Spanish Football | Soccer

REAL MADRID: KAKÁ OFFICIALLY PRESENTED

Took my 6 year old nephew to see REAL MADRID present its first
star signing KAKÁ this evening. There were between 40-50.000
people to witness the event, & quite frankly I haven´t seen anything
like it before. I don´t even wish to imagine what it will be like next
Monday the 6th of July when Cristiano Ronaldo gets presented.

Kaká will show the number 8 on his back, while its previous owner
Gago takes the number 5.

The Real Madrid new project begins...

Does anyone remember that FC BARCELONA won “The Big 3” titles
– Spanish League, Spanish Cup & Champions League - last year? Today
REAL MADRID presents their first new signing KAKÁ & there is no
place on the World media for anything else, except the news
conference that SAMUEL ETO ´O´s representative has given this
morning to give their version of what some are already calling the
first pre-season "Barça crisis". How can FC Barcelona be in crisis after
finishing their most successful season in their history?

(photo: reuters)

Samuel Eto´o via his representative gave a Press Conference this
morning to tell media their story & put a few things straight:

1. Samuel Eto´o wishes (wants) to stay at FC Barcelona
2. He hasn’t asked for more money at all. Not a word.
3. That FC Barcelona via President Laporta & his team are
manipulating the media to discredit Eto´o & thus find excuses
to sell the player at all cost. They are inventing stories.
4. That they don´t really believe Coach Guardiola has said he does
not want the player, as Guardiola has´nt pronounced himself &
they only know what the Club directives have told them
5. That President Laporta lies when he talks about Manchester City
& the multi-million offer because the English Club hasn’t spoken to
the player at all.
6. It´s an offence to publicly say that Barça will accept a 30M€ offer
from Manchester City when Barça are willing to pay around 45M€ for
a new forward (David Villa). SFS says, why does FC Barcelona want
DAVID VILLA when they already have Samuel Eto´o? The only reason
seems to be to take the former away from Real Madrid & to attempt
to "stick it up em", the signing efforts doesn´t enter into any Football
or Team strategy plan for next season. The African Cup? Yes, but not
sufficient - my opinion!
7. Eto´o has said that he will never be an obstacle for the Club & will
study all offers as long as they suit him & his future interest. Said
another way, Eto ´o OK to leave if Barça doesn´t want him BUT
he decides his future not the Club.

Serious stuff that highlight the “bad management” of Laporta & the
disgraceful treatment that they are handing out to their star forward,
a player who has bagged them 30 goals & helped win them the
Champions League. What is clear is that FC BARCELONA is “shit
scared” to see Eto´o walk away FREE next year & wishes to sell ASAP
to gain a return. A return they wish to reinvest for signings with the
main priority DAVID VILLA, which they can’t for now because they
have no budget. So “scared” was President Laporta when Eto´o
announced that his representative would call a press conference this
morning that last night he did a “flip turn” & offered a two year
extension of Eto´o ´s contract without changing the economic
conditions. Shameful & not dignified of a Club with this greatness
& the prestige of FC BARCELONA.

While problems come out from every corner for FC Barcelona –
Valdes, Ribery says no, Eto´o, no clear new signing in sight, lack of
budget…etc – Real Madrid blasts Barça off the World Football stage
& media with the presentation of Kaká today, Albiol mid-week,
Cristiano Ronaldo next Monday…& god knows what else. President
Laporta will be watching & many will hope he sticks to his own
deals & forgets about the rival. But past experience leads us to think
that Laporta will fall into the trap & charge with “outrageous”
comments of imperialism, a central government run Club & pomposity,
etc. to cover what appears to be his (their) bad management &
unhealthy envy. This is not proper of FC Barcelona & we all hope
that this “green poison” doesn’t slip into the dressing room this
pre-season & into the official competition.

Many are wishing that Coach Guardiola comes back from his holidays
& back to work in order to solve some unknowns & put the house in
order. Which makes one think: FC Barcelona needs its Coach to

fix the Clubs problems? Bad start already to the season; lets hope
Coach Guardiola starts well Football wise because if not I don’t
even want to speculate what will be said & could happen to their
"new messiah".

Does anyone remember that FC Barcelona won “The Big 3” last
season?

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009 IDEAL 11 TEAM: DAVID VILLA THE ONLY SPANIARD

FIFA has announced the CONFEDERATIONS CUP IDEAL 11 TEAM
after celebrating its 2009 edition. Apart from the surprises in some
of the announcements, the only Spaniard in the 11 is DAVID VILLA.
The news in this last case is that David Villa was better valued
– 8.76pts vs. 8.70pts – than Luis Fabiano as the tournament “Top
Striker”.

Here is the list:

Goalkeeper: Mohammed Kassid (Eygpt)
Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa & Masilela (South Africa), Andre Santos &
Lucio (Brazil).
Midfielders: Michael Bradley & Clint Dempsey (USA), Kaká & Felipe
Melo (Brazil)

Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Brazil) & David Villa (Spain)

As you already know Brazilian KAKÁ was named Best Player of The
Tournament (Golden Ball), with his team-mate LUIS FABIANO the
maximum scorer (Golden Boot).

ATLETICO DE MADRID: COUPET SIGNS FOR FRENCH CLUB PARIS ST.GERMAIN

French & ATLETICO DE MADRID 36 year old Goalkeeper GREGORY
COUPET has shut a two year contract deal with French Club PARIS
SAINT GERMAIN. The Frenchmen returns to French Football after
an unsuccessful year & attempt at Atletico that lead to complete
frustration.

