido Serrano (Sevilla), Diego Caballo Alonso (Real Madrid), Antonio Luque Quintero (Sevilla), Sergio Menéndez Fernández (Sporting Gijón), Óscar Arroyo Font (Espanyol).

Midfielders: Denis Suárez Fernández (Celta Vigo) Iker Undabarrena Martínez (Athletic Club) Pol Calvet Planellas (Barcelona), Federico Vico Villegas (Córdoba), Pablo Iñiguez de Heredia (Villarreal).

Strikers: Gerard Deulofeu (Barcelona) Iker Hernández Ezquerro (Real Sociedad) Raúl de Tomás Gómez (Real Madrid) Saúl Ñíguez (Atlético Madrid) Iván Sáez Jiménez (Real Madrid) Moisés Gómez Bordonado (Villarreal).

Interesting four players from Los Blancos.



Futbol Draft 2011 ~ The Second Cut

Futbol Draft 2011 came out with their next "cut" honoring the best youth players in Spain. They took down the list from 132 to 77. The best in each position will be honored at the end of the season at a gala event. Take notice of the players already playing in the first team of their respective clubs, players called up to the U-21s and U-17s as noted above. De Gea, Thiago, Canales, Isco, Morata, Bojan and Juan Domínguez are some of the talents selected. The future Spanish National Team of 2020? Perhaps. Youth development aka la cantera is truly on the rise in Spain.

DRAFT 77

GOALKEEPER: David De Gea Quintana- At.Madrid, Aitor Fernández Abarisqueta -At.Bilbao, Alex Sanchez Benítez- Zaragoza,
Joel Blazquez Robles- At.Madrid, Edgar Badia-Espanyol, Adrian Orton Vaño -Villarreal, Diego Mariño Villar-Villarreal

RIGHT BACK: Hugo Mallo-Celta Vigo, Joel Johnson-Valencia, Albert Blázquez Robles-Espanyol, Daniel Carvajal Ramos-R. Madrid, Martin Montoya Torralbo-Barcelona, Mario Gaspar Pérez-Villarreal, Moises Jimenez Nieto-Sevilla

LEFT BACK: ,Jon Aurtenetxe-At.Bilbao, Eric Saborit-At.Bilbao, Carles Planas Antolínez-Barcelona, Diego Alonso Caballo-R. Madrid, Antonio Manuel Luna-Sevilla, Antonio Luque Quintero-Sevilla, Victor Alvarez Delgado-Espanyol

CENTRAL DEFENDER RIGHT FOOTED: Marc Bartra Argal-Barcelona, Jonas Gimeno Ramalho-At.Bilbao, David Rochela Calvo-Dep. Coruña, Iqnasi Miquel Pons-Arsenal, Sergio Gómez Sola-Barcelona, Bernardo Victor Cruz-Córdoba, Jose Ignacio Fernandez 'Nacho' -Real Madrid

CENTRAL DEFENDER LEFT FOOTED: Marc Muniesa Martínez-Barcelona, Israel Puerto Pineda-Sevilla, Jorge Pulido Mayoral-At.Madrid, Ekhi Senar Rekondo-Osasuna, Jon Aranda Goenaga-R. Sociedad, Jordi Amat Maas-Espanyol, Iñigo Martínez Berridi-R. Sociedad

RIGHT SIDED MIDFIELDER: Jorge Resurrection (Koke)-At.Madrid, Sergio Roberto Carnicer-Barcelona, Oriol Romeu Vidal-Barcelona, Iñigo Ruiz de Galarreta Etxeberria-At. Bilbao, Ruben Pardo Gutierrez-R. Sociedad, Iker Undabarrena Martinez -At.Bilbao, Jon Miquel Toral-Arsenal


LEFT SIDED MIDFIELDER: Fran Merida Perez-At. Madrid, Rafael Alcantara Do Nacismento-Barcelona, Ignacio Camacho Bartola -Malaga, Asier Illarramendi Andonegui-R. Sociedad, Alejandro Fernandez Iglesias -R. Madrid, Sergio Alvarez Diaz-Sporting Gijon, Jose García del Pozo "Recio"-Malaga


RIGHT WINGER: Sergio Gonten Gallardo-(Keko)-Girona, Kevin Lacroix Coscolina-Zaragoza, Fran Pastor Bautista-R. Madrid,
Francisco Femenía (Kiko)-Hercules, Juan Miguel Jimenez-Juanmi-Malaga, Ezequiel Calvente Criado -Betis, Julián Luque Conde -R. Santander

