Posts tagged la roja
will the deep-rooted problems in spanish football boil over?
Lighting up La Ciudad del Futbol in Las Rozas - a municipality near Madrid and the home of the RFEF - are two European Championships, one World Cup and countless trophies from under-age successes. Domestically there’s the small matter of Real Madrid and Barcelona too, the two teams who were pretty much solely responsible for FIFA’s team of the year and who’s regular meetings - known as El Clasico - regularly draw millions of viewers worldwide.
200 words on carlos marchena
Depor have a new man in town. An experienced man. A man with a proud record. Carlos Marchena.
200 words on oliver torres
There is a deep-rooted irony in the words that follow. Firstly we’re going to draw your attention to the talent of Oliver Torres, then we’re going to be the ones to tell you not to pin high expectations on his young shoulders. Yet.
Paco Alcacer. What an impact this young man continues to have off the bench. In last year’s final he scored two as Espana were crowned U19 European Champions. Against Estonia a few days ago he scored a golazo (see below). Then there was tonight.
Gerard Deulofeu scored twice before tucking away the winning penalty and Kepa Arrizabalaga saved two spot kicks, but it was Alcacer who left us purring.
He arrived at 1-0 to the French. He perfectly weighted a pass for Deulofeu to level, he fantastically put Spain ahead and then sent Deulofeu clear again for what looked like an extra time winner. In the shoot out, the Valencia forward- obviously- didn’t miss from twelve yards.
Were you watching Mauricio Pellegrino? This kid needs game time at the Mestalla next season.
Spain meet Greece in the final on Sunday night.
Goooolazo! Paco Alcacer scores the second as Spain beat Estonia 2-0 this afternoon. And a tasty goal it was too. The win, coupled with Portugal’s defeat to Greece, means ‘Mini La Roja’ qualify for the semi-finals as group winners.
Also see: five players to watch in estonia.
Espana sub19’s got their European Championships off to the perfect start with a 2-1 win against Greece this afternoon. Jese Rodriguez and Derik Osede, both of Real Madrid scored the goals. Spain were 2-0 up by half time, with Barcelona’s impressive Gerard Deulofeu involved in both goals. Greece tried to come back in the second half, most notably when Oliver Torres exited the action. The Atleti youngster (pictured) was immense in midfield. His passing and vision made him the stand out player, we’re a bit embarrassed he wasn’t in our five to watch!
five reasons why spain ain’t boring…
ONE: If you do not appreciate Andres Iniesta ask yourself this, do you appreciate football? In some parts of the world he largely lies in the shadow cast by Lionel Messi in the Camp Nou. But those that watch him regularly know what he brings to a side. Everything about him this tournament has been- Lineker are you ready?- siiick. And not just Iniesta, the technique possessed throughout the Spain squad is something to make us, at futbolgrande HQ, drool. But yes, we are subjective. Probably!
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