Posts Tagged ‘spain’
Talking Barça 5 – Athletic Bilbao, Hospitalet and England v Spain
In Talking Barça Podcast 5, we air our disagreements on the Athletic-Barça match particularly regarding Cesc Fàbregas’s performance, moan a little about Guardiola and agree that Piqué isn’t up to scratch at the moment. We go on to tear Ibrahimovic to shreds, discuss Barça’s match in the Copa del Rey against Hospitalet and Spain (or as we prefer ‘Barça and friends’) versus England.
Listen to Talking Barça Podcast 5 – Athletic, Hospitalet and Spain International
Athletic Club 2 FC Barcelona 2
Despite enjoying a great game of football between Athletic and Barça, coming away from San Mamés with only a point was somewhat disappointing.
There is some debate about the effectiveness of Cesc Fàbregas in the centre forward position. Both of us feel that the side would work better with the Arenys player coming in from a deeper second line of attack as a False 10, as this would allow him to link up with a more offensive Messi in the centre of the forward line.
The problem seems to be based on Pep Guardiola’s desire to ‘reinvent the wheel’. He has an offensive set up that works but is continually experimenting. Wouldn’t it be better if he stuck to a tried and tested formula?
Piqué’s performance was disappointing – particularly his involvement in Athletic’s second goal. He obviously has every right to be in a relationship with Shakira but when the media attention affects his ability to come up with the goods on the pitch, as Barça fans we have every right to question him.
What’s more when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was at Camp Nou, Piqué and the Swedish striker were close friends. In the light of Ibrahimovic’s absurdly exaggerated statements about his relationship with Guardiola, there is even more room for doubt.
Hospitalet v FC Barcelona
Barça’s next match is in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey against Segunda B side L’Hospitalet.
Currently second in Spain’s regional Third Division, the Llobregat club have just beaten Simon’s great love UE Sant Andreu at Feixa Llarga, so if they take a drubbing from Barça, he will be more than satisfied.
There are some doubts about the players available to Pep Guardiola as many of the lads from Barça B have been called up for Spain’s Under-21 International against England.
As the game will be shown on local television, this would have been a great opportunity to see the depth of FC Barcelona’s future talent in action
Spain v England
Spain’s match against England at Wembley calls our national identity into question.
We will both be supporting Spain or Barça and Friends as we irreverently prefer to call them. Why?
Well, it’s a question of familiarity and convenience. We are both Barça supporters and avid followers of La Liga so we’re much more familiar with the group of players who make up the Spain squad.
It’s also a question of enjoying an easy life. Having lived in Barcelona since the late-1980s, we’re both pretty integrated into life here and quite simply, having to go down the bar and support a different team ends up being a bit of a hassle.
Given the fact that Spain are currently the best international side in the world and England are pretty mediocre and hasve been for some time, we’d have to ba nuts not to support La Roja. We predict a 2-1 or 3-1 victory for Spain!
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Don’t miss the next Talking Barça Podcast, when we will be previewing Barça’s Liga game against Real Zaragoza and discussing the Champions League tie against AC Milan.
Listen to Talking Barça Podcast 5 – Athletic, Hospitalet and Spain International
Football match 12.08.2009 Macedonia – Spain (España) 2:3 Makedonija:Spanija 2:3
100 years football in Macedonia
100 godini fudbal vo Makedonija
FRIENDLY MATCH
MACEDONIA: Nikolovski (Pacovski, min.67); Noveski (Mojsov, min.56), Sedloski, Mitreski, Popov; Georgievski (Grozdanovski, min.60), Shumulikoski, Despotovski, Stojkov; Naumoski (Ivanovski, min.57), Pandev (Ibraimi, min.78)
ESPAÑA: Reina (Diego López, min.63); Arbeloa, Piqué, Puyol, Capdevila (Monreal, min.72); Xabi Alonso (Busquets, min.46), Xavi (Marchena, min.70), Cazorla (Cesc, min.46), Silva; Torres (Güiza, min.63), Villa (Riera, min.46).
GOALS/GOLOVI:
Macedonia
Goran Pandev 8′ 33′
Spain
F. Torres 51′
G. Piqué 54′
A. Riera 56′
MACEDONIA
Nikolovski 5 – Had little to deal with before the first goal and then looked helpless as Spain found their range and beat him with ease.
Noveski 5 – The defender looked shattered after Spain’s incredible start to the second half and he was quickly replaced.
Sedloski 5.5 – After such a good first period, the entire Macedonia defence will be disappointed with the way they lacked focus at the start of the second period.
