SPAIN WORLD CUP WINNERS 2010: What a journey

What can you say after that last week and a half? Spain are 2010 World Champions! Spain won the World Cup! After that corker of a game against Portugal we had Paraguay. A heart attack of a game. Spain were average by their own standards but they were made to look poor (I say that relatively speaking!) by a hard-working and determined Paraguay side. That match really could have gone either way. Luckily San Iker was on hand with a penalty save and a last minute block from Roque Santa Cruz. David Villa got the late winner once more.

Next up in the semis was many peoples new favorites. Germany. Spain was simply magnificent that night. They didnt give Germany a chance. Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets played blinders. The passing was as crisp and accurate as it's ever been. Germany were passed off the park with Spain reaching their first ever World Cup final thanks to a bullet header from Carlos Puyol. A flying ball of muscle and hair that the German defence left completely unmarked at a late corner. The country erupted. The real Spain had come to town. Just when it mattered most.

Then the final. Spain v Holland. Not a great match, thanks largely to some unorthodox tackling from Mark Van Bommel and Nigel de Jong. Spain showed glimpses of their quality but by the end of 90 minutes it was Arjen Robben who was left to rue two failed one on ones with Iker Casillas. The first was a sensational stop from Iker. For me it was as important if not more so than the late winner that would be provided by little Andres Iniesta. Extra time was simply unbearable. Penalites loomed, until sub Cesc Fabregas slipped in Iniesta and the rest is history. Literally. Spains first ever World Cup triumph. The first time a European team has won the World Cup outside of Europe. In a repeat of Vienna two summers ago Iker Casillas stood reached to the skies with silverware (or should it be goldenware) in his hands. What a moment for Spanish Football.

I was lucky enough to watch the match in Cádiz. Was an unbelievable atmosphere with everyone, myself included, treating themselves to a post-match dip in the sea once the trophy had been passed over by Señor Blatter. Then the party really kicked in as it suddenly hit home that Spain had actually won the World Cup. An unforgettable night. Yesterday saw the squad wind their way through a fan-filled Madrid before Pepe Reina, Spains very own master of ceremonies, took to the mike infront of thousands of fans in what is becoming a biannual celebration. Too much to say, too little time, but I hope you all enjoyed what turned out to be a fantastic World Cup. Only a few weeks and we'll have La Liga back in action ;) Some videos for you to enjoy including the highlights of the final, Ikers special post-match kiss with girlfriend/journalist Sara Carbonera and Pepe Reinas fantastic introduction to Spain 2010.

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 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)

Spain World Cup pre-squad announced by Vicente del Bosque

Today Vicente del Bosque announced his Spain pre-squad of thirty for the World Cup in South Africa and it included a few little surprises. David de Gea and Victor Valdes were named among the five keepers, with Cesar Azpilicueta of Osasuna, Javi Martinez of Athletic Bilbao and Pedro of Barcelona named among the outfield players. Del Bosque has done well up to now, although the tough task will come on the 1st of June, when he will be required to chop seven names from the list. Two of those names will inevitably be goalkeepers, with Diego Lopez, Victor Valdes and David de Gea all battling it out for the third goalkeeping spot. Although Valdes would be equally worthy of a spot, my money is on De Gea to make it. The experience will be invaluable for a young man who many expect to take up Iker Casillas' mantel once the Real Madrid shotstopper calls it a day. Elsewhere, barring any injuries, the battle for positions are likely to be between:

Marchena v Azpilicueta (I'd take Azpilicueta, Spain are more than covered at centre-back and Marchena has never impressed me), Sergio Busquets v Javi Martinez (my vote goes to Martinez) and then a mammoth four-way battle between Alvaro Negredo, Santi Cazorla, Pedro and Dani Güiza for the final striking position. After a shocking debut season for Negredo at Sevilla, a year plagued with injury for Cazorla and with Güiza hardly setting the world alight over in Turkey, Pedro surely deserves his chance after another rampaging season for Barca. It all depends on whether Del Bosque goes for tried and trusted or up and coming talent waiting for their moment to break onto the world stage...a la Rooney-Euro 2004.