LEFT WINGER: Iker Muniain Goñi-At.Bilbao, Iago Falque Silva-Juventus, Pablo Sarabia Garcia-R. Madrid, Daniel Pacheco Lobato -Liverpool, Gerard Lazarus Deulofeu-Barcelona, Juan Carlos Pérez López-R. Madrid, Jesse Rodriguez-R. Madrid


SECOND STRIKER: Sergio Canales Madrazo-R. Madrid, Thiago Alcantara Do Nascimento-Barcelona, Francisco Román Alarcón (Isco)-Valencia, Alejandro Serrano (Mino) -Sp. Gijon, Juan Dominguez Lamas-Dep. Coruña, Denis Suarez Fernandez-Celta, Luis Alberto Romero Alconchel -Sevilla


CENTER FORWARD: Bojan Krkic Pérez-Barcelona, Guillermo Fernández Hierro-At. Bilbao, Borja González Tomas (Baston)-At.Madrid, Alvaro Vazquez Garcia-Espanyol, Álvaro Morata Martin-R. Madrid, Francisco Alcacer García -Valencia, Jairo Morilla Rivero-Sevilla

LA FURIA ROJA: Euro 2012 Qualifiers - Call ups

This week Vicente Del Bosque announced his squad list for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers: March 25th in Granada against the Czech Republic and March 29th in Kaunas against Lithuania.

In form Athletic Bilbao right back, Andoni Iraola is returning to the team. VDB wants options in defense due to the absence of still injured Barcelona player Carles Puyol.

While Valencia midfielder Juan Mata and Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez who have been spending their national team time assisting the U-21 team qualify for the Olympics and upcoming European Championships, have been called up to step in for Barcelona's Pedro and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, who are also not available due to injury.


Here's the complete list:


Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona).


Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Piqué (Barcelona), Marchena (Villarreal), Capdevila (Villarreal), Iraola (Athletic)


Midfielders: Iniesta (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Busquets (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Cazorla (Villarreal), Javi Martínez (Athletic), David Silva (M. City), Navas (Sevilla)


Strikers: Llorente (Athletic), Torres (Chelsea), Villa (Barcelona), Mata (Valencia)

VIDEO: Adidas & the RFEF announce sponsorship renewal

As a huge La Roja fan, I really like this Video in honor of the Spanish National team & the RFEF sponsorship renovation of their agreement. A 30 year long sponsorship deal and 30 years of suffering as a Spain fan. Memories of Luis Enrique in 1995, Raul's missed penalty in Euro 2000 and Joaquin's missed penalty during World Cup 2002, just to name a few dark memories. Lots of suffering, oh yes indeed, I remember. But the silver lining is breaking through that vicious cycle and at last earning the accolades.

The effort (to succeed) has come from many, but the shirt, has always brought us together. Gotta love it. Enjoy.

World Best Goal Getter

According to the IFFHS, the International Football Federation of History and Statistics, based in Germany, the World's Top Goal Scorer for 2010 is:

1. Bader Ahmed Al-Mutawa (Al-Qadisia SC Kuwait-City / Kuwait)
2. Samuel Eto'o Fils (FC Internazionale Milano / Cameroun)
3. David Villa (Valencia CF / FC Barcelona / España)
4. Klaas Jan Huntelaar (FC Schalke 04 / Nederland)
5. Yousef Naser Al-Sulaiman (Kazma Kuwait-City / Kuwait)
6. Edison Cavani (SSC Napoli / Uruguay)
6. Diego Forlán (Club Atletico de Madrid / Uruguay)
8. Lionel Andrés Messi (FC Barcelona / Argentina)
9. Javier Hernández (Manchester United FC / México)
10. Ali Mohamed Al-Nono (Al-Ahli Sana'a / Yemen)
11. Miroslav Klose (FC Bayern München / Deutschland)
12. Ismaeel Hassan Abdullatif (Bahrain Al-Riffa Club / Bahrain)
13. Javier Antonio Orozco (CD Cruz Azul Ciudad de México / México)
14. Kurlson Benjamin (Bath Estate / Dominica)
14. Katlego Abel Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns Pretoria / South Africa)
16. Wesley Sneijder (FC Internazionale Milano / Nederland)
16. Luis Alberto Suárez (AFC Ajax Amsterdam / Uruguay)
18. Peter Crouch (Tottenham Hotspurs FC / England)
18. Luis Carlos Tejada (C Juan Aurich de Chiclayo / Panamá)
20. Zlatan Ibrahimović (FC Barcelona / Milan AC / Sweden)