(photo: Coupet)

Continuing with Atletico, goalkeepers & with a “French flavour”,
Spanish daily “Mundo Deportivo” publish that according to “France
Football” Atletico de Madrid maybe interested in 29 year old
RENNES goalie NICOLAS DOUCHEZ. With Leo Franco & now Coupet
gone, Atletico are thinking in having Douchez accompany young U-21
Spanish International Sergio Asenjo guarding the goals.

This last news piece is still in the rumour stage.

SPANISH BASKETBALL: 2009 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP LIST ANNOUNCED

Spanish National Basketball Selector/Coach SERGIO SCARIOLO has
officially made public the list of Spanish Basketball players that
will represent SPAIN in the upcoming EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
to be held in POLAND ( 7 to 20 September)

The list:

Pau Gasol - LA Lakers
Rudy Fernández - Portland
Raúl López - R. Madrid
Juan Carlos Navarro - Barcelona
Felipe Reyes - R. Madrid
Ricky Rubio - Joventut
Berni Rodríguez - Unicaja
Marc Gasol - Memphis
Alex Mumbrú - R. Madrid
Jorge Garbajosa - Khimki
Víctor Claver - Pamesa
Carlos Cabezas - Unicaja

The plan is to get the players together in August & travel down to
the South of Spain, train & play a series of friendly games so as to
practice tactics & create a solid team: then off to Poland!

FC BARCELONA "PUSHING" SAMUEL ETO´O TO MANCHESTER CITY & OUT THE "BACK DOOR".

After publicly commenting that SAMUEL ETO ´O is for him the “Best
Forward in the World” & that he would like the player to finish his
career at FC BARCELONA, President Laporta has said in reference
to the news from England that Eto´o should accept the offer from
MANCHESTER CITY. Curious & obvious that FC BARCELONA is
pushing Samuel Eto´o to leave the Club at whatever opportunity
as published today on “AS”.

British paper “News of The World” ( not exactly the most credible
source) publish that MANCHESTER CITY has offered FC BARCELONA
30M€ & Samuel Eto´o a staggering 10M€/year salary. This has lead
Barça President to comment on Catalan radio that it’s an offer of a
lifetime & that Eto´o should consider it. What leads to suspicion is
the relative low transfer figure of 30M€ when the Cameroon player
is worth more, around 45-50M€, leading most to suspect that FC
Barcelona wishes to get rid of Eto´o at “any price”.

However, there are Football facts that may lead Samuel Eto´o to
reject the Manchester City offer independently of the alleged
cash offer:

1. Manchester City , until now hasn’t a team of guarantees to fight
for titles, although the English team is working on it.
2. Manchester City will not be in any European competition, &
Eto´o desires play
3. Eto´o may decide to wait for other offers: Manchester United,
Inter Milan, AC Milan, etc
4. Eto´o may decide to stay & exercise the rest of his contract
(1 year left) to become a Free agent next season
5. Eto´o may decide to stay & TORPEDO Barça´s plans to get the
30M€ cash income from the operation to use for DAVID VILLA.
Remember Eto´o has a long memory of how the Club badly
treated him last season & how again this year the Club is showing
" disrespect" towards him.

Stay tuned!

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009: THIRD PLACE SPAIN 3 - SOUTH AFRICA 2 (SEE VIDEO OF GOALS)

An amazing game for the third place of the FIFA CONFEDERATIONS
CUP 2009 between SPAIN & SOUTH AFRICA with the former
winning 3-2 in extra-time. It was possibly Spain’s worst match of
the whole tournament with defensive mistakes & with its accustomed
flowing game missing. The absence of Xavi was extremely noticeable
& other observations – which will be mentioned later – baffled the
viewer.

The game livened up in the 73rd min when South Africa scored via
MPHELA to put South Africa ahead. Spain managed to equalize in the
88th & go ahead in the 89th via substitute GUIZA, but was again
surprised in the last moment when MPHELA took the match into
extra-time with a free kick missile in the 93rd min.

The extra-time saw its first 15min dominated by South Africa with
Spanish Goalkeeper IKER CASILLAS making two saves that were
absolutely vital. The 2º part of extra-time saw XABI ALONSO score
in the 106th min from a free kick that finally sealed the victory &
the third place for Spain.

See all 5 goals on video below:

Spain 0 – South Africa 1 (Mphele 73rd min)

Spain 1 – South Africa 1 (Guiza 88th min)

Spain 2 – South Africa 1 (Guiza 89th min)

Spain 2 – South Africa 2 (Mphela 93rd min)

Spain 3 – South Africa 2 ( Xabi Alonso 106th min)

Some elemental conclusions - although not conclusive - can be
made from this tournament & concretely from the game with South
Africa:

1.This FIFA Confederations Cup tournament has been
counter-productive for Spain & possibly for its future performances.
2.It has demonstrated to the competition (the other teams) the
weak points that can be exploited.
3. Spain is less effective if you neutralize Xavi. In fact, Xavi
didn’t play against South Africa & the team was lost on the field.
4. Spain needs to get back into its side Iniesta, recover Silva
fully fit & Marcos Senna
5. The right hand defensive side is a weak spot. Sergio Ramos
is in very low form & today Arbeloa didn’t do much better.
6. Coach Del Bosque has shown signs of uncertainty & has made
some difficult to explain decisions. Against USA he took off Cesc
when he was at his height & Spain was at its best, & today he left
the midfield without a natural midfielder from the start. Things
turned out well today thanks to luck (Guiza´s 2º goal & Casillas
two saves) & one may think that the Coaches decisions were
perfect, but they have shown lack of confidence that we hope
does not transmit onto the team.
7. South Africa put Spain on the ropes for most of the game &
with Spain’s loss against the USA there may enter psychological
doubts in the future that need to be eliminated asap so that they
do not grow.

