Portugal vs Spain Preview: Can Paolo Bentos rejuvenated side exact revenge for World Cup defeat?

 

Little less than five months ago Spain and Portugal were preparing to lock horns in the heat of a second round World Cup battle in South Africa. Tomorrow night won't have anywhere near as much resting on it, but having been soundly eliminated by their neighbours in Cape Town, Cristiano Ronaldo and company will be gunning for revenge. A 63rd minute goal from David Villa settled their last meeting, and while time will have undoubtedly healed Portuguese wounds, Paolo Bentos men will want to set the record straight infront of their own people in Benfica's Stadium of Light.

Since their World Cup triumph, Spain have carried on where they left off, with a 100% record in qualifying for Euro 2012, strutting to victory over Liechtenstein and Lithuania and battling narrowly past the Scots. The only blot since that fateful night on 11th July has been a 4-1 stuffing at the hands of Argentina in Buenos Aires in September that said more for the standard of Spains back-up than any decline in the standard of their first choice XI. That day Pepe Reina handed Argentina the initiative with an uncharacteristic slip, while Lionel Messi produced one of his few scintillating performances for the Albiceleste.

Vicente Del Bosque is fully expected to name his strongest side for the friendly against Portugal. There have been concerns in recent weeks over the state of Xavi's Achilles tendons, yet the midfield maestro is expected to complete the full 90 minutes tomorrow. There is no doubt Spain (and Barcelona) are different sides with him in the middle. Elsewhere we will be treated to a preview of this month's Clasico. David Villa will line up against Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho, whereas Cristiano Ronaldo will be pitting his wits against Gerard Pique and Carlos Puyol. Both sets of defences will be looking to score an early victory in the Clasico mindgames that will commence from next week on.

Portugal have got off to a shocker in their own campaign to reach Ukraine and Poland in two summers time, drawing 4-4 with Cyprus at home and losing to Norway in Oslo. At was at that point that Carlos Quieroz was finally put out of his misery and Paolo Bento was installed as his replacement. Since then Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo have regained their form for the national side, scoring four goals between them in the vital victories over Denmark and Iceland. Both are fundamental pieces of the jigsaw for Bento, and will be key to getting anything out of tomorrow friendly against the world champions. They will likely line-up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, Nani and Danny flanking CR7, and the key will be to take the game to Spain. Their public will expect no less.

For Spain, Pedro has been ruled out of the tie after a bout of gastroenteritis, but bar the Barca man and Jesus Navas, Spain have a full choice squad to choose from. Vicente del Bosque has spoken of fielding a full-strength side out of respect for Portugal, something that will have Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola anxiously watching on. There will undoubtedly be changes at half-time, so expect a game of two halves. Spain will ring the changes, while I have an inkling Portugal will keep a strong side out for the long haul. That's what the scent of revenge does to a coach.

Scotland 2 - 3 Spain (Highlights) : Llorente to the rescue!

Scotland 2 - 3 Spain

(0-1) 43' Villa (p), (0-2) 55' Iniesta, (1-2) 58' Naismith, (2-2) 67' Pique (o.g), (2-3) 79' Llorente

Spain 3 - 1 Lithuania (Highlights)

Spain 3 - 1 Lithuania
(1-0) 47' Llorente, (1-1) 54' Sernas, (2-1) 57' Llorente, (3-1) 79' Silva

Tonight was a test of Spains strength in depth and if the performance and result is anything to go by, they passed with flying colours. La Roja were deprived of Xavi, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Alonso, but in stepped players like Santi Cazorla, Fernando Llorente, Pablo Hernandez and Aritz Aduriz to make sure Spain made it two wins out of two in Group I. Spain dominated the first half and how they went into the break still at 0-0 only David Villa will know. Usually so sharp infront of goal, he contrived to hit the post when scoring seemed far easier and looked far from happy when subbed late on. The Barca man will have better days at the office.

Fernando Llorente was the man who had opened that opportunity for Villa and it was the big man from Bilbao who broke the deadlock just after half-time after good work down the right from Sergio Ramos. Lithuania then took advantage of some poor positioning from Puyol to score their first ever goal against Spain through Sernas, before the unplayable Llorente almost immediately swooped again to put Spain ahead once more. Real Madrid will be keeping tabs on the Navarran giant. Cazorla this time was the creator, and it was just reward for a performance full of verve and imagination. David Silva added the third with a glorious header from the edge of the box to cap off a dominant display from Vicente Del Bosques side. Next up Scotland at Hampden Park.



