The Barcelona midfielder, who scored two international goals and who won the World Cup with Spain in 2010 and the European Championship two years later, wrote on Instagram: "I would like to announce that after almost 15 years and 143 matches, the moment has arrived to bid farewell to the national team."
Busquets made his debut for La Roja against Turkey in April 2009 and went on to make 143 appearances, behind only Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos in the country’s history.
The 34-year-old captained Spain in each of their four games at the World Cup in Qatar, missing a penalty in the shootout as Luis Enrique’s side were knocked out by Morocco at the last-16 stage.
In the Instagram post, Busquets paid tribute to the variety of people involved in his successful Spain career.
"I would like to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this long road," he wrote.
Busquets made his debut for La Roja against Turkey in April 2009 and went on to make 143 appearances, behind only Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos in the country’s history.
The 34-year-old captained Spain in each of their four games at the World Cup in Qatar, missing a penalty in the shootout as Luis Enrique’s side were knocked out by Morocco at the last-16 stage.
In the Instagram post, Busquets paid tribute to the variety of people involved in his successful Spain career.
"I would like to thank all the people who have accompanied me on this long road," he wrote.
- 12/16/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Considered by many the best football player of all times, Lionel Messi was appointed by the Un World Tourism Organization (Unwto) as its Ambassador for Responsible Tourism, after the match F.C. Barcelona – Leganés.
Unwto Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, appointed Messi as Unwto Ambassador for Responsible Tourism
“During my travels I have had the opportunity to know other cultures and societies as well as others ways to see the world and this is very enriching. The World Tourism Organization as a specialized Agency of the United Nations works to make tourism a source of development and I am happy I can join this mission of promoting responsible tourism”, said Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi is an example of talent and constant work in football. Messi is admired all around the world not the least due to the positioning he brought to the F.C. Barcelona in recent years, team with which he won a total of 30 titles,...
Unwto Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, appointed Messi as Unwto Ambassador for Responsible Tourism
“During my travels I have had the opportunity to know other cultures and societies as well as others ways to see the world and this is very enriching. The World Tourism Organization as a specialized Agency of the United Nations works to make tourism a source of development and I am happy I can join this mission of promoting responsible tourism”, said Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi is an example of talent and constant work in football. Messi is admired all around the world not the least due to the positioning he brought to the F.C. Barcelona in recent years, team with which he won a total of 30 titles,...
- 4/17/2018
- Look to the Stars
Jose Breton/Cordon Press/Corbis
Arsenal’s chances of signing Celta Vigo forward Nolito have improved after new reports suggest Barcelona have cooled their interest in acquiring him.
Nolito’s excellent form for his club this season, where he has scored 8 times and contributed 5 assists in just 15 games, led to many in Barcelona to call him the favourite to provide forward back-up to the immense La Ligo trio of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
However, according to reports in the Mundo Deportivo, the €18 million fee Celta Vigo have slapped on their star man will prove to be too pricey for the La Liga champions, for whom Nolito was briefly on the books and made two appearances for the Catalan giants in the 2010/11 season, before being sold to Benfica.
© Cordon Press/Corbis
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has this week also claimed that Arsenal will be put off from Nolito’s fee,...
Arsenal’s chances of signing Celta Vigo forward Nolito have improved after new reports suggest Barcelona have cooled their interest in acquiring him.
Nolito’s excellent form for his club this season, where he has scored 8 times and contributed 5 assists in just 15 games, led to many in Barcelona to call him the favourite to provide forward back-up to the immense La Ligo trio of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
However, according to reports in the Mundo Deportivo, the €18 million fee Celta Vigo have slapped on their star man will prove to be too pricey for the La Liga champions, for whom Nolito was briefly on the books and made two appearances for the Catalan giants in the 2010/11 season, before being sold to Benfica.
© Cordon Press/Corbis
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has this week also claimed that Arsenal will be put off from Nolito’s fee,...
- 12/24/2015
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Peter Dejong/AP
Newcastle United’s pursuit of Malaga’s Juanmi looks set to end in disappointment after it was revealed Southampton are on the verge of completing a £5 million deal for the Spanish international.
