They have to be don't they? Tonight Spain conquered the Saint Denis Stadium with a fully deserved 2-0 victory over 1998 World Cup winners France. Vicente del Bosque had surprised some with his decision to start with one upfront, and with Cesc Fabregas in for Xavi, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. But if you can't experiment now, when can you? It wasn't a vintage Spain display by any means but two goals in the first half from David Villa (who else?) and Sergio Ramos saw Spain go in at half-time with the game pretty much sewn up.
They lacked their usual fluency in the middle, perhaps suggesting Fabregas isn't quite ready to fill Xavis boots in the national side, but they were still too good for a pretty organised French team. France had the better of the opening exchanges, creating a couple of dangerous moments, but once Spain got into their stride, the home team were chasing shadows. David Villa latched onto an Iniesta throughball to slot past Lloris for the first, a typically calm finish from the Valencia hotshot, while Sergio Ramos' deflected strike put Spain out of sight on the stroke of half-time. All eyes had been on Frank Ribery before the match, but the man widely expected to join Real Madrid this summer was conspicuous by his absence. Infact, only Patrice Evra looked like he would be worthy of a position in this Spain team.
The second half wasn't particularly pleasing on the eye, and with substitute Fernando Torres not quite having the same effect Villa had in the first, you would have to think Del Bosque would opt for Villa if he ever had to roll out this formation in the World Cup. How many national sides could possible conceive leaving out Cesc and Torres? Iker Casillas, on his record-equalling 102nd appearance (level with Raul and only behind Zubizarreta who has 126), was rarely troubled with a Malouda header which struck a post, the only moment Pique, Puyol or Albiol looked ruffled. Another Real Madrid target Jesus Navas came on for a cameo towards the end, but shot wide with his only presentable opportunity with only seconds remaining. So Spain march on towards South Africa, with only Brazil looking capable of giving them a run for their money.
Spain are certainly favorites for the World Cup along with Brazil, I just hope that Del Bosque will take Jesus Navas and Pedro along, because they could be great players for Spain.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree. Take Sergio Garcia and Santi Cazorla out of the Euro 2008 squad and stick those two in and theyll be laughing all the way to the final. Brazil didnt look that convincing against Ireland the other day, but they'll be the ones to watch out for, for sure.
ReplyDeleteI wouldnt bring Navas. The boy doesnt like leaving sevilla and although they say that he is overcoming it, a trip to moscow is very differnt to South Africa. Will he be able to stay with the same 30 odd people for 40 days? I think its a big risk.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Reyes?
I tell you what, if Reyes continues like he has been in recent weeks, he´ll make it very hard for Del Bosque to ignore him. Would be a like for like swap.
ReplyDeleteBut you're right about Navas being a risk in terms of homesickness....that had completely passed me by.
Yes, but it really seems like Navas has stepped up to the plate, especially mentally, and for me as long as Navas has playing time, I think he'll be fine. And for Reyes, I'm pretty sure Del Bosque won't pick him, how can he pick Reyes if Pedro is waiting for a call up?
ReplyDeleteYes, but it seems like Navas has really stepped up mentally, and for me, as long as he gets playing time in South Africa, he'll be fine. But I can't imagine what would happen if he went but didn't play, as for Reyes, I can't even consider him as long as Pedro isn't in the squad.
ReplyDeletePedro does everything Reyes does, except score more goals. And I think Santi Cazorla is still a player that should be taken along...
If I was Del Bosque I'd take all three and leave Albert Riera at home ;)
ReplyDeleteAs for Cazorla, I'm a huge fan of his, I think he's a superb little player that would get into most national teams, if not all but Spains right now. Technically gifted and scores goals, he's just been unlucky with injuries this year and unfortunate that his team hasnt had the greatest of seasons. Will probably miss the cut. As will Reyes unless he can prove his recent form isnt just a flash in the pan.
ReplyDeleteNavas has been part of Del Bosques last two squads and I reckon thats a pretty sure sign that if he's fit, both physically and mentally, he'll be on that plane. Pedro on the other hand hasnt been part of those squads and incredibly only has 2 caps at Under 21 level...I think he'll be huge next year or even this year (or perhaps he already is), but the fact that he doesnt have any international experience may, unfortunately, count against him.
PS. Thanks to you both for your comments! You can see from my next post that they really do help ;)
ReplyDeleteNo problem, btw I'm really loving the blog, this is probably the only La Liga blog which really gives a great in depth report.
ReplyDeleteAnd do you know any other La Liga blogs in English?, I alrealdy follow Madrid Atleticos and El Camiino de La Liga, I love Spanish football and I want to soak up as much as I can.