Spain pre-squad of 30 for South Africa World Cup:

GOALKEEPERS: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid) David De Gea (Atletico Madrid) Diego López (Villareal CF) José Reina (Liverpool FC) Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona)

DEFENDERS: Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid) Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid) César Azpilicueta ( Osasuna) Joan Capdevila (Villarreal CF) Carlos Marchena (Valencia CF) Gerard Pique (FC Barcelona) Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

MIDFIELDERS: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid) Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona) Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal) Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona) Javier Martínez (Athletic Bilbao) Marcos Senna (Villarreal CF) David Silva (Valencia CF) Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona)

FORWARDS: Santi Cazorla (Villarreal CF) Jesús Navas (Sevilla FC) Juan Mata (Valencia CF) Pedro Rodríguez (FC Barcelona) Dani Güiza (Fenerbache) Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao) Alvaro Negredo(Sevilla FC) Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC) David Villa (Valencia CF)

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.

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.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Abs and the Match-Fixing Scandal

You know there's something going on when the headline story in the press is that Cristiano Ronaldo does 3000 sit-ups a day. It comes hot on the heels of an investigation being opened by UEFA on 300 players interspersed between the top four divisions of Spanish football, with allegations of illegal betting and match fixing. Some might think that the Spanish FA would want to mask this with a petty story about their most marketable asset. Other might believe they are diverting attention away from the newly crowned winner of the Ballon D'or, Lionel Messi, and towards someone who can rake in the euros. I like to think they are simply offering sound advice on how to get some rock-solid abs.

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On the day that Atlético Madrid announced a debt of over €200 million, it has been reported that the club is willing to worsen an already shocking backline by signing that big Swiss oaf, Phillipe Senderos. Fresh from rejection at Arsenal, where he was even behind Mikael Silvestre in the pecking order, he would fit in perfectly at a club where defending is actively frowned upon.

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Big day tomorrow as we'll discover exactly who will be playing who in the World Cup group stages in South Africa next summer. Vicente del Bosque wants his Spain side to avoid Ivory Coast, United States, Ghana, Chile and Portugal. Interesting to see he ignored France.

UEFA Europa League Result - 03.12.09

Austria Vienna 0 - 3 Athletic Bilbao (Llorente 19, San José 61, Llorente 103)

(Athletic Bilbao qualify from their group) 

FIFA World Cup 2010 Draw and Laporta on the Lash

Today brought the Spanish national side some good news and some potentially bad news. The good news is that Spain will go into fridays World Cup draw as one of the eight top seeds. Hardly surprising. The bad news is that both France and Portugal have missed out and are therefore possible group opponents for the Euro 2008 winners. It obviously wouldn't be ideal to draw either of those two fallen giants, but I can't see Spain having too much trouble disposing of either of them. In terms of truely world class talent going forward, Portugal have Cristiano Ronaldo, maybe Simao, and little more, whilst France have Frank Ribery and an ageing Thierry Henry.

On a lighter note, did anyone else find those photos of Barcelona president Joan Laporta out on the razz hilarious? The photos are from a party that followed the 1-0 victory over Real Madrid on sunday. Allegations were banded around once the photos were published, not least because he is shown in a compromising pose with a saucy young lady in one. But several journalists rushed to his aid, stating that his partner and close friends were also in attendance. Never been a big fan of his, but that photo with the cigar is legendary. Good work Joan.

You can find further photos of Joans night out at an honourary facebook page dedicated to the occasion: Laportas night out

France v Ireland: 'Le Hand of God' - Who is to blame?

Short of writing off yesterdays match in favour of a replay, there is absolutely nothing that anyone can say or do that will make Irish players and fans feel any better. Even here in Spain we have the predictable public and media outcry after Thierry Henry handled the ball into his path to allow him to square it to Gallas for the winning goal. Emotions are running high and people want blood, especially those from the Emerald Isle. It was a gut-wrenching experience to see the Ireland team fall to their knees on the Parisian turf at the final whistle. They were cheated out of a chance to go to the World Cup through a penalty shootout, which at the end of the day was the least they deserved. As the witchhunt unfolds across the footballing world, fingers are being jabbed all over the place, but who is really to blame for this mess?


Monsieur Henry? The ex-gunner is getting an absolute pasting from fans and press all over the world. How could he do such a thing? How can anyone ever have any respect for this man again? Ban him from the World Cup! Absolute nonsense. Thierry cheated in the heat of the moment, but he has readily admitted he handled the ball. You cannot condone what he did, nor his overelaborate celebrations after, but had Robbie Keane done the same I am sure the Irish would have taken it: it's the harsh reality of the matter. Besides, what can he do once the goal has been allowed? NOT GUILTY (But poor show Thierry)

The Referee? Martin Hansson must have feared the worst when he tucked himself into bed last night, and you can only imagine the relief when he saw the morning papers full of stories about FIFA and Henry. Not only did the French striker handle the ball but two attacking players were offside when the free kick came in. How could he and his team miss all that? Was it some form of unconscious compensation after denying France a contentious penalty shout moments earlier? The truth is they cocked up big time, and when all is said and done the goal was allowed by him and him only. Of course it was a human error on his part, he's not the devil reincarnated, but in most professions you get the boot if you don't do your job properly. There are reports that the press in his home country Sweden have called for him to be banned from international refereeing, and I have to say I support that recommendation. GUILTY.