Now the ranking is based on statistics, goals, game winning goals, first goals, etc. There is no weighting based on league in this case or level of competition. As you can see Kuwait, Yemen, and Bahrain rank extremely high. But what of La Liga, well three of the most deadly and prolific strikers David Villa, Diego Forlan and Lionel Messi are represented for both club and country. All three had stellar years and are world class finishers. Ex La Liga strikers Wesley Sneijder. Samuel Eto'o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are also represented. Samu and El Guaje have continuously been neck and neck in the goals competition throughout their careers.

It is not easy to score goals in La Liga, but it is good to see the league well represented.

Athletic Club de Bilbao Team of the Decade (2000-2010)

Continuing our series of the best players of the noughties, we travel up north to the Basque Country courtesy of Paul from bilbao.theoffside.com

The past decade has been relatively unspectacular for Athletic. For most of the decade, the team finished around mid-table, with the best year coming in 2003-04 with a 5th place finish, and the worst coming in 2006-07 where Los Leones fought for La Liga survival and finished 17th. Going into the next decade, Athletic seems to be somewhat resurgent, with a young team to build upon for the future.

Instead of speculating on the team’s future, though, let’s review the best players of the past decade, using a 4-2-3-1 formation.

GK: Daniel Aranzubia
Dani was a Lezama product and a member of Athletic’s squad from 2000-2008. While not a world-class goalkeeper, he was still very solid between the sticks and was one of the key players who led Athletic to their 5th place finish in 2003-04 and the UEFA Cup the following year. Like many Athletizales, Aranzubia clearly loves the club and to this day still speaks positively of Athletic when he comes to visit. After the emergence of Gorka Iraizoz and injury in 2007-08, Aranzubia became a surplus player and was sold to Deportivo de La Coruña, where he is their #1. Aranzubia was capped one time for the Spanish national team in 2004, and was Spain’s third-choice ‘keeper during the Euro 2004 tournament.

RB: Andoni Iraola
Another player from Athletic’s cantera, Iraola has been an Athletic Club first-teamer since 2003. Iraola has been a fixture in the first-team since his debut- he has never played fewer than 30 matches for the club. He is a solid defender who can also do a competent job attacking down the right wing if needed, and is a solid set-piece taker for Athletic. Iraola has also emerged in recent years as a leader for Athletic, and was in the running to become the team’s captain after the departure of Joseba Etxeberria. He has already made nearly 300 appearances for the club and has been capped with the Spanish national squad four times since 2008. He has also made five appearances for Euskadi.

CD: Aitor Karanka
Karanka only played two full seasons with Athletic Club during the last decade, so his inclusion may be somewhat ceremonial. He was a product of Athletic’s youth system and played with the first-team from 1993-1997. After a spell with Real Madrid, Karanka returned to Athletic in 2002 and his leadership and solid defense helped Athletic to their fifth-place finish in 2003-04. After only making six appearances for Athletic in 2004-05, Karanka moved to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer, where he retired after the season. He earned one cap for Spain in 1995 and appeared six times for Euskadi from 1994-2004. He coached Spain’s U15 squad from 2008-2010, and joined Real Madrid as Jose Mourinho’s assistant this past year.

CD: Fernando Amorebieta
Yet another Lezama product, the Venezuelan-born, Basque-bred and raised Amorebieta has only been with Athletic’s first-team since 2005. During that time, he has established himself as a solid, strong defender who isn’t afraid of fouls- the type of defender Athletic Club is well known for. Amorebieta has yet to appear for the Spanish national squad so far, and apparently has also been interested in playing for Venezuela. At 25 years old, he still has a good part of his career ahead of him.

LB: Asier del Horno
Asier del Horno began his career in Athletic’s youth ranks as a central defender before moving to left-back, and as such was more of a rock on the left side than an attacker. He made his debut at just 19 for the club, and showed much promise. He was sold in 2005 to Chelsea FC, where he lifted the Premier League title his first season. Sadly, del Horno has struggled the past few years- he moved to Valencia, where he was loaned to Athletic during the 2007-08 season, but has never really looked the same player since an ankle injury in 2006. He earned 10 caps with the Spanish national team and scored one goal.