ARGENTINA 4 - 1 SPAIN: Messi, Higuain and Agüero bury Spain (Highlights)

Well it had to come to an end at some point. And in what style! Carlos Marchena had gone 57 matches unbeaten in Spanish colours, a record that began way back in June 2003. But a dazzling first half performance from Argentina put pay to the Sevillanos hopes of making it 58, as the Argentinian Liga select helped the home side into an early 2-0 lead in what was billed as 'The World Cup final that never was'. Lionel Messi opened the scoring with a sumptuous chip, Higuain notching the second with a typically well-taken strike after rounding the stranded Pepe Reina. Things got worse for the Liverpool keeper when he slipped at just the wrong moment whilst receiving a backpass, allowing little battler Carlos Tevez to steal in and scramble the ball home. 3-0 and the game was done and dusted. Spain improved in the second half and got a late consolation through Fernando Llorente, but Sergio Agüero regained Argentinas three-goal cushion with a well placed header in the final seconds of the match.

Del Bosque certainly didn't name a first choice select, with Casillas, Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Capdevila, Torres and Xavi all on the bench, whilst Argentina came out with all their stars on show, but even so Vicente will have been worried with a lacklustre opening 45 minutes. In truth, nothing went right for La Roja, David Villa striking the woodwork twice in his search for that elusive 44th international goal and Santi Cazorla suffering the same misfortune later on. Pepe Reinas slip pretty much summed up their luck. Best for these things to happen in friendlies rather than World Cups and qualifiers.

SPAIN 1-0 PORTUGAL: David Villa shoots Spain past Portugal into the quarters (Highlights)

Fantastic performance. By far Spains most complete at the World Cup so far. Portugal set out to stem Spains passing in midfield, flood the centre of the park, and break out on the counter in the sort of devastating fashion that saw them flash seven past North Korea. Unfortunately for Carlos Quieroz and his team, Spain are not North Korea. Not even close. Today they were the same lean mean passing machine that we fell in love with in Austria and Switzerland two summers ago. Xavi was back to his mesmerising best. Xavi Alonso and Sergio Buequets were tireless behind him. Iniesta and especially David Villa buzzed around with menacing intent. The backline was simply impenetrable. Is there a better centre-back pairing at the World Cup than Pique and Puyol?

The only player to raise question marks was Fernando Torres. 'El Niño' is a shade of the player that lights up the Premiership weekend after weekend. Balls bounce of his ankles. He runs up blind alleys. He just looks clumsy. Will the real Fernando Torres please stand up? Perhaps it's simply another case of a star underperforming in the World Cup. There have been plenty. But luckily for Spain, Fernando Llorente was ushered onto the pitch after the hour, and the big man made all the difference. Suddenly Portugals defence looked uncertain. Hesitant. And how 'La Roja' made them pay. Llorente had already had a golden chance to open the scoring from point-blank range, but his header was straight at the impressive Eduardo. Then David Villa struck. Who else? It was a typically-Spanish move. One touch, superb movement off the ball, and 'El Guaje' to finish it off. The final 20 minutes would normally be a nervous affair, but bar a couple of hairy moments, and a dubious sending off for  Spain looked incredibly assured. No team is as comfortable on the ball as the Spaniards.

So next up Paraguay, and you would have to think an easy ticket to the semis. No team should be underestimated...especially after recent results against the United States and Switzerland. But we are at th business end of the tournament now, and Spain are clicking into gear at just the right time. I just cannot see a limited Paraguay side causing an upset. So whilst the fans at home go crazy, Del Bosque and his backroom team would do well to concentrate their efforts on working out how they can edge past their illustrious South American rivals (with all the respect int the world for an electric, youthful German outfit that put my country to the sword so ruthlessly), as I firmly believe (like everyone else!) they will need to beat Argentina and Brazil to lift the World Cup. Both teams look efficient. Both look very very strong. We have some belters to look forward to! VAMOS ESPAÑA!!

PS. Pardon my inexcusable lack of a match report for Spain - Chile. Momentary lapse! :) Basically they played well, Villa and Iniesta scored two beauties and they qualified for the second round!