SFS is sure that all these mistakes will be corrected, that with the key
mentioned players back in the team & with a more competitive
environment, Spain will be back to its best. However, the warning
signs are there & notes should be taken as this tournament has
demonstrated that if winning next years World Cup is the objective
there is a hell of a lot of work to do, & not be carried away with
over confidence & euphoria.

Like to know your thoughts!

REAL MADRID & FRANCK RIBERY: AN SFS EXCLUSIVE

A SFS reporter “risked his life” in gaining an exclusive video of
a “top level” secret meeting at the offices of Santiago Bernabeu
between REAL MADRID President Florentino “ Marlon Brando”
Perez & the representative of Franck Ribery (white suit) . There
present was General Director Jorge “James Cann” Valdano & Miguel
“Robert Duvall” Pardeza, to hear how Ribery´s representative was
having problems convincing Bayern Munich directives. Real Madrid
have a strategy:

Don’t think its necessary but, this is a joke, a humour piece :)

MALLORCA TRANSFER ARANGO TO BORRUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH

Spanish Football loses a class player while German Football gains a
great talent. Spanish Team MALLORCA Captain & Venezuelan
International 29 year old JUAN ARANGO goes to German Club
BORRUSIA MONCHENGLADBACH for 3.6M€. The transfer operation
has been agreed by both Clubs & the player will do his obligatory
medical examinations next week before signing.

Juan Arango leaves Mallorca after 4 fabulous seasons with 186 games
under his belt of which he managed a cool 46 goals. Good luck &
thanks for the great free-kicks!

DUTCH MOTOGP 2009: GOOD DAY FOR SPANIARDS

Good day of Motorcycling for Spanish riders in all catagories of the
DUTCH MOTOGP at the Assen circuit held this afternoon.

(photo: Spanish rider Gadea)

In the 125cc catagory Spaniard GADEA won ahead of another Spanish
rider SIMON with Brit SMITH coming in 3ºrd.

Current World Campionship standings:
1. Simon 104pts; 2. Smith 98.5; 3. Iannone 84.5

In the 250cc catagory, Spanish rider & until then leader of the World
Championship table ALVARO BAUTISTA, rammed into eventual winner
AOYAMA in the last lap as the former attempted to overtake. The
second place went to Spaniard HECTOR BARBERA with Third going to
Italian SIMONCELLI.

Current World Championship standings:
1. Aoyama 121pts; 2.Bautista 108; 3. Barbera 95

In the GP catagory, Italian World Champ VALENTINO ROSSI won

the race & his 100th to become the second highest winner of all time
behind another Italian the legendary Giancomo Agostini who has 122

victories

The Italian broke away from the start & kept at bay all his competitors

in an excellent race, with Spaniard JORGE LORENZO second &
Aussie CASEY STONER third. Unfortuantely, Spaniard DANI PEDROSA
fell & did not get any points at all.

Current World Championship standings:

1.Ross1 131 pts; 2. Lorenzo 126; 3. Stoner 122

NEXT RACE: Laguna Seca USA

REAL MADRID: LIVERPOOL FC PUTS A 41M€ PRICE ON XABI ALONSO

News comes to us from English paper “The Times” – via elmundo.
com – that LIVERPOOL FC has publicly placed a transfer price on
their Spanish midfielder & International XABI ALONSO of 41M€.
The main Club interested & has already expressed its desire to
incorporate the player in its squad next season is REAL MADRID &
the English media express that it is the most likely future stop. The
only obstacle is that the Spanish Club has made an informal offer of
only 30M€ which is 10M€ short of what Liverpool FC desires. The
difference could be made up with the inclusion of players from
Real Madrid which could come into the operation.

(photo: by Alastair Grant/elmundo.com)

The other Liverpool FC Spanish International said to be negotiating
his departure to Real Madrid is defender ALVARO ARBELOA.

Stay tuned!

REAL MADRID: FRANCK RIBERY IS NOT ON SALE & IS IRREPLACEABLE

FRANCK RIBERY is turning out to be a difficult operation, the reason
is simple, BAYERN MUNICH doesn’t wish to sell their star forward,
or at least that is the message being sent. Bayern President Karl-Heinz
Rummenigge has told French paper “L´Equipe” that Bayern knows
of the REAL MADRID interest, the player wishes to go there, but that
Ribery is a vital piece in the future plans of Bayern. So much so, that
the German Club is willing to lift the economic conditions of the
French International to 8M€/year in salary, the same being offered
by Real Madrid.

As the Bayern President has exposed, Real Madrid wishes Franck
Ribery & has 55M€ to offer Bayern Munich. The player has express
publicly via his representative that his choice of Club is Real
Madrid; however Bayern will NOT sell & has declared Ribery not
transferable. To eliminate the calls of the sirens from Madrid,
Bayern wishes to improve Ribery´s contract & convert him into
the Bundesliga highest paid Football player. The player will have
the last word, he may accept or he may refuse on his return from
holidays. What is clear that we have another case of were a player
will have to force his Club if he wishes to open the doors.

In summary, Bayern is doing everything in its power to hold onto
the Frenchmen & this is making it very difficult for Real Madrid.
By the way, Manchester United, Chelsea FC & FC Barcelona are
also said to be interested & pressuring. Stay tuned as we still have
2 months of summer.

REAL MADRID TO TRANSFER JAVIER SAVIOLA TO BENFICA FOR 5M€

Spanish daily “Marca” via its digital edition have published that
REAL MADRID Argentine forward JAVIER SAVIOLA will be leaving
for Portugal & concretely to BENFICA. The agreement is for three
years with a fourth as a possible option, with the operation costing
5M€ in a transfer fee. The official announcement is due to be
announced by the Portuguese Club with the next 24 hours, as the
agreement with all parties is said to be total.