DM: Pablo Orbaiz
Orbaiz has been with Athletic since 2000, when he moved from Osasuna. He had established himself as an important midfielder for Athletic, and was another key member of the 5th placed 2003-04 squad. Orbaiz is a leader from the midfield, and replaced the retired Etxeberria as first-choice captain this season. Unfortunately, though, Orbaiz has suffered from injury issues throughout his career which have, at times, prevented him from seeing much action. Orbaiz has earned four caps for Spain.

DM: Carlos Gurpegui
Gurpegui is a product of Athletic’s youth system and has been a consistent rock in the midfield since establishing himself in the first-team in 2002-03. Gurpegui has also emerged as a leader in the past few seasons, and has captained the team much this season, as Orbaiz has not seen much action. Gurpegui is somewhat of a cult hero with Athletic, and an outpouring of support came for the player when he received a two-year ban for doping, which he served until 2008.Gurpegui has never been capped for Spain, but has played three times for Euskadi.

RW: Joseba Etxeberria
Joseba Etxeberria was the face of Athletic Club during the last decade. A fairly versatile player, Etxeberria could play as an attacking midfielder or a striker, but played mostly as a right-winger. He was never the most prolific goalscorer, but was an excellent team-player and managed to score a career-high 14 league goals in 2002-03. Etxeberria played at least 20 league matches every season except his final season (2009-10), when, in a show of true loyalty, he played without a salary. He ended his career in third place on Athletic’s all-time appearances list, and earned 53 caps (with 12 goals) for the Spanish national team.

AMC: Julen Guerrero
Like Etxeberria, Guerrero was a one-club man, appearing 372 times for Athletic club’s first team throughout a long career. He didn’t enjoy his best years during the 2000s, but was still a playmaking force with much shooting power and set-piece skill. Guerrero retired in 2006, and earned 41 caps for Spain from 1993-2000 (with 13 goals), and is tied with Etxeberria for the most caps for the Basque Country with 11.

LW: Francisco Javier Yeste
Arrogant and volatile, Yeste may not have been the most easily likable player to play for Athletic, but was still a beloved figure for the club. He came through Athletic’s cantera and established himself in the first-team in the 1999-2000 season. Before leaving for Middle Eastern money after this past season, Yeste appeared 302 times for Athletic and scored 50 goals. In his final appearance for Athletic Club in 2010, he scored a beautiful goal against Real Madrid. Yeste never earned a cap for Spain, and currently plays with Emirati club Al-Wasl FC.

ST: Fernando Llorente
The 2000s were a decade that lacked any true prolific goalscorers. In that regard, Fernando Llorente is really no different- he debuted for Athletic in 2005 and since that time has a respectable-yet-unimpressive total of 56 goals in 180 appearances. Still, he provides a physical presence up front. Llorente has been consistent in the clutch for Athletic, scoring many of his goals at key times during matches. Llorente earned his first cap for Spain in 2008 and since then has earned 13 caps with 7 goals to his name. He lifted the 2010 World Cup trophy with Spain and won the Silver Boot at the 2005 U-20 World Cup. Llorente’s star may be on the rise to everyone else, but Athletic fans have known his importance for a while now.

A very Catalan problem

Christmas in Catalonia is a very traditional affair: a shitting wooden log that’s hit with a stick and taunted with a song threatening a further beating if he doesn’t shit out gifts for everyone (caga tió); a small defecating figure hidden amongst the nativity scene (el caganer); and the yearly outing of the Catalan national team (la Selecció).

Nationalism and sport have gone hand in hand since the dawning of time – the ancient Olympic games – and have continued up until the present day. Who doesn’t know about the boycotting of the Moscow games by the US and the counter boycott of the Los Angeles games by the USSR? Sport has been used to nurture nationalism by every nation everywhere: Mussolini’s use of Italy’s World Cup success to champion his political ideology; Hitler’s Games in 1936 held in Munich to legitimatise the Third Reich; and Askhan Dejaga, a German-Iranian footballer, who in 2007 refused to play for Germany U-21’s because their opponents were Israel.

Nationalism though is not just used as an anathema but also to foster positive feelings within a nation: the pride felt in South Africa about their successful holding of this year’s World Cup; Greek pride at boring their way to the European Championship title in 2004; and Spain’s own national team succeeding in uniting a country through winning South Africa’s World Cup.