The 22-year-old has had a mightily impressive season over in Spain and has attracted the attention of a number of suitors from the Premier League. So much so that Hitc Sport believed the player’s agent is currently on a tour of the UK and has already contacted representatives from Newcastle.
The forward made 28 La Liga appearances for Los Boqerones last season, scoring eight goals and was handed his full Spain debut by Vicente Del Bosque earlier this year. It was rumoured that the former Racing Santander man was going to cost United somewhere in the region of £5-7 million.
Newcastle certainly seem to be on the trail for more fire power to help the...
Newcastle United’s pursuit of Malaga’s Juanmi looks set to end in disappointment after it was revealed Southampton are on the verge of completing a £5 million deal for the Spanish international.
The 22-year-old has had a mightily impressive season over in Spain and has attracted the attention of a number of suitors from the Premier League. So much so that Hitc Sport believed the player’s agent is currently on a tour of the UK and has already contacted representatives from Newcastle.
The forward made 28 La Liga appearances for Los Boqerones last season, scoring eight goals and was handed his full Spain debut by Vicente Del Bosque earlier this year. It was rumoured that the former Racing Santander man was going to cost United somewhere in the region of £5-7 million.
Newcastle certainly seem to be on the trail for more fire power to help the...
- 6/15/2015
- by Ross Tweddell
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Juan Mata is today expected to complete his £37 million move to Manchester United after completing a standard medical procedure and agreeing personal terms on his move from Chelsea.
The midfielder has endured a difficult time of things recently, having not played in the Premier League since New Year’s Day after falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
The Spain international has had to accept a bit-part role with the Blues in recent months, which was especially damaging for his World Cup hopes this summer.
However, his transfer to the Red Devils will boost not only his chances of making Vicente del Bosque’s final 23-man squad but also a United side on their knees.
The battered Premier League champions are desperately crying out for someone like Mata after dropping out of the Fa Cup, League Cup and title race.
Their labouring midfield will be rejuvenated, it is hoped,...
Juan Mata is today expected to complete his £37 million move to Manchester United after completing a standard medical procedure and agreeing personal terms on his move from Chelsea.
The midfielder has endured a difficult time of things recently, having not played in the Premier League since New Year’s Day after falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho.
The Spain international has had to accept a bit-part role with the Blues in recent months, which was especially damaging for his World Cup hopes this summer.
However, his transfer to the Red Devils will boost not only his chances of making Vicente del Bosque’s final 23-man squad but also a United side on their knees.
The battered Premier League champions are desperately crying out for someone like Mata after dropping out of the Fa Cup, League Cup and title race.
Their labouring midfield will be rejuvenated, it is hoped,...
- 1/24/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Manchester United have agreed a provisional deal with Chelsea to sign Juan Mata for £40 million, according to the Guardian.
However, the champions are yet to make a formal bid and any move still rests on Mata personally informing manager Jose Mourinho of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.
Negotiations between officials of the two Premier League heavyweights are at an advanced stage, and the transfer said to be “almost complete” by sources close to the discussions.
Despite the lack of an offer from United for Mata, Chelsea expect that situation to change imminently with less than a week remaining of the January transfer window.
Mata has found first team opportunities difficult to come by in west London this season and was left out of the Blue’s league win over United on Sunday.
The Spain star has made only 13 Premier League appearances this season – largely from the...
Manchester United have agreed a provisional deal with Chelsea to sign Juan Mata for £40 million, according to the Guardian.
However, the champions are yet to make a formal bid and any move still rests on Mata personally informing manager Jose Mourinho of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.
Negotiations between officials of the two Premier League heavyweights are at an advanced stage, and the transfer said to be “almost complete” by sources close to the discussions.
Despite the lack of an offer from United for Mata, Chelsea expect that situation to change imminently with less than a week remaining of the January transfer window.
Mata has found first team opportunities difficult to come by in west London this season and was left out of the Blue’s league win over United on Sunday.
The Spain star has made only 13 Premier League appearances this season – largely from the...
- 1/22/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Manchester United manager David Moyes may embark on ambitious spending in the January transfer window to reinvigorate the Old Trafford squad.