FIFA? Michel Platini and his jolly band of FIFA comissioners are looking as clueless and ineffective as ever. The argument over cameras in football has been raging for some time and their abject failure to make a firm decision either way is only serving to fan the flames. I can't really understand the arguments against camera technology, such as those that state cameras would slow the game down; players feign injury and waste time for fun. I even lean slightly towards the notion that football wouldn't be as entertaining without these faux pas. But having an assistant sat next to a screen who can make a decision in a split second and relay any foul play or poor decisions to the ref if requested wouldn't do the game any harm. But arguments aside, if it's a no for cameras, FIFA should say no and close the matter. Otherwise get on and do something about it. And this is before we even start with their farcical decision to seed the playoffs which was a disgraceful attempt to maximise FIFA profits. GUILTY.

There are calls to replay the match from the Irish FA, but as much as I'd like to see it happen, it would open a whole can of worms that probably isn't worth going into and FIFA would never have the nerve to allow it. The controversy will roar on, but when the dust settles it will be France travelling to South Africa and Ireland watching it at home. As people search for a scapegoat, Thierry Henry is an easy target for a media storm caused by inaction from FIFA and a sub-standard ref. Yes, he committed the crime but it is those who let him get away with it who are more culpable.

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)

FIFA World Cup Pools Drawn Up - Spain in Pool A.

Today FIFA unveiled the pools which will be used when they draw the groups on the 4th December in Cape Town. There are still six spots to be decided with the European and Central/South American playoffs still needing to complete the second leg, and in Africa we await the extraordinary sudden death playoff between Eygpt and Algeria after their finished completely tied in their group: surely a first for World Cup Qualifying history.

The exact make-up of the pools can change depending on who wins in the playoffs; If Ireland get past France and Portugal beat Bosnia then they will swap pools. Likewise if Uruguay get knocked out by Costa Rica, the scenario would be that the USA or Mexico would swap places with the Costa Ricans.

Dream Group:
Spain
Switzerland
Paraguay
New Zealand

Group of Death
Spain
Holland
Ivory Coast
Mexico

Here are the pools: (Agree or Disagree with groups chosen above?)

Ten Reasons why Spain will win the World Cup

Spain will travel to South Africa next summer as many people's favourite for the tournament, and rightly so. The national side are currently untouchable and in the middle of an incredible run of internationals in which they have lost only one match in 43. The team ooze confidence with every touch and having dispatched of an Argentina side short on confidence but full of fight and quality, they will fear no-one. But what is the secret behind Spain's winning formula? All will be explained as I give my ten reasons why Spain will win the World Cup.

1. St Iker: Any side that aspires to win football's greatest prize needs a world class goalkeeper on top of his game. Italy had Buffon in 2006, and for South Africa 2010 read Iker Casillas. The Madrid stopper is considered Spain's finest keeper of all time; lightning reactions, in command of his area and solid with his feet; he has it all. In the Bernabeu they call him 'San Iker', and after saving their skin on literally hundreds of occasions, you do begin to if there are any extra-terrestrial powers hidden within those gloves.

2. For club and country: Right across the Spanish first eleven you will find pockets of players that ply their trade together at club level, and that understanding is irreplaceable. In defence you have Pique and Puyol from Barca, in midfield Xavi and Iniesta (and Sergio Busquets when Senna isn't available) and upfront; Villa and Silva from Valencia. They all know each other so well they have developed an almost telepathic understanding, and instantly transform club form onto the international stage.

3. Euro Euforia: For years Spain had gone into tournaments among the favourites, only to disappoint time and time again. Them and England had mastered the art of crashing out in the quarter-finals. But Euro 2008 changed all that. Whilst England didnt even manage to qualify, Spain waltzed their way to Vienna and defeated the Germans to lift the Euro 2008 trophy. They have finally discarded the 'Perennial Underachievers' tag that had plagued them for so long; now for the World Cup.