SPAIN 2 - 0 HONDURAS - David Villa double sets Spain on their way (Highlights)

Thats more like it. Substance to match the style. Goals to match the build-up. Spain blew Honduras away with their attacking, incisive brand of football, but they were indebted to two pieces of clinical finishing from David Villa to grab them the three points they so desparately craved. After a spritely start from the Hondureños, the game slowly grew into a practice match for Spain. But much like Arsenal in the Premiership they tried many times to walk the ball into the net instead of shooting on sight, which inevitably lead to a scoreline which flattered the Central Americans. Vicente Del Bosque changed things around after the shock Swiss defeat, and it worked wonders as Spain looked more like the side that waltzed to victory in Vienna than the one which laboured to wins over South Korea and Saudi Arabia and got beat by Switzerland.

Xavi and Xavi Alonso were superb at the heart of Spains 4-3-3 formation, with Sergio Busquets perfomingly admirably just behind them. I've been a long-standing critic of Busquets, but on this form he more than warrants a slot in the first XI. And with the midfield, minus poor David Silva who seems set for a spell as a sub, clicking into place Spain ravaged a limited yet surprisingly adventurous Honduras side, who were not afraid to knock it around and attack with intent. It could so easily have been six or seven had Fernando Torres not left his shooting boots in Liverpool and Jesus Navas his crossing boots in Sevilla. Not their finest nights, but Torres will be glad to gain some much-needed match time, while Navas was a constant thorn in Honduras' side, regardless of his wastefulness with his final ball.

Sergio Ramos fluffed a couple of chances. Villa smashed the bar with a first-half rocket. Spain had two legitimate penalties for handball turned down and one stroked wide. Cesc Fabregas had a shot cleared off the line seconds after replacing Xavi in the secon half. It really was incessant pressure from La Roja, but they'll be hoping these chances are converted if they beat Chile and make it through to the second round. Profligacy on this scale will be punished in the latter stages. Just as well David Villa scored two beauties either side of half time, the first an absolute peach of a finish after a glorious run into the box. The new Barca striker was a revelation down the left hand side. His second was thanks to a flowing team move involving Xavi and Navas, and took a slight deflection as it shot past keeper Noel Valladares.

So a win against Chile should see Spain top the group and all memories of that opening defeat erased. That said, I can't say I'm as certain now about Spain winning the tournament as I was before it all kicked off. Brazil, while not playing well, look dangerously efficient, with Argentina and Portugal also offering scintillating performances in their second outings. I have an inkling a South American team will walk away as winners. But this tournament, which has fired up in the last few days, is about as unpredictable as any in living memory. The knockout stages promise to offer up a few crackers but first the nervy third round of group matches. I predict a few big guns to fall.

Spain 0 - 1 Switzerland: La Roja kick off World Cup with shock Swiss defeat (Highlights)

Who saw that coming? Spain kicked off their World Cup campaign in the most disappointing of fashions as they were downed by a hit and run show from Switzerland. Spain enjoyed a healthy 73% possession, yet a whole host of wasted chances and failed final passes allowed the Swiss to mount a couple of second-half counters that created the only goal of the match from Gelson Fernandes and almost saw their second as a splendid run and shot from Swiss striker Eren Derdiyok rebounded off the foot of the post. Where did it all go wrong? To be honest the Spanish experienced more than a fair share of misfortune. Several chances flying inches wide or, in the case of Xavi Alonsos thunderbolt, crashing against the crossbar. A couple of decisions from Howard Webb went against them, but by no means read anything into the press' post-match witchhunt against the English ref. A shameful attempt to gloss over Spains failings. And then you have that wily old fox, Ottmar Hitzfeld. The ex-Bayern managers tactics were spot on. Round up Xavi Hernandez and you take away Spains heartbeat. Run and defend as if your life depends on it, soak up some intense pressure and hit your opponent on the break and you've always got a chance. The Swiss deserve huge credit.

So let's move onto the Alonso-Busquets dilemma. While the rest of Spain believes that the two cannot start in the same XI, Del Bosque continues to employ them in a five-man midfield. Both play the role that Marcos Senna so admirably carried out in Euro 2008. Break up the play and start attacks. So why start with both? Surely the way forward would be to stick Xavi Alonso between midfield and defence and stick Busquets on the bench, freeing up a position which could be filled by Cesc Fabregas, or start with two upfront bringing Fernando Torres into the equation. In any case, todays midfield line-up looked a little confused, short of ideas and lacking their usual sharpness. Roles were not clearly defined. Andres Iniesta was a constant threat but his influence was nullified out wide. David Villa was out of sorts and even Torres looked decidedly rusty when he came on. Anyhows, it's not the end of the world. Better lose now with two games left then fall at the last group hurdle. Victories against Chile and Honduras will see them through, but a second round match-up against Brazil is looking increasingly likely. That said, if you want to win the World Cup, you'll have to knock out the big guns sooner or later.