Boxing Day’s tabloids are full of speculations that the Red Devils could fork out as much as a total £85 million on new recruits. Those in the frame are Atletico Madrid playmaker Koke, Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus and Southampton skipper Adam Lallana.
The Daily Mirror reports that Moyes will launch a £30 million bid for Spain international Koke, 21, as soon as the window opens. United are light in midfielder with Marouane Fellaini sidelined.
Koke was part of the Spain Under-21 side that won the European Championships in Israel last summer. He has since been brought into the senior squad by La Roja coach Vicente Del Bosque.
German attacker Reus, 24, meanwhile could cost the Red Devils up to £40 million says The Daily Mail. He reached the Champions...
Manchester United manager David Moyes may embark on ambitious spending in the January transfer window to reinvigorate the Old Trafford squad.
Boxing Day’s tabloids are full of speculations that the Red Devils could fork out as much as a total £85 million on new recruits. Those in the frame are Atletico Madrid playmaker Koke, Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus and Southampton skipper Adam Lallana.
The Daily Mirror reports that Moyes will launch a £30 million bid for Spain international Koke, 21, as soon as the window opens. United are light in midfielder with Marouane Fellaini sidelined.
Koke was part of the Spain Under-21 side that won the European Championships in Israel last summer. He has since been brought into the senior squad by La Roja coach Vicente Del Bosque.
German attacker Reus, 24, meanwhile could cost the Red Devils up to £40 million says The Daily Mail. He reached the Champions...
- 12/26/2013
- by Jamie Clark
- Obsessed with Film
Arsenal have been put on alert after goalkeeper Iker Casillas suggested he could leave Real Madrid if he is unable to force his way back into the team, according to the Independent.
The 32-year-old found himself displaced by Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu last season under the reign of Jose Mourinho, though it was widely expected he would retain his place once the Special One returned to Chelsea.
However, that has not been the case with his successor Carlo Ancelotti also preferring Lopez with Casillas yet to make a single appearance in La Liga this term.
And the Spain captain, who has been at Madrid his entire career, has now hinted he could quit the club after growing frustrated by his spell on the sidelines.
He is reported to have told local media in Madrid:
“Players go through moments when if you are not playing a part you think about making some sort of decision.
The 32-year-old found himself displaced by Diego Lopez at the Bernabeu last season under the reign of Jose Mourinho, though it was widely expected he would retain his place once the Special One returned to Chelsea.
However, that has not been the case with his successor Carlo Ancelotti also preferring Lopez with Casillas yet to make a single appearance in La Liga this term.
And the Spain captain, who has been at Madrid his entire career, has now hinted he could quit the club after growing frustrated by his spell on the sidelines.
He is reported to have told local media in Madrid:
“Players go through moments when if you are not playing a part you think about making some sort of decision.
- 10/18/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Manchester United expect to sign Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona within the next few days after agreeing personal terms with the midfielder on a five-year contract, according to the Metro.
The 22-year old emerged as a transfer target for the Premier League champions earlier this month and a string of impressive performances at the U-21 European Championships, in which he scored a hat-trick in the final against Italy, have convinced new United manager David Moyes to make a move.
It is believed the ex-Everton boss has already thrashed out a £5 million-a-year contract with the player that will run until 2018, with just a fee left to be agreed.
The starlet has a £15 million buy-out clause until the end of August, temporarily reduced from Barça’s £77 million valuation.
This is because he only made first-team appearances in 60 per-cent of matches for the Spanish outfit last season.
Talks are expected to continue over the...
The 22-year old emerged as a transfer target for the Premier League champions earlier this month and a string of impressive performances at the U-21 European Championships, in which he scored a hat-trick in the final against Italy, have convinced new United manager David Moyes to make a move.
It is believed the ex-Everton boss has already thrashed out a £5 million-a-year contract with the player that will run until 2018, with just a fee left to be agreed.
The starlet has a £15 million buy-out clause until the end of August, temporarily reduced from Barça’s £77 million valuation.
This is because he only made first-team appearances in 60 per-cent of matches for the Spanish outfit last season.
Talks are expected to continue over the...