4. Villa Maravilla: Is their a more lethal marksmen in the game right now than David Villa? Right now only Eto'o and Luis Fabiano for Brazil comes close. The other pretender will be lining up right next to him; Fernando Torres. Villa was a revelation in Euro 2008, scoring 4 in 4 to send Spain rocketing towards the final, finishing the tournament as top scorer. Unfortunately for the Valencia hotshot he was unable to play against the Germans due to injury, but he will be raring to put that right in South Africa. The striker has 33 goals for Spain, and has scored three goals already in a World Cup: he has to be a solid bet for topscorer in 2010's showpiece.

5. Superstylin: Is there an international team that plays with the same panache and flair than Spain right now? The answer has to be a resounding no. Spain have won over the world with their characteristic incisive, one-touch passing. They score goals for fun, as their qualifying group rivals will testify. They run rings round teams, grinding them into submission, almost toying with their opposition at times. They have a settled first eleven and fixed formations for any given circumstance or fixture. Teams just cannot get the ball off them, and as any wily football coach will tell you: you cant score goals if you don't have the ball.

6. Fight with Flair: As mentioned above we all knew about Spain's flair, but as yesterdays friendly against Argentina showed, they're not afraid to get stuck in. Argentina came out in the second half with a gameplan to get stuck into Spain's miniature midfield men. Masherano and Gago set about Xavi, Iniesta and Alonso with a ruthlessness one would expect from a team led by Diego Maradona. But Spain gave as good as they got, and never lost their heads in the heat of the battle. Villa, Alonso, Xavi and co. showed they can fight fire with fire, and Spain ended up putting the Argentinians to bed. This bodes well for a World Cup where teams will have no choice but to bully Spain.

7. Supersubs: When Cesc Fabregas, Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina and Alvaro Negredo find it difficult to break into the first eleven, you know you´re dealing with a special group of players. They have world-class players as back-up in all departments: Senna gets injured, in comes Busquets. Silva needs a rest, let's bring on Juan Mata. Third choice stiker Negredo feels like a breather? Bring on La Liga's top scorer from 2008, Dani Güiza. Incredible.

8. Mixing it up: The Spanish have a fantastic mix of wise old heads and spriteful youth. Players like Puyol, Casillas, Xavi and Senna have been there and done it. The younger players such as Iniesta, Silva and Cesc were all part of the Euro 2008 winning team, so nothing will phase them next year. And with some cracking youth coming through in the shape of Jesus Navas, Juan Mata, Pablo Hernandez and Nacho Monreal, Spain are in a fantastic position to let them loose in friendlies before next summer.

9. Anybody out there?  Who are realistic challengers to Spain's assault on South Africa? Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France and Germany are the usual suspects. England and Holland will make a splash,  but you can normally rely on those already mentioned to mount the more serious challenges. Spain have beaten them all in the last two years, with the exception of Brazil, and we were denied our opportunity to see them pit their wits against each other at the Confederations Cup due to an unexpected giantkilling from USA. Man for man, I would put my 10euros on Spain, but in no way should one underestimate the Brazilians, who always seem to wheel out the performances for the big occasions.

10. It's their turn! Brazil, Argentina, Italy, France and Germany have all won the thing, so it has to be Spain's turn, right? France proved you can win a World Cup and European Championship in succession with their double in 1998 and 2000, so Spain shouldn't feel overawed by the prospect. World Cups are naturally difficult to predict, and anything can happen in 90 minutes of knock-out football. But I've already made my prediction, and if 'La Roja' manage to shake off the burden of expectation and turn it on in South Africa, the trophy will surely be heading to Barajas Airport on July 12th 2010.

World Cup Playoffs Preview 14.11.09

As New Zealand celebrate their return to a World Cup 28 years later, ten sides will be looking to secure their own route into next years tournament as the first legs of the World Cup Playoffs in Europe and South/Central America kick off tonight. Portugal will want to prove to the world that they can cope without the influential Cristiano Ronaldo as they take on a confident Bosnia side in Lisbon, whereas the pressure is also on Raymond Domenech as France look to escape unscathed from a tricky away tie in Dublin with the Republic of Ireland. Elsewhere in Europe Greece play host to Ukraine and Slovenia travel to Russia. Across the Atlantic Uruguay will face Costa Rica in the CONMEBOL/CONCACAF playoff.


ASIAN PLAYOFF: New Zealand 1 - 0 Bahrain (New Zealand qualify for World Cup with 1-0 aggregate score)

Russia - Slovenia (5pm)
Greece - Ukraine (7pm)
Republic of Ireland - France (9pm)
Portugal - Bosnia (9.30pm)

Costa Rica - Uruguay (3am)

(All kick-off times GMT+1)