Mitreski 5.5 – Another who may feel he could have done more to prevent the three quick goals and help his side from suffering defeat.
Popov 6 – A tough character that led his side in the first half as he ensured that Spain were limited to long range efforts.
Despotovski 5.5 – Another player that was asked to track back rather than be able to express himself.
Georgievski 5.5 – Was part of the eight-man defensive unit employed by the hosts and was not particularly missed when he went off.
Sumulikoski 5.5 – Worked tirelessly as he powered back and then moved forward as the game ebbed and flowed.
Naumoski 6- Heavily involved, but mainly for either being fouled or trying to win free-kicks. Did set up Macedonia’s second goal to show what he can do.
Stojkov 6 – Looked to back up the striker and did well as he was involved as the hosts look to break clear.
Pandev 9 – What more can a team that plays one up front ask of their striker against the European champions as he produced exemplary finishing.
Subs
Ivanosvski, Mojson, Grozdanovski, Tasevski, Pacovski, Ibrahimi
SPAIN
Reina 5 – Beaten twice by Pandev with the first one being particularly unimpressive as he lost out on the one-on-one to the striker.
Capdevila 5.5 -Did well patrolling down the flank in the second period, but was absent as Pandev went through to net Macedonia’s second.
Pique 6.5 – Scored the winner and could have had another as he was given the freedom to go forward and show how effective he can be up front.
Puyol 5.5 – Cannot be pleased with the way Pandev went passed him in the first half or his dive, but he made up for it with a strong second half.
Arbeloa 5.5 – Stepped up and should have been helped his centre-backs out when Pandev raced clear to open the scoring.
Xabi Alonso 5.5 – Has only had a few days of pre-season training and it showed as he contributed little.
Xavi 6.5 – Applauded as he went off by the home fans for a controlled display that ensured Spain were able to mount their comeback after uncharacteristically lashing out.
Silva 7 – Did not find the net, but busy throughout and impressed with his technique and creative side.
Cazorla 5.5 – Sent over one cross and had a couple of long-range shots, which meant he was more successful then most.
Villa 5 – Hit the post when offside and sent a shot well wide in what was a poor return to international football for the striker.
Torres 6.5 – Worked hard to earn his goal and took it well when he was given the chance before he went off in a move to please his club manager.
Duration : 0:4:35
Football match 12.08.2009 Macedonia – Spain (España) 2:3 Makedonija:Spanija 2:3
100 years football in Macedonia
100 godini fudbal vo Makedonija
FRIENDLY MATCH
MACEDONIA: Nikolovski (Pacovski, min.67); Noveski (Mojsov, min.56), Sedloski, Mitreski, Popov; Georgievski (Grozdanovski, min.60), Shumulikoski, Despotovski, Stojkov; Naumoski (Ivanovski, min.57), Pandev (Ibraimi, min.78)
ESPAÑA: Reina (Diego López, min.63); Arbeloa, Piqué, Puyol, Capdevila (Monreal, min.72); Xabi Alonso (Busquets, min.46), Xavi (Marchena, min.70), Cazorla (Cesc, min.46), Silva; Torres (Güiza, min.63), Villa (Riera, min.46).
GOALS/GOLOVI:
Macedonia
Goran Pandev 8′ 33′
Spain
F. Torres 51′
G. Piqué 54′
A. Riera 56′
MACEDONIA
Nikolovski 5 – Had little to deal with before the first goal and then looked helpless as Spain found their range and beat him with ease.
Noveski 5 – The defender looked shattered after Spain’s incredible start to the second half and he was quickly replaced.
Sedloski 5.5 – After such a good first period, the entire Macedonia defence will be disappointed with the way they lacked focus at the start of the second period.
Mitreski 5.5 – Another who may feel he could have done more to prevent the three quick goals and help his side from suffering defeat.
Popov 6 – A tough character that led his side in the first half as he ensured that Spain were limited to long range efforts.
Despotovski 5.5 – Another player that was asked to track back rather than be able to express himself.
Georgievski 5.5 – Was part of the eight-man defensive unit employed by the hosts and was not particularly missed when he went off.
Sumulikoski 5.5 – Worked tirelessly as he powered back and then moved forward as the game ebbed and flowed.
Naumoski 6- Heavily involved, but mainly for either being fouled or trying to win free-kicks. Did set up Macedonia’s second goal to show what he can do.
Stojkov 6 – Looked to back up the striker and did well as he was involved as the hosts look to break clear.
Pandev 9 – What more can a team that plays one up front ask of their striker against the European champions as he produced exemplary finishing.