- 6/21/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Watch France vs Spain in the World Cup Qualifier Live with the stream below;
Venue: Stade de France Date: Tuesday, 26th March K/o: 8pm GMT Match Preview
France take on Spain tonight at the Stade de France in what is guaranteed to be the most mouth-watering World Cup qualifying clash of the evening, as top take on second in Group I, and we will have all the action in our special live stream starting from 8pm GMT.
Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus currently top the group with an impressive 10 points from a possible 12, while Vicente Del Bosque’s La Roja trail in second place with 8.
A win then for the reigning World and European Champions would see them leapfrog their rivals, while a win for the home side would see them stretch the gap at the top to an imperious 5 points with just three games remaining.
With just one team qualifying automatically from each group,...
Venue: Stade de France Date: Tuesday, 26th March K/o: 8pm GMT Match Preview
France take on Spain tonight at the Stade de France in what is guaranteed to be the most mouth-watering World Cup qualifying clash of the evening, as top take on second in Group I, and we will have all the action in our special live stream starting from 8pm GMT.
Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus currently top the group with an impressive 10 points from a possible 12, while Vicente Del Bosque’s La Roja trail in second place with 8.
A win then for the reigning World and European Champions would see them leapfrog their rivals, while a win for the home side would see them stretch the gap at the top to an imperious 5 points with just three games remaining.
With just one team qualifying automatically from each group,...
- 3/26/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Spain claimed their third successive major international title after winning Euro 2012 with a typically dominant performance over Italy in Kiev.
David Silva scored the first goal after only 14 minutes before Jordi Alba got forward from left-back to slot home the second in the first half.
Italy went down to 10 men in the second period when they lost Thiago Motta to injury and Spain took full control. First Fernando Torres and then Juan Mata scored goals to finish the match.
The Spanish started with their usual system of six midfielders, including the ever-consistent Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso. Italian manager Cesare Prandelli opted to start Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano in the hope that they could conjure up a similar performance to the one they gave against Germany.
Spain had the best of the opening exchanges, that mainly arrived via the feet of the outstanding Xavi. After 10 minutes the Barcelona play-maker...
David Silva scored the first goal after only 14 minutes before Jordi Alba got forward from left-back to slot home the second in the first half.
Italy went down to 10 men in the second period when they lost Thiago Motta to injury and Spain took full control. First Fernando Torres and then Juan Mata scored goals to finish the match.
The Spanish started with their usual system of six midfielders, including the ever-consistent Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso. Italian manager Cesare Prandelli opted to start Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano in the hope that they could conjure up a similar performance to the one they gave against Germany.
Spain had the best of the opening exchanges, that mainly arrived via the feet of the outstanding Xavi. After 10 minutes the Barcelona play-maker...
- 7/2/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
Spain take on Italy in tonight’s Euro 2012 final at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev. Kick-off time is at 7.45pm and the match will be screened live on BBC 1 and ITV 1.
Here’s the team news ahead of the game…
Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque needs to decide on whether to start with Alvaro Negredo after his display against Portugal on Wednesday or whether to recall Chelsea striker Fernando Torres to the starting line-up. Cesc Fabregas, scorer of the winning penalty against Portugal and who had probably his best game of the tournament, could also start if Del Bosque decides against selecting an out and out forward for the defending champions.
For Italy, Ignazio Abate is hoping to be fit again after missing the semi-final win against Germany with a hamstring problem, though if he isn’t some shifting will need to be done with Federico Balzaretti who switched...
Here’s the team news ahead of the game…
Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque needs to decide on whether to start with Alvaro Negredo after his display against Portugal on Wednesday or whether to recall Chelsea striker Fernando Torres to the starting line-up. Cesc Fabregas, scorer of the winning penalty against Portugal and who had probably his best game of the tournament, could also start if Del Bosque decides against selecting an out and out forward for the defending champions.
For Italy, Ignazio Abate is hoping to be fit again after missing the semi-final win against Germany with a hamstring problem, though if he isn’t some shifting will need to be done with Federico Balzaretti who switched...
- 7/1/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
Spain could make history by becoming the only international team to win three major titles in a row when they meet Italy in the Euro 2012 Final on Sunday.
This is a look back at their journey to the Final and what to expect from the game at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.
Their tournament began as it will finish; against Italy.