So far I have to say this World Cup, in terms of quality, is one of the worst I can remember. USA '94 wasn't great, but at least it had Romario, Roberto Baggio and Ray Houghton in their prime. All excelled in their national teams. Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo just look lost. France, Portugal, Italy, England, Argentina and Brazil all looked poor, while only a youthful Germany looked anything like world beaters in their match against the Aussies. Heres hoping things heat up now we've got the nervy openers out of the way.

SPAIN 6 - 0 POLAND: Spanish set off for South Africa in style

After two unconvincing displays against Saudi Arabia and South Korea, Spain came good just at the right time. Poland were knocked for six as Spain recovered that lost razzmatazz that made them so untouchable two years ago in Euro 2008. Passes were crisp and found their man every time. The delicate flicks were back. The backheels, the one-twos, the no-look passes. An absolute joy to behold. Xavi was as mobile as ever, orchestrated proceedings from the centre. Andres Iniesta was simply irresistable, with the first two goals from David Villa and David Silva courtesy of two stunning passes from the Barca man. His scooped pass which set Xavi free to cross for Silva was magical. Iker Casillas answered those doubters who pounced on the Madrid shotstopper after his Arabian error with an assured performance. The defence, with Pique and Puyol at the fore, was rarely troubled. Even Sergio Busquets put in a solid shift alongside his Barca teammate, Xavi.

Things got even better for Spain after Xavi Alonso had put them three up, as Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres put any injury problems firmly behind them with the fourth and fifth strikes. Cescs goal was thanks to a superb threaded ball from Xavi Alonso, and gave the Arsenal man an extra reason to celebrate after becoming the youngest player to reach 50 caps for Spain. As for Torres, a goal on his long-awaited comeback was a sure sign the few weeks lay off hasn't affected his eye for goal. He won't show it, but Vicente Del Bosque must be absolutely delighted. To top this festival of football in Murcia, Pedro came off the bench to chip in his first goal for 'La Roja'. Three caps to his name and he's already on the scoresheet. I've said it a million times. Everyone has said it a million times. But the strength in depth in this Spain squad is nothing short of astounding. So off they fly to Johannesburg with a record of only one defeat in their last 48 matches. If they play like this they have every chance of winning the World Cup. No doubt about it. No-one can get near them in this form. Is this Spains time?

Well, tommorrow I'm off to Berlin for a few days, so this is the last you'll hear from me until the World Cup is already in full swing. I'll be lucky enough to catch the first Germany match against Australia and the England match against the USA before flying back for the first Spain match. Should be fun. So wherever you're from, whoever you're supporting, I wish your nation the best of luck. Enjoy ;)

SPAIN 1 - 0 SOUTH KOREA: Jesus Navas saves Spains blushes (Highlights)

Spain struggled for the second time in a week as 'La Roja' scraped past South Korea courtesy of a scorching goal from young Jesus Navas six minutes from time. Perhaps it's the pressure that comes with being named World Cup favourites by the bookies, but having seen the comments left by various Spanish fans across Marca and the forums, many believe the blame lies elsewhere. One thing is for sure, right now there is something lacking. Many are questioning Vicente del Bosques tactics, playing with a 4-1-4-1 formation which has served to clog up the middle of the park, stemming that natural flow of the ball so characterisitic of Spain in Euro 2008. Today they were slow, predictable and lacking that penache they had in Austria two summers ago. Leaving Marcos Senna at home could be Del Bosques biggest error as Spain coach. The unsung hero who lets Xavi, Silva and co get on with their job of terrorising defenses won't be around in South Africa. And there's no ready made replacement. Sergio Busquets simply doesnt cut it at international level in my view, and Javi Martinez has only just made the leap from club football.  

With Victor Valdes making his long-awaited debut in the second half (strangely ten years to the day since Iker Casillas made his debut), the shining lights in a drab showing were the two young guns Pedro and Jesus Navas. The Sevilla winger a constant threat down the right, and with only Cesc Fabregas' effort which smacked the crossbar to show for their efforts with 84 minutes on the clock, up stepped Navas to thump a cracking effort into the top right corner of Woon-Jaes goal. As the rest of Spain rejoiced, Florentino Perez was cursing his bad luck. That'll be another €10million euros he'll have to fork out for Sevillas electric winger.

