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.

LIECHTENSTEIN 0 - 4 SPAIN: Torres double helps Spain see off minnows

Fernando Torres enjoyed a goalscoring return to form as Spain routed Liechtenstein in their Euro 2012 qualifying opener in Vaduz. Two goals of the highest order sandwiched David Villas 43rd international goal (just one behind Raul now) with David Silva jumping off the bench to slot in Spains fourth. The world champions set themselves on route to retaining their Euro 2008 triumph with a typically classy exhibition, running rings around a determined but limited Liechtenstein. Indeed if it hadn't been for a stubborn display from home keeper Peter Jehle, several spurned opportunities and the intervention of the crossbar late on, Spain and David Villa could have been celebrating yet more goals. Liechtenstein coach, Hans Zaugg, remarked after the match that Spain are the footballing version of perfection. Yes they are Hans.

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 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)

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 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.