Vicente del Bosque elected to play without a striker in a 4-6-0 formation that included Cesc Fabregas as a makeshift frontman. His system allowed the six middle men to swap positions frequently, exchanging passes between one another until space opened up for a break away pass through the opposition’s back four.
Italy, playing a 3-5-2, coped well under the pressure and by half time the score remained 0-0. Italian wingers Christian Maggio and Emanuele Giaccherini were immense at falling back to clog up the penalty area...
This is a look back at their journey to the Final and what to expect from the game at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.
Their tournament began as it will finish; against Italy.
Vicente del Bosque elected to play without a striker in a 4-6-0 formation that included Cesc Fabregas as a makeshift frontman. His system allowed the six middle men to swap positions frequently, exchanging passes between one another until space opened up for a break away pass through the opposition’s back four.
Italy, playing a 3-5-2, coped well under the pressure and by half time the score remained 0-0. Italian wingers Christian Maggio and Emanuele Giaccherini were immense at falling back to clog up the penalty area...
- 7/1/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
Italy meet Spain in the Euro 2012 Final on Sunday, with Cesare Prandelli’s men the last capable of stopping the Spaniards winning their third consecutive major international trophy.
This is a look back at their journey to the Final and what to expect from the game at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.
Their tournament began as it will finish; against Spain.
Cesare Prandelli took a chance on a 3-5-2 formation that he had been toying with in the absence of usual left-back Domenico Criscito, excluded to deal with a betting scandal surrounding him in Russia.
Meanwhile Vicente Del Bosque set out a 4-6-0, preferring six midfielders to an orthodox striker like Fernando Torres or Fernando Llorente.
While Xavi and Andres Iniesta were not completely stopped in their tracks, the Italian system worked efficiently enough to allow the Azzurri to keep the score at 0-0 by half time.
After...
This is a look back at their journey to the Final and what to expect from the game at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.
Their tournament began as it will finish; against Spain.
Cesare Prandelli took a chance on a 3-5-2 formation that he had been toying with in the absence of usual left-back Domenico Criscito, excluded to deal with a betting scandal surrounding him in Russia.
Meanwhile Vicente Del Bosque set out a 4-6-0, preferring six midfielders to an orthodox striker like Fernando Torres or Fernando Llorente.
While Xavi and Andres Iniesta were not completely stopped in their tracks, the Italian system worked efficiently enough to allow the Azzurri to keep the score at 0-0 by half time.
After...
- 7/1/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Donbass Arena, Donetsk, Ukraine
Kick-Off: 19:45 BST
Spain and France, two giants of European football, clash in Donetsk on Saturday with La Roja chasing their third consecutive title and Les Bleus hoping to end their reign at the top.
Team News
France will be without suspended centre-back Philippe Mexes after he picked up his second booking in the group stages, Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny is expected to deputise.
Yohan Cabaye has recovered from a thigh injury that kept him out of the 2-0 defeat to Sweden on Tuesday. Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri are expected to resume their usual positions despite missing some of this week’s training sessions. Nasri had a knee injury while Ribery had blisters but both are expected to play tonight.
Spain have a full squad to choose from and are shaping up to name the same squad from their final group game.
Preview
The...
Kick-Off: 19:45 BST
Spain and France, two giants of European football, clash in Donetsk on Saturday with La Roja chasing their third consecutive title and Les Bleus hoping to end their reign at the top.
Team News
France will be without suspended centre-back Philippe Mexes after he picked up his second booking in the group stages, Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny is expected to deputise.
Yohan Cabaye has recovered from a thigh injury that kept him out of the 2-0 defeat to Sweden on Tuesday. Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri are expected to resume their usual positions despite missing some of this week’s training sessions. Nasri had a knee injury while Ribery had blisters but both are expected to play tonight.
Spain have a full squad to choose from and are shaping up to name the same squad from their final group game.
Preview
The...
- 6/23/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
Spain left it late to secure their place at the top of Group C as Italy’s win in Poznan saw them into a close second. Jesus Navas scored a neatly crafted goal with two minutes remaining to see Vicente del Bosque’s men safely through to the Quarter-Finals.