So, another friendly win and another lacklustre outing. There's certainly no reason to panic (todays team was a second-string XI remember), but Spain will be expecting more against Poland in Murcia next week.

Saudi Arabia give Spain a rough ride in Austria (Highlights)

Saudia Arabia 2 - 3 Spain
(1-0) 17' Hawsawi, (1-1) 31' Villa, (1-2) 60' Alonso, (2-2) 74' Al Numare, (2-3) 92' Llorente

Spain had to rely on a last gasp Fernando Llorente header to edge past a battling Saudi Arabi in Innsbruck, with a lethargic performance that will have Del Bosque a little worried less than two weeks before South Africa 2010 begins. Better they get games like this out of their system before the World Cup, as performances like this could be fatal in the latter stages of a tournament. Although thats exactly what these friendlies are for. Blow away the post-season cobwebs and get into stride before the serious business begins. 

There were a few worrying signs in defense, not least a glaring error from Iker Casillas for Saudi Arabias opener which will undoubtedly open a pointless Casillas v Valdes debate, whilst Spains midfield was uncharacteristically careless in possession. Only Xavi and Iniesta looking capable of cracking open a stubborn Saudi backline and it was the returning Andres Iniesta, showing no signs of rustiness, who turned inside and sent over an inch-perfect cross for his new Barca teammate David Villa to nod Spain level. 'El Guaje' is now only seven behind Rauls record of 44 international goals for 'La Roja'.

Xabi Alonso struck a trademark goal from outside the box on the hour to put Spain infront, before Saudi Arabia sprung another surprise to pull themselves level; a well.worked move leading to Al Numares' shot which took a slight deflection leaving Casillas helplessly wrong-footed. Vicente del Bosque rung the changes, handing debuts to Pedro and Javi Martinez in the process, before Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who had looked dangerous alongside fellow substitute Jesus Navas, headed in a late corner to hand Spain victory. The bigman will be vital in the World Cup, offering a solid alternative to Villa and Torres if things aren't running smoothly upfront. Another positive to have come out of this match, is that it's shown once more that this Spain side has winning firmly fixed in their DNA. Next up South Korea.

SPAIN WORLD CUP SQUAD PHOTO - Future World Cup Winners in the making?

Here you have the Spain squad photo, taken in Las Rozas this morning. The lucky 23 men that are going to be representing 'La Roja' in the 2010 World Cup next month will be training in Madrid until May 28th when they travel to Innsbruck in Austria for a friendly against Saudi Arabia the next day (18.00 CET). They then move onto Schruns (Austria) where they will play against South Korea on 3rd June, after which the squad will fly back to Spain to prepare for the final warm-up match against Poland on 8th June (22.00 CET) in Murcia. Three friendly matches to negotiate before their flight out to South Africa on 10th June. Anyone think thats one too many? Or are they against such easy opposition that it just don't matter?! I have no doubts the matches will prove useful run-outs, but the squad have got enough injury worries to contend with as it is. And thats a fair amount of traveling for two weeks. Del Bosque and the whole country will be keeping those fingers crossed they all get to the NWU Campus (Potchefstroom) in one piece.

SPAIN WORLD CUP SQUAD 2010 - Victor Valdes and Pedro are in

This afternoon Vicente Del Bosque, as unflappable and stoney-faced as ever, sauntered out into the press room and rattled off his Spain squad for the World Cup in South Africa. 'There you have the best 23 available' he assured the reporters. When quizzed about those players left out he replied 'It is always best to decide with your head, but sometimes you can't help but be influenced by your heart'. It sure can't be easy. The unfortunate souls sacrificed from the pre-squad were David De Gea, Diego Lopez, Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Senna, Santi Cazorla, Dani Güiza and Alvaro Negredo. Interestingly, the inclusions of Pedro and Victor Valdes are being labelled a 'surprise' in the press. After the seasons they've had I see their inclusions as obligatory. Perhaps the one big curveball thrown in by Vicente, it was the inclusion of Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez. A reward for his sensational season at the San Mames. Put simply, all the 'Mister' has done is what any Spanish fan would want him to do. Choose his squad on current form and not past glory. An all too common sin among national coaches. 