In one way it´s great news for Saviola who will find a place & minutes
to exercise his talent, something he wasn’t able to do at the Spanish
Club. He is the first of the contracted players that begin the “exodus”
(forced or unforced) from Real Madrid as the Spanish Club renews its
squad. Saviola will join another ex-Real Madrid player at Benfica,
Javier Balboa, who was a talented youngster that saw his projection
halted due to lack of place & the high competition. SFS sincerely
wishes all the best to Javier Saviola who has lived a very difficult
& frustrating situation were his passion to play Football was halted
due to circumstances that at times escapes someones control.

MANCHESTER UNITED MAKES 46,8M€ BID FOR DAVID VILLA ( & 35M€ FOR BENZEMA)?

The latest news from England comes from “The Daily Mirror” – picked
up here by “AS” & “Marca” – that publishes that MANCHESTER
UNITED has made a 46,8M€ offer to VALENCIA CF for DAVID VILLA.
This offer surpasses the alleged FC BARCELONA bid of 43M€ made
for the Spanish International.

(photo: marca.com)

However two points that need to be made that add confusion to
this whole David Villa transfer affair:

1. Valencia CF Directive Jordi Bruixola has answered these rumours
today saying that the Club HASN´T ANY offers from FC Barcelona
nor Manchester United.

2. David Villa has said publicly – on Spanish TV “Cuatro” – that when
he returns to Spain, in this case Valencia, he will speak to his Club
to discuss his future. But he was adamant; he does not want to play
outside of Spanish Football. This last point cancels out any attempt
or possibility of Manchester United (or any other non –Spanish Club)
on counting with Villa for next season

(photo:as.com)

If we are to believe the English paper “The Daily Star” – picked up
here by “AS” – MANCHESTER UNITED may actually know that getting
David Villa over to Old Trafford is virtually impossible & thus have
a PLAN B: KARIM BENZEMA of OLYMPIQUE DE LYON. According to
the story the English Premier League Champions have made a 35M€
bid, which is 5M€ more than what their main competitor REAL MADRID
is negotiating. As the above first story there is an inconvenience for
Man Utd; Benzema has expressed his desires are to play at Real
Madrid.

SFS ends by repeating. All news from all sources at this point is pure
speculation & rumour. Until David Villa expresses publicly his true
intentions we will not know where the player will be next season.
SFS suspects – MY OWN OPINION – that David Villa will end up playing
at Real Madrid & that the “freeze” between both is a strategy to
divert attention & reduce emotions. If all fails due to irreconcilable
true differences, Karim Benzema will be the Real Madrid new Nº9.
SFS could be wrong of course, as I have been before.

SFS FLASHBACKS: TENERIFE 3 REAL MADRID 2 SEASON 1991/1992

It was season 1991/1992 & REAL MADRID needed only to win its
last game of the season against TENERIFE to take the Spanish 1º
Division Title. Things started brilliantly for Real Madrid with two
goals from FERNANDO HIERRO & HAGI…, BUT with Real Madrid
thinking in the title Tenerife made a historic comeback:
Quique Estebaranz 1-2
Roca 2-2
Pier 3-2

Real Madrid loses the Spanish League title & FC BARCELONA wins
the Championship

DAVID VILLA: THE STORY & SITUATION WITH THE TRANSFER SAGA: PART III

The DAVID VILLA transfer saga takes another twist with the digital
edition of “Marca” announcing that FC BARCELONA has come out
of the shadows officially & made a 43M€ offer to VALENCIA CF.
The "breakdown" of negotiations with Real Madrid & the apparent
desire by Valencia CF to sell to any one except Real Madrid has
given Barça the stimulus to “go for it”, as they - Barcelona - claim
against all other stories that the player desires & wishes to play at
“Camp Barça” & not at Madrid.

(photo: reuters/marca.com)

However there are numerous variables & unknows at play:

1. No one knows exactly where Villa wishes to play, if at Real
Madrid or FC Barcelona.The rumours have always been Real Madrid,
but in the last days FC Barcelona has gained strength.
2.No one really believes that Real Madrid have pulled out of the
negotiations & they maybe keeping its cards up its sleeve. SFS
believes Real Madrid is still in there talking with Valencia CF in
a very "low key manner"
3.FC Barcelona hasn’t the money & will need to sell Samuel Eto´o
to get the cash & more importantly make a place available in the
line –up team. What if Eto´o decides to stay?
4.What is clear is that David Villa WILL NOT be leaving Spain; he
just said & confirmed this to Spanish TV “Cuarto”.

5.Everyone – including SFS – will have to wait for Villa’s return
from South Africa & see the outcome of his conversations with
Valencia CF to determine what decision he takes.
6. It is obvious that the player will have to make the move - force
the situation & rebel - with a decision if he has one. He will have to

go public & express to everyone his true desires.

Until then, everything written & said is pure speculation. What is
certain is that David Villa will be playing in one of these Clubs next
season: Valencia CF, Real Madrid or FC Barcelona.

VILLAREAL: BESIKTAS SAY THEY HAVE NIHAT

Turkish Club BESIKTAS has announced on its web that they have
come to a complete agreement with VILLAREAL Turkish
International NIHAT for the next three years. Now what is needed
is that both Besiktas & Villareal come to a transfer agreement,
something that the Turkish Club President Yildirim Demiroren
claims to have already with a 4M€ deal, but cannot be confirmed
here from Spanish Club Villareal as yet. But, it "smells" like a done
deal.