The Croats will be left to reflect on a tournament in which they performed admirably; losing to the world champions, drawing with a footballing powerhouse and hammering the Irish.
Slaven Bilic ends his reign in charge of Croatia in the knowledge that his side could have done much better if Ivan Rakitic had managed to send his unmarked header past Iker Casillas with ten minutes left.
Cesc Fabregas had started the opening two games of the tournament but was left out in favour of Fernando Torres in the final fixture of the group. However after a less than convincing performance, the...
The Croats will be left to reflect on a tournament in which they performed admirably; losing to the world champions, drawing with a footballing powerhouse and hammering the Irish.
Slaven Bilic ends his reign in charge of Croatia in the knowledge that his side could have done much better if Ivan Rakitic had managed to send his unmarked header past Iker Casillas with ten minutes left.
Cesc Fabregas had started the opening two games of the tournament but was left out in favour of Fernando Torres in the final fixture of the group. However after a less than convincing performance, the...
- 6/18/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Pge Arena, Gdansk, Poland
Kick-Off: 19:45 BST
Croatia and Spain come into this game in the knowledge that a 2-2 draw would carry both sides into the Knock-out rounds. However if the other match, between Italy and Republic of Ireland, ends in a draw or the Irish win then Croatia and Spain are through anyway.
Injury News
Spain’s Sergio Busquets had hurt his foot in the previous match but a scan last week revealed no serious damage and he has been passed fit to play.
Meanwhile, Croatia have doubts about striker Mario Mandzukic who was substituted during the Italy game after he picked up a knock. He will be assessed later today before coach Slaven Bilic names his starting squad.
Preview
The winner of this fixture will progress to the next round, it is as simple as that. Three points would claim top spot in Group C and...
Kick-Off: 19:45 BST
Croatia and Spain come into this game in the knowledge that a 2-2 draw would carry both sides into the Knock-out rounds. However if the other match, between Italy and Republic of Ireland, ends in a draw or the Irish win then Croatia and Spain are through anyway.
Injury News
Spain’s Sergio Busquets had hurt his foot in the previous match but a scan last week revealed no serious damage and he has been passed fit to play.
Meanwhile, Croatia have doubts about striker Mario Mandzukic who was substituted during the Italy game after he picked up a knock. He will be assessed later today before coach Slaven Bilic names his starting squad.
Preview
The winner of this fixture will progress to the next round, it is as simple as that. Three points would claim top spot in Group C and...
- 6/18/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
The Republic of Ireland became the first team to be eliminated from the 2012 European Championships as they fell to their worst defeat in a major tournament.
Goals from Fernando Torres (2), David Silva and Cesc Fabregas sealed a hard earned win for the defending champions, putting them in a strong position heading into their final game with Croatia.
For their part, Ireland were lacklustre in defence and showed no signs of ever taking the game to the Spanish. Another goal in the opening moments of the game set the tone and Vicente del Bosque’s team cruised to victory, making no fewer than 859 successful passes.
Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni had stuck to the 4-4-2 formation that was unsuccessful against Croatia, but brought in Simon Cox for Kevin Doyle at the front.
For a minute at least it looked like the change would have the desired effect as Simon Cox drilled...
Goals from Fernando Torres (2), David Silva and Cesc Fabregas sealed a hard earned win for the defending champions, putting them in a strong position heading into their final game with Croatia.
For their part, Ireland were lacklustre in defence and showed no signs of ever taking the game to the Spanish. Another goal in the opening moments of the game set the tone and Vicente del Bosque’s team cruised to victory, making no fewer than 859 successful passes.
Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni had stuck to the 4-4-2 formation that was unsuccessful against Croatia, but brought in Simon Cox for Kevin Doyle at the front.
For a minute at least it looked like the change would have the desired effect as Simon Cox drilled...
- 6/14/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
There are a number of ways to state the second law of thermodynamics. The scientific community has moved from a slightly misleading definition of entropy as “disorder” within a thermodynamic system toward a description of how heat or energy moves toward equilibrium within such a system.