It was this selection policy that inevitably put pay to the hopes of Cazorla, Negredo, Senna and Güiza. This season they've either been out with injury or out of form. Diego Lopez wasn't helped by the wealth of goalkeeping quality on offer. Just take a look at yesterdays hero, Andres Palop. Not even considered within the top 4 keepers. Oh what Fabio Capello would do for a Palop. Or a Diego Lopez or a De Gea. The Atletico shotstopper and Azpilicueta need not fear. Their time will come. If the manager has taken any risks, it was by including a whole host of unfit players, not that he had much choice. Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas are still to make returns from injury, whilst Andres Iniesta and Xavi are by no means firing on all cylinders. Any serious injury to that quartet of stars could be critical. Would Spain still be favourites without Xavi knitting things together in the middle? Or deprived of the presence of Torres upfront? Whatever happens before kick-off on 16th June, 23 of Spains finest will travel down to South Africa with the hopes of a nation and the expectations of the footballing world on their shoulders. After winning Euro 2008 it comes with the territory. The fun starts now.

Spain Squad for 2010 South Africa World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)
Forwards: Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia), Pedro (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Barcelona)

Sergio Canales in a Real Madrid shirt; Jose Antonio Reyes for Spain?

A couple of things that caught my attention this week. First was seeing Sergio Canales appear on television wearing a Real Madrid shirt. Probably not the wisest thing he's ever done, especially as he is still running out as a Racing Santander player. What kind of message does that send out to those who turn up week in week out to watch Racing? How does it make his teammates feel as they hover five points above the relegation zone? Canales is arguably Racings best player, but is his heart still in Santander? He is still incredibly young, and has obviously fallen victim to Marcas complete disregard for any football club outside the Bernabeu, but if I were Miguel Angel Portugal I would be tempted to drop the youngster in favour of someone who has his head and heart in the Sardinero. It's unlikely to happen, but the fall-out from this two-part interview, in which he was forced to admitted he believed Cristiano Ronaldo is better than Messi, could see those fans that adored him only weeks ago turn against the teen sensation. His father had better keep a tighter rein in the future.

My fellow blogger 'GaryMadrid'  from 'MadridAtleticos' made an interesting point under my last article about Jose Antonio Reyes' credentials for the World Cup this summer. As did 'SoccerPower' in favour of Barcelonas Pedro. Two classy players but will either really be on that plane to South Africa? Personally I'd like to see both make that trip, but the harsh reality is that neither are likely to be taken along. Reyes is arguably La Ligas most in-form player right now, as he leads Atléticos charge into the latter part of the season, but you have to think it's a little too late for a push for a World Cup position. But if he were to play a huge role in an Atlético cup double and helped lift them into the UEFA spots in La Liga, would Del Bosque be able to ignore him? As for Pedro, we all know that the lad from Tenerife has a huge future ahead of him, but is he ready for a World Cup squad? He is most certainly capable, and have no doubt he would bring a lot to the table, but he is yet to feature in a Spain squad, let alone in a match. I was also astonished to find out he only has two under-21 caps to his name. Experience may count against him as Vicente makes those finishing touches to the most envied squad in world football.

Spain see off France in Paris (Highlights): World Cup favourites?

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.

Euro 2012 Group Draw: Spain given easy ride to Ukraine and Poland

Spain were given an easy passage to the 2012 European Championship finals in Ukraine and Poland as they were drawn in one of the three smaller groups against Czech Republic, Scotland, Lithuania and Leichtenstein. Along with England, Spain have been drawn into one of the easier qualifying groups, with Italy, Germany, France and Portugal given tougher assignments.

Czech Republic jump out as the biggest threat in the group, but you have to remember that they didn't even manage to qualify for the World Cup. Then there's Scotland and Lithuania, who Spain should dispose of home and away, and the whipping boys from Leichtenstein who should pose no problems at all. Whilst Vicente del Bosque will be delighted with the draw, it will be brushed under the carpet for the time being as his and everyones prime focus is the World Cup this summer in South Africa, with Spain many peoples tip for glory.

The rest of the groups drawn today in Switzerland: (Ties to be played between 3rd September 2010 to 11th October 2011)

Spain 2010 World Cup Anthem: PODEMOS!

The stadiums are ready (right?), the tickets are out, the draw has been made and Spain has its World Cup anthem. For those who don't live in Spain, you are probably blissfully unaware of the reason why they won Euro 2008. Forget David Villa, Torres, Xavi, their 'tiki-taka' brand of football or Luis Aragones' unorthodox, but ultimately successful, managerial methods. None of that malarchy. What won it was the Spain Euro 2008 smash hit: 'Podemos', or 'We Can'. Spains very own Channel 4, 'La Cuatro', created a jingle which quickly became a national anthem in the summer of 2008, and it undoubtedly drove the national team to produce the goods.

