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Spain Euro 2012 profile: Review of Spain’s team, coach and more
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How Spain qualified for Euro 2012
Giants Spain had to play against Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Scotland and the Czech Republic in the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifiers. The Spaniards enjoyed positive run which included 4-0 and 6-0 wins against Liechtenstein.
With 24 points from 8 games, Spain secured automatic tickets to this summer’s competition. However, the road was not as smooth as numbers may suggest.
Scotland threatened Spain’s perfect record when both teams met in Glasgow in October 2010. A 58th minute strike from Naismith and a 67th minute own goal from Gerard Pique cancelled Spain’s 2-0 lead. However, Fernando Llorente rescued his side with a winner 11 minutes from time.
Barcelona vs Chelsea: Catalans to exhibit the power of optimism in doable mission
Since Pep Guardiola took over as coach at the club, the Catalans have turned into football’s most powerful troop on the field. Led by Champions League top scorer Lionel Messi in front, Barcelona have absolutely no problem when it comes to scoring goals and tightening their defence at the same time.Impeccable techniques and a very strong mentality had initially made Barcelona look as favourites to grab the treble this season for the second time under their current tactician. The treble dream was meritoriously kept alive until last weekend – when Barca saw the gap at the top of La Liga table get expanded to seven points.
For many fans as well as Guardiola himself, this marked the end of their quest for the 2011-12 Liga title. Irrefutably, it was a decent, aggressive and relentless performance from Real Madrid that allowed them to secure 3 valuable points at the Camp Nou on Saturday.
Chelsea vs Barcelona and Mourinho’s prediction: Are Barca sure Champions League finalists?
It was just after Real Madrid’s qualification into the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League that Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho began what appeared to be mind games with rival Pep Guardiola, as he downgraded Chelsea’s status by overly elevating the Catalans prior to their meeting at the Stamford Bridge.
“It could be Bayern or Barcelona,” the BBC quoted him saying. “I just don't think it will be Real Madrid v Chelsea and we know why.”
"Barcelona aren't the favourites, they are super-favourites."
Such a statement – especially from a football personality as experienced as Jose Mourinho – cannot be instantly substantiated. One can even question the level of sincerity behind this statement.
Exaggeration of opinion? Perhaps, but it is easier to believe that the Real Madrid manager was simply trying to make one or several points implicitly.
Barcelona and the Pep Guardiola romance: Why the coach must renew his contract
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The extension of a contract for successful professionals often comes with the fear of climbing too high only to fail or of driving for too long only for the engine to burn into flames. Pep Guardiola’s record at the Camp Nou is so fantastic that one would advise him to quickly put an end to it on a magnificent note.
However, there’s a romantic bond between Barcelona and Pep Guardiola. Let’s just say that the relationship between both sides is meant to be an issue of “for better, for worse”. In this case, why should the manager even think twice before accepting or refusing the club’s contract extension offer?
Barcelona vs Osasuna: The game will not be easy, says Guardiola
Barcelona destroyed Osasuna 8-0 in a league match on 17 September 2011 at the Camp Nou. The two clubs once again face each other in Cataluña, but Guardiola is not even eyeing an easy challenge.“That was a long time ago,” he said while referring to his side’s major triumph over Los Rojillos. “The situation has changed.”
Preferring to look at his mission in its entirety, he added: “This is a 180-minute match and we have to try to get a good result.”
Indeed, good results are just what Barcelona need if they are to get through their busy schedule this month with satisfaction. Using the team’s key players wisely is the central idea of Guardiola’s plan, but he has yet to decide whether Lionel Messi will perform tonight or not.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Players to watch and El Clasico comparisons
Yes, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have their strengths and weaknesses. Thus, when it comes to naming the true favourites, it is largely a matter of management.
Certainly, trying to determine who has the best players only raises issues of personal taste. It is not wrong however to assess both teams’ positives and weight their advantages along with their expectations. This puts into question the form and aim of each key player in El Clasico.
All 22 active players on the field after the referee’s opening whistle will surely be ready to put on a good show for a million reasons. But then, each player will be having his challenges; and one could identify these challenges as the results of both teams’ close standards - which eventually increases the excitement ahead of El Clasico in the Spanish capital.