At the end of that final in South Africa, I was already in bed, disappointed at the Dutch inability to hold on and win on penalties, listening to the radio. Horror struck when I heard the words ‘as Xavi and Puyol go around the pitch holding the flag’. I died on the inside. The Spanish flag is something many regions reject in preference of their own regional flag and the carrying of the Spanish flag is still largely seen as a right-wing activity. The radio was in English and maybe the presenter was unaware that the flag the Catalan players were carrying was their own Catalan flag and not the Spanish flag. I saw the photo myself a few weeks later and was relieved that I had died for nothing.

Both Xavi and Puyol partake in that funny festive tradition of playing for Catalunya, as do most Catalan players, but it falls very far short of being used successively to foster any notions of nationalism. Catalan football is run (poorly) like any other football association. La Federació Catalana de Futbol (FCF), the day after la selecció convincingly beat Honduras 4-0, fifteen directors resigned leaving FCF head Jordi Casals to announce elections complaining that he has been the victim of an attempted coup d’état, pointing the finger at resigning vice-president Andreu Subies and chief-infidel Josep Llaó.

Recent Catalan footballing opponents have been Brazil and Argentina. Brazil promised, after playing Catalunya in 2002, that if they won the World Cup later that year they would come back for another game. Sure enough they were victorious in Korea and Japan and two years later another game was had. Catalunya lost both games, 1-3 and 2-5 respectively, but there was something in the air. Argentina came to town just six months after the second Brazil match and the games were deemed total successes that seemed to capture the imaginations of everyone involved; most importantly Catalans themselves. Although playing Argentina twice since then, other games against the Basque Country, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Colombia, Paraguay, Chile, Lithuania and Honduras (since 2000) have failed to have quite the same draw.

Catalunya has played Spain four times (in 1924, ’34, ’47 and 1953) and winning just the once in 1947. However Spain isn’t the problem. Politically it might be, but socially something else is going on. The problem is actually F.C. Barcelona and RCD Espanyol, the two teams that supply ninety per cent of the talent pool. Both teams have their various versions of nationalism and what it means to be Spanish, Catalan or both. The point is that for so long both teams have taken on the mantle of representing their own ideologies that la selecció, although fielding players from both teams; usually more Espanyol players than Barça employees, is seen as an add-on piece of entertainment. It isn’t taken seriously.

Catalanisme is expressed in other ways in Catalonia, not just through the mediums of scatological themed Christmas gimmicks, but through traditions and a history that dates back more than a thousand years. It’s more bound up in language than sport; more about democracy and democratic institutions than wearing a national shirt. Catalan politician and ex-vice president of Catalonia Josep-Lluís Carod-Rovira (voted worst Spaniard by El Mundo newspaper last year precisely because he says he’s not one), appeared on the show Tengo una pregunta para usted (I have a question for you) and was asked ‘I would like to know because I’ve been a Barça fan for a long, long time, that it’s really important to know that if we get independence, there’s doors that they’ll close on us and Ronaldinho, well he won’t be as interesting playing against Girona, with all respect to Girona, and I need to know, it makes me restless, like the man earlier, what would your solution be?...Who would we play against?’. By they she meant Spain and them taking revenge on Barça and Catalan teams by not letting them play down the park at the weekend, and yes, in a debate mostly about independence this was the second time the question was asked about whether or not Barça could continue playing in la Liga.

The current head coach for the part-time team is no other than non-Catalan speaking Johan Cruyff, whose son Jordi played nine times for Catalunya. He took over last year and in his own arm-around-the-shoulder manner told Catalans, before the game against Argentina, that it would be lamentable and shameful if the stadium didn’t sell out. It didn’t, but not a word was said after a game that Catalunya won 4-2. As mentioned earlier this year’s opponents were Honduras and after the four-nil win Cruyff said ‘we should be really proud of the youngsters because they behaved and played like veterans and have given more than everything’. He didn’t mention the half-filled Montjuïc Olympic Stadium and the masses that had stayed away from the game. There was just over 28,000 in the stadium although he did say ‘we hope people come and it’s obvious that we’re getting better at attracting people to the games, that we’re winning the confidence of a nation that wants to be proud of its country and enjoy its football.’, he did fail to add which nation that was.