So in order to secure next years prize, they've created 'Podemos 2010' (First Europe, now the World). It's pretty much exactly the same as the original, bar some melodic South African backing music and a cool little intro. It's going to be a monster of a tournament, and with this beauty being repeated a million times over back home, Vicente del Bosque and his Spain team will be pumped. They can....and they most probably will.

FIFA 2010 World Cup Draw: Spain are laughing

Well there it is. Vicente Del Bosque will sleep well tonight as his Spain side successfully avoided Portugal and France in the World Cup draw, and instead will have to negotiate a group that contains Switzerland (16th June), Honduras (21st June) and Chile (25th June). Out of those three matches, only Chile can be expected to pose problems for 'La Roja'. But once they reach the knockout stages things begin to get a little complicated. Brazil, Ivory Coast and Portugal are potential opponents in the second round, although if both Spain and Brazil manage to top their groups, they wouldnt meet until the final. Interesting.

Spain on Top of the World: FIFA FIFPRO World XI 2009

On the day that Spain were officially unveiled as FIFA's top ranked country, the governing body also released the names of 55 footballers who make up the shortlist for a FIFA FIFPRO World XI for 2009. Spain contribute the most stars with a total of 11 coming from 'La Roja', followed by Brazil with 8 and England/Italy with 7 each. Over 50,000 professional players from around the world will choose their favourite players for each position, and the XI will be announced in Zurich on December 21st.

Pick your best eleven out of this lot.

GOALKEEPERS: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy/Juventus), Iker Casillas (Spain/Real Madrid), Julio Cesar (Brazil/Inter), Pepe Reina (Spain/Liverpool), Edwin van der Sar (Holland/Manchester United)

DEFENDERS: Dani Alves (Brazil/Barcelona), Fabio Cannavaro (Italy/Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Italy/Juventus), Gaël Clichy (France/Arsenal), Ashley Cole (England/Chelsea), Patrice Evra (France/Manchester United) Rio Ferdinand (England/Manchester United), Fabio Grosso (Italy/Juventus), Glen Johnson (England/Liverpool), Philipp Lahm (Germany/Bayern Munich), Lucio (Brazil/Inter), Maicon (Brazil/Inter), Alessandro Nesta (Italy/AC Milan), Pepe (Portugal/Real Madrid), Gerard Piqué (Spain/Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Spain/Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid), Walter Samuel (Argentina/Inter), John Terry (England/Chelsea), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia/Manchester United)

MIDFIELDERS: Xabi Alonso (Spain/Real Madrid), Michael Ballack (Germany/Chelsea), Daniele De Rossi (Italy/AS Roma), Diego (Brazil/Juventus), Michael Essien (Ghana/Chelsea), Cesc Fabregas (Spain/Arsenal), Steven Gerrard (England/Liverpool), Ryan Giggs (Wales/Manchester United), Andrès Iniesta (Spain/Barcelona), Kaká (Brazil/Real Madrid), Frank Lampard (England/Chelsea), Andrea Pirlo (Italy/AC Milan), Franck Ribéry (France/Bayern Munich), Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast/Barcelona), Xavi (Spain/Barcelona).

FORWARDS: Nicolas Anelka (France/Chelsea), Andrei Arshavin (Russia/Arsenal), Karim Benzema (France/Real Madrid), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon/Inter), Luís Fabiano(Brazil/Sevilla), Thierry Henry (France/Barcelona), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden/Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona), Diego Milito (Argentina/Inter), Alexandre Pato (Brazil/AC Milan), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (England/Manchester United), Fernando Torres (Spain/Liverpool), David Villa (Spain/Valencia).

Spain give it a Viennese Whirl: Austria 1 - 5 Spain

When Spain get the sewing machine out and start threading those patterns they are simply unstoppable. Austria even had the cheek to gatecrash their own party with an early goal through Jantschner in the 7th minute, but that was as good as it got for the hosts as Spain grabbed hold of the ball and refused to give it back. At times the passing was irresistable, with Andrés Iniesta embodying all that is beautiful about the great game. Effortless touch, eagle-eyed vision and the ability to thread a ball through the tightest of holes. An absolute joy to watch.