Subs
Ivanosvski, Mojson, Grozdanovski, Tasevski, Pacovski, Ibrahimi
SPAIN
Reina 5 – Beaten twice by Pandev with the first one being particularly unimpressive as he lost out on the one-on-one to the striker.
Capdevila 5.5 -Did well patrolling down the flank in the second period, but was absent as Pandev went through to net Macedonia’s second.
Pique 6.5 – Scored the winner and could have had another as he was given the freedom to go forward and show how effective he can be up front.
Puyol 5.5 – Cannot be pleased with the way Pandev went passed him in the first half or his dive, but he made up for it with a strong second half.
Arbeloa 5.5 – Stepped up and should have been helped his centre-backs out when Pandev raced clear to open the scoring.
Xabi Alonso 5.5 – Has only had a few days of pre-season training and it showed as he contributed little.
Xavi 6.5 – Applauded as he went off by the home fans for a controlled display that ensured Spain were able to mount their comeback after uncharacteristically lashing out.
Silva 7 – Did not find the net, but busy throughout and impressed with his technique and creative side.
Cazorla 5.5 – Sent over one cross and had a couple of long-range shots, which meant he was more successful then most.
Villa 5 – Hit the post when offside and sent a shot well wide in what was a poor return to international football for the striker.
Torres 6.5 – Worked hard to earn his goal and took it well when he was given the chance before he went off in a move to please his club manager.
Duration : 0:4:35
SPAIN The National Football (Soccer) Team – The Road To The South Africa World Cup 2010
Link http://spanishfootballsports.blogspot.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/SFS_Striker
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/SPANISH-FOOTBALL-SPORTS-BLOG/58251119278
SFS is essential daily reading on the Internet to stay up to date with all the news, results, games, videos…etc on Spanish Football (Soccer) & Sports. Written in English for the Global fan.
Spain is the current European Nations Football (Soccer) Champions winning the title in 2008. They have secured their place in next years 2010 FIFA South African World Cup finishing Top of their 5 European Group. They are hot favourites along with Brazil to win the World Cup.
Here is a video of their play, goals & style…how they have done & are doing on their way on the ROAD TO SOUTH AFRICA 2010.
Music: LEFTFIELD – “Song Of Life” ( album Leftism)
Duration : 0:7:4
SPAIN The National Football (Soccer) Team – The Road To The South Africa World Cup 2010
Link http://spanishfootballsports.blogspot.com
Twitter http://twitter.com/SFS_Striker
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/SPANISH-FOOTBALL-SPORTS-BLOG/58251119278
SFS is essential daily reading on the Internet to stay up to date with all the news, results, games, videos…etc on Spanish Football (Soccer) & Sports. Written in English for the Global fan.
Spain is the current European Nations Football (Soccer) Champions winning the title in 2008. They have secured their place in next years 2010 FIFA South African World Cup finishing Top of their 5 European Group. They are hot favourites along with Brazil to win the World Cup.
Here is a video of their play, goals & style…how they have done & are doing on their way on the ROAD TO SOUTH AFRICA 2010.
Music: LEFTFIELD – “Song Of Life” ( album Leftism)
Duration : 0:7:4
Spanish football fan gets last minute ticket
Spanish football fan has given up all hope when he is given a ticket for Euro 2008 Spain-Sweden
Duration : 0:1:34
Spanish football fan gets last minute ticket
Spanish football fan has given up all hope when he is given a ticket for Euro 2008 Spain-Sweden
Duration : 0:1:34
Andres Iniesta Goal / Chelsea – Barcelona / Champions League 2009
Fantastic goal of Andrés Iniesta Luján, FC Chelsea – FC Barcelona – UEFA Champions League 2008-2009, 1/2 Final. Song: Hybrid – Heart’s Desire
Duration : 0:1:48
Andres Iniesta Goal / Chelsea – Barcelona / Champions League 2009
Fantastic goal of Andrés Iniesta Luján, FC Chelsea – FC Barcelona – UEFA Champions League 2008-2009, 1/2 Final. Song: Hybrid – Heart’s Desire
Duration : 0:1:48
SPANISH FOOTBALL (SOCCER): LA LIGA SEASON 2009-2010
Link http://spanishfootballsports.blogspot…
Twitter http://twitter.com/SFS_Striker
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/SPANISH…
SPANISH FOOTBALL & SPORTS BLOG, essential daily reading for the global Football (Soccer) fan. Stay always updated with all the news, reviews, opinions transfers gossip, videos, etc from anywhere & anytime
Duration : 0:2:32