REAL MADRID: KARIM BENZEMA PLAN B

Spanish sports daily “AS & Marca" publish that REAL MADRID has
got in contact with OLYMPIQUE DE LYON to talk about the
possibilities of KARIM BENZEMA landing at the Spanish Club next
season. However, the original idea is that the 21 year old French
International stay one more season in French Football to continue
his development before making the move to Real Madrid, but the
“failed” operation for David Villa may cause that everything be
advanced a year earlier: next season. The Lyon President Aulas has
already mentioned that if Karim leaves to will be to Real Madrid &
the French Club has asked for 40M€, of which Real offer 24M€ +
their Dutch International goal scorer HUNTELAAR

Many – including SFS – consider Benzema is a good Plan B, as
Villa is still the main objective even if Real Madrid has said
that they have withdrawn from their initial interest as they
wish to maintain good relations with Valencia CF.

Stay tuned, as the summer is long & we are all waiting to see
what David Villa will do on his return from South Africa. He may

force his departure from Valencia & may leave to ...

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009 SEMI FINAL: SPAIN 0 USA 2 (SEE VIDEO GOALS)

Surprise & shock result in tonight’s FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP
2009 1ºst Semi-Final with SPAIN losing to USA 0-2. It had to happen
sooner or later that the 35 consecutive straight games without a loss
had to come to an end equalizing the FIFA Record with Brazil.

Two reasons that explains this result, no perhaps three:
1. Over confidence from the Spanish National Team. Mentally they
were already in the final against Brazil – in their minds – before
playing the USA team. The result serves as “humble pie” & once
again shows a “Latin” cultural attribute of singing victory before
the event. Psychologically Spain must fix this attitude for the
future.
2. Perfect game from the American Team. Perfect strategy &
defence added with the attitude…if we are here we have nothing
to lose. Deserved victory & they & the whole nation should be
proud of this team tonight. They were better.
3. Big mistake by Spanish Coach Del Bosque in the 2ºhalf by
substituting Cesc Fabregas for Santi Carzola. It was Cesc Fabregas
that was allowing Spain to open up the wing for Sergio Ramos to
come in & was causing the most danger supplying the forwards with
balls & he even had personal chances

The first half saw JOZY ALTIDORE score a fabulous goal in the 27th
min as seen on the video:

From here the USA grew in confidence & rattled the Spanish side
who couldn’t believe what was happening.

In the 2ºhalf Spain went ALL out & had numerous chances to score,
but the American defence stopped everything & frustrated the
Spaniards. Then Cesc Fabregas – the danger man – was taken off &
the sting was taken out of the Spanish Team. The USA side
counter-attacked catching Spain out off place & DEMPSEY scored
in the 74th min as shown on the video:

...that was the final nail in the coffin as Spain found itself nervous,
in disbelief & knew then & there that they were fairly beaten on
all fronts. A SFS mentioned, the US game strategy ( specially in
defence was outstanding).

A special mention for Spanish defender GERARD PIQUE who was
outstanding tonight. Now its necessary for the Spanish Team to
reflect on this game, look forward positively & continue onward.
This is Football & these things happen all the time; now it´s time
to look forward for next years World Cup. However, that does not
take away the brilliant & deserved American victory that is
historic & should be celebrated. Good luck to the USA team in the
final!

REAL MADRID SIGNS VALENCIA CF DEFENDER RAÚL ALBIOL

According to news just in via the digital editions of “AS” &
“elmundo.com”, VALENCIA CF Spanish International defender
RAUL ALBIOL will be player of REAL MADRID CF next season.
Both Clubs have shut a 15M€ transfer deal in which all that is now
needed is the players signature after his return from South Africa
where he is participating in the FIFA Confederations Cup with
the National Team. The 23 year old defender signs for the next
5 years & has been specifically asked for by new Real Madrid
Coach Manuel Pellegrini.

This gives Valencia CF a valuable cash injection that enables them
now to go after Mallorca Goalkeeper MOYA & Getefe midfielder
GRANERO.

THE ROBINHO SHOW

At times SFS gets out of its Spanish Football & Sports boundaries to
feature videos that are universal in their appeal & of interest to its
readers supposing beforehand that they are not only Spanish Football
fans but ultimately Football lovers on the whole.

Found this video of Brazilian International & Manchester City player
ROBINHO doing his thing while training in South Africa at the FIFA
Confederations Cup. Enjoy, its fun, the guy enjoys his sport:

REAL MADRID: RAÚL ALBIOL & ALVARO ARBELOA CLOSER

VALENCIA CF & REAL MADRID may not be in agreement over David
Villa, but according to “Marca” both are very close in agreeing to
the transfer of Valencia & Spanish International 23 year old defender
RAÚL ALBIOL to Real Madrid. The operation is being said to be
around 15M€ & if successful would be the first Spanish player signed
by Real in their promised process of acquiring more Spanish players
into the team. There could be official news in the next 24 hours.

Continuing with Real Madrid & transfers, this time news from England
& from LIVERPOOL FC Manager/Coach Rafael Benitez, cite his
comments that if a good offer arrives for Spanish International &
Liverpool FC defender ALVARO ARBELOA it will be seriously
considered. The defender would be the second Spaniard to go to Real
Madrid & the negotiations are in an advanced stage.

RCD ESPANYOL SIGN JAPANESE SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA

Spanish Football has another superstar Football player for next
season, the "Japanese equivalent" of Cristiano Ronaldo, midfielder
SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA has signed for two years with RCD
ESPANYOL.

The Japanese player comes from Scottish Club GLASGOW CELTIC &
comes “free” after finishing his contract at the Scottish team. His
new team will own a high percentage of his image rights as the 30
year old Nakamura is a superstar in Japan & will generate cash
inflows for Espanyol

MANCHESTER UNITED PREPARING TO GO AFTER SERGIO "KUN" AGUERO ?