Physicists take care to define thermodynamic systems with great car when dealing with physical or natural elements of the universe. The reality is that these laws take the form of tightly-constructed mathematical expressions. Often it is dangerous to apply these concepts to human constructs, to move from nature to culture, but taken metaphorically, the idea has some explanatory power.
Consider the case of Sunday’s thrilling draw between Spain and Italy. As the team sheets were announced, a certain subset of tactical bloggers quivered with anticipation. Italy announced a back three! Spain would play without a striker!
It was the second of these two...
Physicists take care to define thermodynamic systems with great car when dealing with physical or natural elements of the universe. The reality is that these laws take the form of tightly-constructed mathematical expressions. Often it is dangerous to apply these concepts to human constructs, to move from nature to culture, but taken metaphorically, the idea has some explanatory power.
Consider the case of Sunday’s thrilling draw between Spain and Italy. As the team sheets were announced, a certain subset of tactical bloggers quivered with anticipation. Italy announced a back three! Spain would play without a striker!
It was the second of these two...
- 6/12/2012
- by Alex Campolo
- Celebsology
Defending European Champions Spain opened their tournament with a draw against former World Champions Italy.
Antonio Di Natale scored with just over an hour gone, receiving a through ball from Andrea Pirlo before beating Iker Casillas. The lead only lasted a couple of minutes as Cesc Fabregas levelled for La Roja.
Spanish manager Vicente del Bosque opted to start with six midfielders in a 4-3-3 formation, Fabregas playing as the central striker. While the Italians placed Danielle De Rossi as a sweeper in a 1-4-3-2 system.
David Silva had the first chance, smashing the ball over the bar from the edge of the box with eight minutes gone. The Azzurri soon responded with a free-kick from Andrea Pirlo that Casillas had to turn around the post.
Pirlo was at the centre of the next Italian attack as well, this time finding Antonio Cassano on the left before...
Antonio Di Natale scored with just over an hour gone, receiving a through ball from Andrea Pirlo before beating Iker Casillas. The lead only lasted a couple of minutes as Cesc Fabregas levelled for La Roja.
Spanish manager Vicente del Bosque opted to start with six midfielders in a 4-3-3 formation, Fabregas playing as the central striker. While the Italians placed Danielle De Rossi as a sweeper in a 1-4-3-2 system.
David Silva had the first chance, smashing the ball over the bar from the edge of the box with eight minutes gone. The Azzurri soon responded with a free-kick from Andrea Pirlo that Casillas had to turn around the post.
Pirlo was at the centre of the next Italian attack as well, this time finding Antonio Cassano on the left before...
- 6/10/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Pge Arena, Gdansk, Poland
Kick-Off: 17:00 BST
Defending European and World champions Spain open their tournament against a young Italian side determined to prove that their glory days aren’t behind them.
Injury News
Spain could be without right-back Alvaro Arbeloa as the Real Madrid player tries to recover from a back problem. However, midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been passed fit after a slight hamstring issue.
Sevilla winger Jesus Navas was worried that he might have to be replaced before the opening whistle but the X-ray on his right hand revealed nothing more than severe bruising.
Meanwhile, Italy have also had their pre-Euro problems. Centre-back Andrea Barzagli could miss the opening two games of the tournament and coach Cesare Prandelli has been looking at alternatives in that position. The Azzurri have been working on a 3-5-2 formation in training that wouldn’t require the extra defender.
Preview
Italy...
Kick-Off: 17:00 BST
Defending European and World champions Spain open their tournament against a young Italian side determined to prove that their glory days aren’t behind them.
Injury News
Spain could be without right-back Alvaro Arbeloa as the Real Madrid player tries to recover from a back problem. However, midfielder Cesc Fabregas has been passed fit after a slight hamstring issue.
Sevilla winger Jesus Navas was worried that he might have to be replaced before the opening whistle but the X-ray on his right hand revealed nothing more than severe bruising.
Meanwhile, Italy have also had their pre-Euro problems. Centre-back Andrea Barzagli could miss the opening two games of the tournament and coach Cesare Prandelli has been looking at alternatives in that position. The Azzurri have been working on a 3-5-2 formation in training that wouldn’t require the extra defender.
Preview
Italy...
- 6/10/2012
- by Chris Deacon
- Obsessed with Film
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