There was more fall out afterwards as Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino publically declared that Cruyff had not stuck to the agreement that his players would only play forty-five minutes. Whether that was to do with the injuries to Piqué and Puyol just before the game we don’t know, but whatever the reason and whatever the status to Catalonia as a country, nationalism hasn’t yet been transferred into national support.

Article by

Raül Pope Fargüell for Forza Futbol 

Greece is the Word for Spanish Players & Coaches

Greece is an amazing place to visit and live. It has nice beaches, good food, and a passionate soccer culture. This is something that the Spanish footballers and coaches seem to know. In the last few years, many Spaniards have come to Greece to play soccer in the Football League (the first category in the Greek championship).

Let’s see who have come to play and who are making a difference in their teams and who have failed to live up the big expectations.


Olympiakos

In the summer, Riera left Liverpool for Olympiakos. Albert began his career in Mallorca. He then played two years in Bordeaux and ended up at Espanyol. There, with Ernesto Valverde as a coach, he was the star of the team. The good performances opened the door for the national team and Liverpool. In Anfield he started well, but eventually clashed with Rafa Benitez. He became a back up with little playing time, and chose to move to Olympiakos to play with his old coach Ernesto Valverde. At this team he could be the star, and live with his brother, Sito Riera, who plays in another Greek team, Panionios. The beginning of the new adventure wasn’t easy. His performances were not so good initially and questions arose from the supporters « is this the player we signed for 4 million (plus another potential €2 million in bonuses)»? Riera eventually started slowly to adapt, and gave some flashes of his talent. In 12 matches he has scored four goals now, and for sure, he has still much to show.

The former Liverpool player isn’t the only Spanish player at Olympiakos.
David Fuster came from Villarreal to the Greek side. He also played with Ernesto Valverde during his short stint and the Castellon club. Valverde seems to know how to use Fuster. The 28-year-old player has played 13 matches and scored four goals, a good number for an attacking midfielder.

Valverde also brought Moises Hurtado from Espanyol. (Another former player of Valverde's) Hurtado was the rock of midfield for his previous team, but some injuries haven’t allowed him to show his true abilities. Moises is an experienced player and has the level to be an excellent player for the Greek League. The team expects him to be a key player in 2011.

Raul Bravo has played at Olympiakos from 2007. The former Real Madrid player is a shadow of his former self and his performances have been poor.


Panathinaikos

Olympiakos isn’t the only side that has Spanish players. Panathinaikos is one of the best teams in Football League. Ex Porto and Málaga coach Jesualdo Ferreira is at the helm. There are two players from Spain are playing in that side, Josu Sariegi and Luis Garcia. Josu has been in Greece since 2007. He is a good defender, but a bit slow, and this is a problem when he plays against a quick player. Luis Garcia came to the club this summer. He gas played in big teams, like Barcelona, Atlético Madrid and Liverpool, but faded recently in the Spanish league. In nine matches at Panathinaikos he has scored once, but he lack fitness. But, I feel confident once he hits form, with his quality, he can do special things.


AEK Athens

AEK F.C. has Spanish coach, Manolo Jimenez, who took one very difficult job. AEK is the 3rd biggest team in Greece but has many economic problems. The former Sevilla coach isn’t a magician. It is expected that he will bring some players on loan from Spain and Seviila B.


PAOK

Victor Vitolo plays for PAOK. The defensive midfielder is one of the best footballers in his position in the League. He is an undisputed starter and has played 21 games so far in all competitions.


Aris FC

Aris F.C. looks like a Spanish team with 6 Spanish players and Ex Mallorca, Real Betis and Valencia coach, Hector Cuper at the helm. The team captain is Sergio Koke. He is a second striker who has played in Greece since 2006. He had played 121 times and scored 26 goals. This year he hasn’t played so well in the Football League, but he has played great in Europa League especially against Atlético Madrid. Oriol Lozano played six years at Racing Santander. In June 2010, the 29 year old did not see his contract renewed and moved to Greece. He is a rotation player so far with seven appearances in the League. Javito is a winger and he has played in Aris since 2006. He has 120 appearances and has scored 11 goals. He is a hard working player and very fit. He has great endurance. Juanma Barrero is the back up goalkeeper that has played three times this season. Alvaro Portilla is a winger with three appearances, but he will leave Aris, because his performances aren’t good enough. Another Spaniard, Cristian Portilla, will take his place. Cristian was a back up player at Sporting Gijon and he will try his luck at Aris.