Spanish sports daily “Marca” in its afternoon digital edition gives the
news that MANCHESTER UNITED maybe elaborating a plan to take
over to Old Trafford ATLETICO DE MADRID Argentine International
SERGIO “KUN” AGÜERO.Atletico has informed all Clubs interested
that Aguero has a contractual release clause of 60M€ (+ VAT) &
that this is the figure in any negotiation.

(photo: afp/marca.com)

Manchester United has been in conversation with Aguero´s
multinational representative company IMG to study the viability of
the operation. The English Club sees Aguero as the perfect substitute
for the places left open by the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo &
Carlos Tevez, & will soon be “flashed” with new cash to be able to
go after Aguero & pay his release clause. Before we all get excited,
let’s land on firm ground to remind that this is speculation & the
summer transfer market period is full of rumours & “smoke-screens”.
Let´s see how things develope.

The Spanish daily also publish that Italian Club JUVENTUS has been
in Madrid & meeting with Atletico Directives. It is not known what
the conversations were, but they suspect that Argentine International
& Atletico de Madrid Captain MAXI RODRIGUEZ may have been the
centre of their conversations, with the added rumour that Juventus
player TREZEGUET could be in there somewhere in a possible
operation.

Stay tuned!

An interesting piece on “Football Finance” has appeared this
afternoon on the digital edition of local sports media “AS”.
They cite the University of Navarra (Spain) & their Economic
Department who have just released a study indicating the
player, Club & Coach with most media pulling power in the
World, using last season’s indicators

(photo: as.com)

In the player category FC BARCELONA player LEONEL MESSI
overtakes new REAL MADRID player CRISTIANO RONALDO as the
most “powerful” media attracting player in the World. Using various
World business indicators ( press, Internet, TV, merchandising,
radio…etc) a points table was elaborated with the following results:
1. Messi 21,9 pts
2. C.Ronaldo 21 pts
3. Kaka 14, 9 pts
4. W.Rooney 11, 9 pts
5. F.Torres 11,4pts

In the Clubs category, FC BARCELONA is considered the “most
powerful Club in the World” media wise. A table was elaborated
with various World indicators ( sports achievement, titles,media
exposure,player importance, etc) with the following results:
1. FC Barcelona
2. Manchester United

Finally in the Coach category, MANCHESTER UNITED Manager/Coach
SIR ALEX FERGUSON takes the Nº1 position. A similar table was
elaborated following the criteria of the other categories with the
following results:
1. Sir Alex Ferguson 36, 2 pts
2. J. Guardiola 24, 7 pts
3. G. Hiddink 22, 06 pts
4. J .Mourinho 21, 09 pts

As you can see FC Bareclona dominates in most areas, thus crowning
their exceptional season 2008-2009.

REAL MADRID: "THE XABI ALONSO & ARBELOA PACK" FOR 45M€

English paper “The Daily Mail” – sensationalist as it maybe – have
published that with the transfer of Portsmouth & English International
defender GLEN JOHNSON for 20M€ to LIVERPOOL FC, the action
creates the necessity of the latter to sell. This has increased
speculation within the Football World that the interest of REAL
MADRID for Liverpool FC & Spanish International XABI ALONSO may
transform itself into an offer & eventual transfer to the Spanish Club.
Chelsea FC is also said to be interested in Xabi Alonso, but Liverpool
FC doesn’t wish to sell & strengthen its local rival & prefers that their
midfielder go to overseas.

(photo: as.com)

However, the English paper publishes the possibility of a “pack” Xabi
Alonso & Liverpool Spanish International defender ALVARO ARBELOA,
player to which Real Madrid have also shown interest & asked for the
possibility of a transfer. The arrival of Glen Johnson opens the door to
Arbeloa to leave & the said deal-pack is rumoured to be priced around
45M€, cash that Liverpool FC could latter re-invest in more signings.

Stay tuned.

FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009: PREVIEW SPAIN vs. USA SEMI FINAL

This Wednesday SPAIN plays FIFA Nº 14 ranked USA in the first
semi-final of the FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009 tournament.
There is already speculation on the possible Spanish Team starting
line-up that sees changes that local daily “AS” has titled the
“2 Ps & 2 X” plan.

According to the diagram the defence will feature the proven FC
Barcelona partnership of Pique – Pujoy as central defenders, while
the midfield Xabi – Xavi will control the centre with their particular
partnership. There is one doubt that Spanish Coach Del Bosque
will solve in the next 24 hours, whether Cesc or Busquets plays from
the start. The Americans have powerful forwards & Xabi alone may
not be enough, adding Busquets should be help out & keep the
American strikers under control.

The other semi-final will be on Thursday between South Africa &
Brazil, with the winners of both semis meeting next Sunday for
the final.

REAL MADRID: NEGOTIATIONS FOR FRANCK RIBERY BACK ON COURSE?

The Spanish daily & at times enthusiastic admirers of REAL MADRID,
the paper “AS”, publish today that contacts & negotiations have
increased in reference to French International & BAYERN MUNICH
player FRANCK RIBERY. According to the source the player’s agent
Alan Migliaccio is in constant dialogue with Bayern Munich, without
the fanfare of other signings thus maintaining a low media profile.

The strategy is as mentioned, discretion at all levels, were Bayern
has asked for 60M€ & Real Madrid is attempting to lower this figure.
Franck Ribery has communicated to the German Club that he wishes
to play at Real next season & he will not go back on his decision.

Stay tuned, as this begins to pick up pace this week, again!

EUROPEAN U-21 CHAMPIONSHIP 2009: SPAIN SAYS GOODBYE WITH A VICTORY

The Spanish U-21 National Team said goodbye to the EUROPEAN
U-21 CHAMPIONSHIPS with a 2-0 victory over FINLAND. The only
“miracle” possible for Spain to continue was in the hands of England
with a victory over Germany; however their game finished in a 1-1
draw. Therefore Group B has England & Germany that go onto the
next stage, while Spain packs its bags as third in what has been a
for them a disappointing tournament with rumoured "frictions"
between players & Coach Caro.