Real Madrid vs Barcelona Preview
Thankfully for the public, this titanic clash is coming at a right time. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona are fresh from a series of successive victories in all competitions. There have been no major injury report so far. El Clasico’s top stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi Hernandez are all fit. Carlos Puyol is even expected to take part in the match after racing against time to be fit enough. The biggest name who may not be given a big role this weekend is David Villa. The striker is seriously struggling to find consistency.
At Real Madrid, the issue is different. The attackers are all in good form. Higuain, Callejon and Benzema have a multitude of goals between them in all competitions this season. Now Jose Mourinho is facing a headache over his starting XI selection.
Messi: I am not the best but Pep is phenomenal and Barca has changed football
In an interview with Onze ahead of Barcelona’s enticing fixture away to AC Milan, the talisman shared his humble opinion with the public, stating:“I don't consider myself the best in the world. If I am what they say, I repeat, it is thanks to my team-mates. We have done all this work together.”
Messi, who is a hot favorite to win the 2011 FIFA Ballon d’Or award, is in top form this season as well. However, many pundits believe his greatness is down to the influence of Spanish midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta. Lionel Messi had special comments for the duo:
England to face real challenge in Spain friendly as Del Bosque names strong squad
Vicente del Bosque is taking the clash very seriously as his squad lists shows it. The goalkeeping positions have been shared between Iker Casillas, Victor Valdes and Pepe Reina whereas the entire man-squad is, in majority, a blend of Real Madrid and Barcelona players. Andres Iniesta returns to La Roja and he is set to partner in midfield with Xavi Hernandez. Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Sergio Busquets, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique are the other Barcelona-based stars that have been called up by Vicente del Bosque for the England vs Spain matchup.
In-control Barcelona poised to reaffirm their strength against Sevilla
“What Madrid can do, Barca can do better,” pro-Catalans believe. “Barca play very well and win titles,” Cruyff said this week “but Real Madrid play well and crash in El Clasico” added football fans. On Tuesday, Los Blancos made things so easy against French giants Olympique Lyon to maintain their perfect record in the UEFA Champions League. At the delight of the home crowd, Real Madrid scored 4 goals and kept a clean sheet to steal the show on the night.
Considering the size and inexperience of Viktoria Plzen, Los Blancos’ rivals Barcelona were expected to do "better" by banging a flurry of goals in the net of Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday night. The Catalans did not respond to this expectation. Still, they ran away with 3 massive points to keep pace with Group H leaders AC Milan.
Barcelona’s Iniesta expecting glorious Milan match with or without Ibra
“It’s a pity that he can’t play. He’s a great player and you always want to play against good players,” Iniesta explained at a press conference on Monday. “He really wanted to come and play and it’s a shame he can’t make it. However, I don’t think that takes anything away from the game which should be fantastic.”
After all, Iniesta regards the entire AC Milan team as a fantastic one. He reminded Barcelona fans that the Catalans may not have a walk in the park on Tuesday night. Speaking about the Rossoneri, the 3-time UEFA Champions League winner stated:
Barcelona vs FC Porto: Team news, players to watch & lost stars ahead of the UEFA Super Cup 2011
Barcelona last participated in the annual contest in 2009, when they narrowly edged past then-Europa League winners Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 in extra time thanks to a Pedro goal. For FC Porto, one will have to go back in 2003 to recall their last appearance, which saw them lose by a goal to nil to then-Champions League title holders AC Milan.
Barca obtained their Super Cup tickets after defeating Manchester United 3-1 at the Wembley Stadium on28 May 2011, while the Dragons turned into their opponents subsequent to their 1-0 triumph in last season’s all-Portuguese Europa League final against Sporting Braga on May 18.
Certainly, the teams have enough weapons to hurt each othe. But somehow, it is Porto who appear to have the less advantage.
Champions League Final: 10 Things NOT To Predict In Barca Vs United
1) Lionel Messi Will Not Score - A simple statement that can easily be outdrove by simple statistics. 52 goals in 54 matches for Barcelona this season virtually speaks for himself. And considering that the Argentinean has previously scored against Manchester United, the possibilities are certainly endless when Messi meets United.
2) Darron Gibson To Snatch The Winner - Darron Gibson's popularity level within the United fans can be demonstrated by the 'twitter incident' that took place last month or so. Gibson created a twitter account, only to shut it down after a few hours following terrible outbursts from United fanatics over his capabilities. If you really want to bet something on Gibson, then at least predict that he will be left out of the matchday squad at Wembley. Now that's something realistic.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid Report
After their 2-0 first leg victory at the Bernabeu, Barca earned a 3-1 aggregate victory in a bad tempered affair over two legs.Pedro opened the scoring for Barcelona, before Marcelo fired home an equalizer for Los Blancos. Real tried desperately to make the aggregate score closer but spent long spells chasing possession as Barcelona closed out the win n style.