The Austrian lead lasted all of three minutes. As great teams do, Spain refused to panic in what was a fantastic atmosphere for a friendly. When a defender tripped on the ball just outside his area, David Silva picked it up and slid it through to Cesc, who danced through the backline to wrongfoot the keeper and sidefoot in. Ten minutes later they were ahead, with Iniesta the creator: an inch-perfect angled pass through to Villa who just doesn't miss, firing across Gratzei and into the corner. Austria had no choice but to resort to a physical approach, but things got even harder for the home side after Pehlivan was harshly sent off for a robust yet innocuous challenge on Sergio Busquets.

Just before half-time, Spain worked another fantastic goal which was almost a carbon copy of the second. This time it was Silva who spotted Villa's run and weighted a glorious pass which the Valencia hitman rolled under the goalie. At half-time Del Bosque withdrew Iniesta, Xavi, Villa, Silva and Casillas and introduced Pablo Hernandez, Jesus Navas, Güiza, Negredo and Reina, but it did little to interrupt the Spanish dominance. In the space of a minute 'La Roja' were suddenly 5-1 up, as Fenerbache striker Güiza and Pablo Hernandez upped their World Cup stakes with strikes in the 56th and 57th minute. And although Spain had further chances to increase their lead, the scoreline didn't budge. Spain end 2009 just as they started it: unbeatable. On to 2010......

International Friendly: (Highlights below)
Austria 1 - 5 Spain

African World Cup Playoff:
Algeria 1 - 0 Eygpt (Algeria qualify for World Cup)

European World Cup Playoffs:
Ukraine 0 - 1 Greece (Greece qualify for World Cup)
Bosnia 0 - 1 Portugal (Portugal qualify for World Cup)
Slovenia 1 - 0 Russia (Slovenia qualify for World Cup on away goals rule)
France 1 - 1 Ireland AET (France qualify for World Cup)

South/Central America Playoff:
Uruguay 1 - 1 Costa Rica (Uruguay qualify for World Cup)

Spain v Austria and World Cup Playoffs 18.11.09

Tonight sees Spain make a return to the Euro 2008 battleground, where they emerged triumphant winners against the Germans 17 months ago. Austria will welcome 'La Roja' to the Ernst Happel Stadium for an international friendly that will enable the Spanish to relive that glorious summers night in Vienna. A few faces have changed since then, with coach Luis Aragonés having left to be replaced by current incumbent Vicente Del Bosque, but the footballing philosophy remains very much the same.

Barcelona defender Carlos Puyol has muscle problems, so Raul Albiol will take his place in defence. Cesc Fabregas is expected to partner Xavi in midfield, sitting Xabi Alonso on the bench, whilst David Villa will get a chance to taste the Ernst Happel atmosphere he was so cruely denied in 2008. The man who set Spain on the road to glory in that final, Fernando Torres, unfortunately misses out through injury.

For Dietmar Constantini's Austria, this is their moment of glory for 2009 after they failed to make it to the World Cup. Many will predict a hammering for Austria, much like the one they received in Valencia in 1999 when they were beaten 9-0, but they will be keen to avoid a humiliation infront of their home fans. The only danger expected to be posed by the Austrians comes in the shape of Red Bull Salzburg's striker Marc Janko, who has scored 7 in the last 14 outings for his country.

Away from all this international friendliness, there are far more important matches taking place across the world tonight. The final six places are up for grabs in next summer's World Cup, and all the playoffs are still firmly in the balance. First up is Eygpt and Algeria who will play their sudden death playoff in Sudan amidst a security lockdown after trouble erupted last time out in Cairo when the Algeria team bus was attacked by Eygpt fans.

Then the duels in Europe take centre stage, and all eyes will be on France and Portugal who will be expected to take their places in the South African showpiece, but it certainly wont be plain sailing with both Bosnia and Ireland proving first time around that they can more than match their illustrious opponents. Finally across the Atlantic, Costa Rica will travel to Montevideo to take on Uruguay having lost the first leg 0-1 at home.

African Sudden Death Playoff:
Eygpt - Algeria 6.30pm (Khartoum, Sudan)


European Playoffs:

Ukraine - Greece 7pm (0-0)
Bosnia - Portugal 8.45pm (0-1)
Slovenia - Russia 8.45pm (1-2)
France - Ireland 9pm (1-0)

South/Central American Playoff:
Uruguay - Costa Rica 12am (1-0)