The Spanish goals came from TORREJON in the 22nd min & from
PEDRO LEON in the 55th min, with the latter possibly being the
best player on the field for this game.

In the other Group (A) Italy & Sweden, the host nation, move on
to the next stage.

Sports daily “AS” informs that ATLETICO DE MADRID has signed
Uruguayan International U/20 youngster & defender LEANDRO
CABRERA, as communicated by the President of DEFENSOR
SPORTING the Club of origin & the Uruguay Club Champion. The
player comes under a “financial engineering” formula with the
Spanish Club giving Club Defensor Sporting 1.5M€ in cash.

Leandro Cabrera is a talented defender with projection that is
versatile in all the defensive positions & is expected to arrive early
in July to Spain for the required medical examinations that are part
of all transfer agreements.

DAVID VILLA: THE STORY & SITUATION WITH THE REAL MADRID TRANSFER SAGA II

Hi, here is more on the VALENCIA CF – DAVID VILLA saga. Today
Spanish daily “Marca” add more light to this unbelievable situation
that is affecting personally the actual player.

1.On Friday, VALENCIA CF communicates that after reflection
DAVID VILLA is non-transferable. The Club goes back on its word
to the player & Real Madrid CF who had verbally shut a deal 10
days earlier.
2.Reason: David Villa is an important player for the Club & they
wish to keep him to assure they are competitive next season.
They will not sell to anyone
3.All this above was made public in a Press Conference on Friday
afternoon by Valencia CF President Manuel Llorente
4. Villa´s representative denounces the situation.Valencia will
only sell for a super, super, mega offer. This leaves the opportunity
open for a transfer

Up to here OK, it looks clear, but let’s scratch under the surface.
There are alternative reasons that limit the ethical, moral &
professional limits - if ethics & morality exist at all in Football:

1. The obvious reason is that Valencia CF President Manuel Llorente
is new in the post. He has succumbed to the immense pressure from
local media & fans to not sell to Real Madrid. The criticism is immense
& the new President doesn’t wish to be remembered as the man that
sold their star to its rival. Valencia CF via its fan base feel that Real
Madrid doesn’t respect the Club & just come in, put a price & expect
to leave with Villa just like that. "Who do they think they are",
Valencia´s social base asks.
2.President Llorente lies. They put Villa on sale, told the player, shut
the deal with Real Madrid & then went back on their word. President
Llorente lies when he says that the Club wants Villa to stay & “lead”
next season’s project. The Clubs MUST sell.
3.There is a Chelsea FC offer - the only offer, that Villa knocked back.
4. Valencia CF need the cash to pay back loans they took to pay their
players last season. Another lie. The Clubs has a 500M€ debt!
5.Valencia CF is pressuring Villa to accept the Chelsea transfer. They
wish to send Club lawyers to South Africa BUT Villa will not meet
with them to sign any deal.
6. Valencia CF wishes to squeeze the maximum transfer price. This
will help Club finances & justify to the fan-base the offer couldn’t
be refused.

Another reason is the “shady” dealing of David Villa´s representative.
The man wishes a 5-7M€ commission fee, which is halting that Real
Madrid attempt to lift its bid any further. Real has asked the
representative to lower his commission to help his player get his wish
to play in Madrid; the representative wants his slice of the pie.

Conclusion:
1. Valencia CF will sell to anyone except Real Madrid, because they
feel they are begin treated as a “minor Club” by Real Madrid. Its a
personal thing, not a business thing.
2. Valencia CF only has the Chelsea FC offer for the moment & wishes
Villa to accept it, or another if it comes with a big offer
3. The player wishes to play in Real Madrid & stay in Spain
4. FC Barcelona will wait in the “shadow” as it becomes an
alternative for the player & thus may accept even though he doesn’t
wish initially to go there due to the unbearable circumstances.
5. Villa´s representative is lifting “artificially” the price via his
commissions
6. Real Madrid are studying alternatives: Ibrahimovic, Benzema,
Forlan, Negredo,etc

It is a very complex situation, with multiple intertwined interests &
counter interests that are making David Villa´s personal & professional
life a nightmare.

Stay tuned, as this has more road to run before there is a solution

CHELSEA FC PLANNING A 100M€ JOINT OFFER FOR TORRES & VILLA?

News that has “hit” locally comes from the English paper “New of
The World” is that CHELSEA FC is preparing a Football earthquake.
The idea of Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich & his new Coach
Carlo Ancelotti is to put together Spanish International FERNANDO
TORRES & DAVID VILLA in the English teams forward line, the
estimate cost is 100M€.

The English Club wishes to take advantage of the economic
difficulties at LIVERPOOL FC to offer a 59M€ for Fernando
Torres, & retake the David Villa negotiations with 41,5M€ after
Valencia announced it will not sell to Real Madrid. With the former,
it is going to be nearly impossible that Liverpool FC Coach Rafael
Benitez will allow the operation to go through, except if their
American owners bite the temptation apple. The latter has already
said that he does not wish to play outside of Spain.

Stay tuned for developments.

SFS IS BACK. CAN´T LEAVE EVEN FOR TWO DAYS!