Real started the game strongly with Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo looking particularly threatening. Lionel Messi threatened at the other end for Barca and as the game went on Xavi and Andres Iniesta began to keep possession in familiar fashion.
Barcelona vs Real Madrid: Iniesta & Abidal Back, Madrid Without Pepe & Ramos
Barcelona Team News
The Blaugrana welcome back Andres Iniesta who missed out on the first leg of this UEFA Champions League semi-final tie due to injury. But the big info is that Eric Abidal is set to make his first appearance on Barcelona’s bench as Pep Guardiola confirmed during Monday’s press conference:
“We have a guy who’s had cancer and who is now back with us. Medically, he is perfectly okay. He has lost weight and he’s not ready to play a full match yet.
“However, when the fans will come along, they will see him on the bench and they’ll give him a great reception. We are all very happy about that.”
Real Madrid vs Barcelona & Eight Money Facts Ahead Of El Clasico 2011
Welcome to Saturday’s showdown between the team that has it all when it comes to money and the team that rests most on their home products. What could we be talking about but Saturday’s Real Madrid vs Barcelona match at the Santiago Bernabeu?
It’s El Clasico time! Eventually, Live Soccer TV gives you an opportunity to know 8 interesting facts about the differences that exists between Florentino Perez’s and La Masia-inspired Barcelona.
Real Madrid-Barcelona: Octopuses Predict No Defeat For Real, 5-0 Loss Ruled Out
Paul the Octopus is believed to have died earlier this year but some of his cousins in the animal world are trying to maintain his accurate predictions legacy. In Spain, two octopuses named Iker and Iniesta have giving their opinion ahead of El Clasico this weekend. Two boxes – one representing Real Madrid and the other representing Barcelona – were presented to the sea creatures with food inside. News agency AFP reported that Octopus Iker ate the food contained in both boxes, meaning that El Clasico will end in a draw.
Octopus Iniesta, however, only consumed the fish put in the Real Madrid box – meaning that the Spanish giants will carry the day on Saturday. Ironically, that octopus shares the same name as Barca’s Iniesta.
Champions League: Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona & 5 Statistical Facts
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Barcelona
• Lionel Messi leads the UEFA Champions League’s top scorers chart with 8 goals like Mario Gomez of Bayern Munich and Samuel Eto’o of Internazionale but the Argentine has the upper hand since – like Bayern – Inter are expected to crash out of Europe.
• No Shakhtar Donetsk or Barcelona player has sustained a red card since the start of the 2011 UEFA Champions League’s campaign.
• Thomas Hubschman of Shakhtar Donetsk, and Barcelona’s Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta are among the many players to have picked up as much as 3 yellow cards so far. The yellow cards chart is led by Schalke’s Farfan, Inter’s Chivu and Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos.
Andres Iniesta: It's Only A Matter Of Time Before Torres Starts Scoring
Fernando Torres has barely made any impact at Chelsea since his big money move from Liverpool, not scoring a single goal despite already going into his third month at Stamford Bridge. However, Iniesta has praised El Nino by stating that it is only a matter of time before the Spaniard explodes into goal-scoring form at Chelsea.Iniesta said: "Fernando is doing really well. It's clear that strikers live to score, but in Granada he gave us plenty of things which people don't see such as hard work, helping defend and allowing others the space to play.
Barcelona-Arsenal Controversy: London Sides, Barca’s Weakness (With Highlights)
Barcelona 3-1 Arsenal: The Referee And Robin Van Persie
A 1-0 win at the Camp Nou for Barcelona would have been enough for Pep Guardiola’s men to eliminate Arsenal from the UEFA Champions League. Yet, the Spanish giants got an even better score line—although not in the purest manner.
Still, assimilating the idea that the Catalans cheated remains a very delicate thing which should only be done after the discovery of convincing evidences; and looking at yesterday’s match, there was no way anyone could brand the hosts as “the cheaters” (see first leg controversy). Certainly not, but perhaps, the English media are allowed to believe that—by thwarting Arsenal—Referee Massimo Busacca made sure the end result fell in Barcelona’s favour.