Iraklis

In Iraklis they have found a very good defender, in Josemi. The former Mallorca and Liverpool player has played 14 times and is the rock in the defence of the Greek side.

The Football League isn’t in the top five of the best Leagues, but it is a league with a lot of potential, great rivalries, passionate fans and a terrific atmosphere at the games. With the influx of Spanish coaches and players, the league will continue to improve. I hope you enjoyed my trip around Greece.


Article by Konstantinos Efthimiadis for Forza Futbol

Silva finding his feet at City

It is often hard to make conclusions from the festive football period in England. With players understandably physically and mentally tired from playing four games in 10 days results often come down to a survival of the fittest or, as results over the past week have shown, to those with the biggest squad.

However, Manchester City's three wins over the past six days have demonstrated the increasing influence of one La Liga old boy. After a disjointed beginning to his City career, David Silva is starting to show his full range of abilities.

For Saturday's 1-0 win over Blackpool, City manager Roberto Mancini started all three of Silva, Carlos Tevez and Adam Johnson, who scored the game’s solitary goal, for only the second time in the league this season. For onlookers who have waited for the Italian to give this, his most creative, triumvirate a start it made for an interesting spectacle.

Silva undoubtedly adds another dimension to City’s play. He is the sole player amongst a near billion pound squad with the ability to play as an old-fashioned number 10, behind the main striker. For the past three years I have maintained that his old teammate David Villa is the world’s best striker (assuming you don’t class Leo Messi as an out and out striker). However, Villa would not nearly have hit the same heights at Valencia without his namesake playing just behind him. Given more time to gel Tevez could similarly take advantage of this supply line, although there is the question of whether the Argentine and Silva are truly compatible given the former’s tendency to drop deep and into the same positions that the Spaniard likes to occupy.

Some critics have also argued that Silva is too lightweight to play this central position in the Premier League. Thankfully in recent weeks these fears have been dispelled, particularly after a stellar performance in the 4-0 win over Aston Villa. The man from the Canaries again demonstrated why even some in the English press have fallen in love with the Spanish tiki-taka style. BBC Radio 5live’s John Murray describing Silva’s performance as “the essence of the Spanish World Cup winning side”.

Indeed Silva arguably made the greatest sacrifice of his football career so far when signing for City. By concluding his transfer from Valencia during the World Cup, specifically against coach Vicente Del Bosque’s orders for no deals to be concluded during that period, Silva was dropped from the starting XI after the loss to Switzerland and only made a brief cameo during the semi-final against Germany in La Roja’s run to World Cup glory.

Ideally for those who want to see Silva thrive in the Premier League he will be permanently deployed in the central attacking-midfield role in a 4-2-3-1, with Johnson on one side and either James Milner or Mario Balotelli (after all he is the second best player in the world – at least in his own head) on the other.

However, Mancini has been reticent to deploy Silva and Johnson together for any length of time this season, indeed many see them as playing in the same ‘inverted winger’ on the right-side position. But that is to miss Silva’s greatest quality as a central player slightly off the main striker. Johnson is quite the opposite, a winger who likes to start wide, pull the full-back out and away from the centre-backs and then run in behind to expose that space. Silva is the most capable of finding these runs with defence splitting passes, as Jonhson’s goal against West Ham recently demonstrated (at 1.30).

Mancini has often been labeled as a negative coach. His decision to continue with Nigel De Jong, Gareth Barry and Yaya Toure behind Silva, Johnson and Tevez against Blackpool is testament to that accusation. Indeed playing these six together tends to unbalance the side with Silva nominally chosen as the wide-left player in a 4-3-3 but moving inside so regularly that Barry has to move from a central position to cover the left-side when City lose the ball. This inbalance can leave City vulnerable to attacks by opposition full-backs.

In any case any chance of seeing Silva playing in his natural position more often may be scuppered completely with the imminent arrival of Edin Dzeko to Eastlands. Presumably Dzeko will play as the furthest forward in a front two with Tevez, the Argentine then dropping deeper to play in the role Silva has been playing. This would in all likelihood force Silva to play more from a wider position and further limit Johnson’s opportunities in the first-team.

Dzeko may provide a more physical presence, but his and Tevez’s opportunities will be curtailed if Silva and Jonson’s ammunition is ultimately sacrificed.