Can´t even go anywhere for a few days :)

(photo: SFS resting place. Zahora/Cadiz)

Been to the beach to disconnect this weekend & when I get back
home & onto the Internet I see that from Friday until now:

. Valencia CF breaks all negotiations & signal that David Villa is not
for sale. Valencia CF Directive has “broken” under the pressure
from the fan base that sees Real Madrid as the Club least to sell
anything.
. Real Madrid speaks with Ibrahimovic agent, but his price is too
high.
. Real Madrid speaks to Inter about Maicon, but his price is
too high
. Cristiano Ronaldo says he´ll be presented at Madrid on the
30th of June
. Spain win South Africa 2-0, equals Brazil for the World Record
of 35 consecutive games won & qualify for the FIFA Confederations
Cup semi
. Spanish World Tennis Nº1 Rafael Nadal withdraws from
Wimbledon due to his knee problems

…& on, & on.

SFS will be picking up all these leads & be back posting from now
on. Nice to be back guys!

EUROPEAN U-21 CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009: SPAIN 0 ENGLAND 2

The SPANISH U-21 NATIONAL TEAM went down tonight 0-2 to
ENGLAND in its Group B match. This “virtually” puts the Spaniards
out of the EUROPEAN U-21 Finals being held in Sweden. The
ONLY chance left is if Spain goals Finland in its last Group game
& England defeats Germany in its match.

Spain was nervous & put up a conservative set up that lacked any
action along the wings. Once again Spain’s goalkeeper Asenjo kept
his side in the running until England players CAMPBELL & MILNER
scored twice to knock the wind out of the Spaniards. English player
Walcott was decisive tonight coming on in the 62nd min to beef up
the English attack with his pace.

(photo: Campbell scores/uefa.com)

Disappointing effort from Spain who now look to luck to even think
about the possibility of continuing in the tournament

SUMMARY:

Spain 0: Asenjo; Monreal, Torrejón, Javi García, Azpilicueta; Raúl
García, Mario Suárez (Pedro León, min. 80), Javi Martínez (Xisco,
min. 69), Jurado; Bojan (Capel, min. 57), Adrián López

England 2: Hart; Cranie, Richards, Onuoha, Gibbs; Cattermole,
Muamba, Noble; Milner (Gardner, min. 84), Agbonlahor
(Campbell, min. 39), Johnson (Walcott, min. 62)

Goals: 0-1, min. 67, Campbell; 0-2, min. 73, Milner

SPANISH BASKETBALL: BARCELONA WINS ACB TITLE 2008-09

FC BARCELONA Basketball Team has won the Spanish Basketball ACB
National Title after defeating TAU CREMANICA 90 – 77 who won
the title last year. Barça wins the Final play-off 3-1 & brings back the
title after winning its last Championship back in 2004.

(photo: JC Navarro/Marca.com)

Juan Carlos Navarro & David Andersen were the star players for
Barça tonight & managed to outpace & outshoot a “tired” TAU
who has had a long season which showed in these final play-offs.

Congratulations to Barça who add another title to its 3 other titles
picked up by its Football Team to make 2008-2009 an exceptional
& magnificent season

SFS FLASHBACKS:1998 WORLD CUP - SPAIN 2 NIGERIA 3

It was the 1998 World Cup in France & the Group D game against
the strong & skillfull Nigeria. The end result was a "surprising"
SPAIN 2 - NIGERIA 3 which was the end of Coach Javier Clemente
& another disappointing World Cup "go home early" scenario. A defeat
that went down in Spanish history as the beginning of the WCup
career for RAUL & another disasterous goalkeeping mistake by
Zubizarreta

Don´t miss Nigeria´s 3ºrd & winning goal by OLISEH - amazing:

Spain 2 (Fernando Hierro; Raul)
Nigeria 3 ( Adepoju; Lawal; Oliseh)

SFS posted this (click) a couple of days back explaining the
apparent unusual situation at FC BARCELONA were it appears
from an outsider’s point of view that they are not enjoying
at all their historic three title triumph & are looking as if
everyday is a problem. SFS put it down to BAD MANAGEMENT
of their success, team & Club, added with an irrational non
justifiable paranoia & negative envy towards its arch rival.
Since then we have seen more news that add weight to that
post & SFS wishes to highlight with this new post.

(photo: Victor Valdes/marca.com)

Yesterday night, sports journalist Siro Lopez on Spanish TV Football
Show, “Punto Pelota” (Intereconomia TV), gave the audience
the true story behind the FC BARCELONA negotiations breakdown
with its current Goalkeeper VICTOR VALDES. The Goalkeeper knows
that his solicitation of 9M€ is “outrageous”, BUT it has come to his
ears that FC BARCELONA is doing “dirty & behind the scenes” dealings
with another Goalkeeper. According to Siro Lopez, Barça Captain
CARLES PUYOL – "under Club instructions" – is attempting to convince
LIVERPOOL FC & Spanish International PEPE REINA to come to Barça
while sharing time with the National side in South Africa. This has
got to Valdes & has infuriated the lack of trust placed on him,
apparent from the sneaky dealings. Therefore, he now asks for what
he has asked for in his contract renewal negotiations to put the Club
in a position to prove their loyalty. The player has one more year of
contract & could threaten to stay & leave FREE next year; Manchester
United is interested in his services. Conclusion: BAD MANAGEMENT

NOTE: 19 JUNE - Latest , Laporta has found some sense & has taken

the issue personally to fix this situation. It seems Barça will find a

solution & keep Valdes - contract until 2014 . Common sense prevails,
lets hope it continues on all fronts & Barça looks at itself & not
elsewhere from now on.

(photo: as.com)

Yesterday, the representative of LIVERPOOL FC & Argentine
International Captain JAVIER MASCHERANO was at FC BARCELONA
to discuss the interest shown by Barça for his player (source “The
Sun”/ “Marca”). Apparently, for FC Barcelona the operation could
cost 53M€, BUT the obstacle is Liverpool FC Coach Rafael Benitez
who will not sell at all. So why continue down this path? Now you
have another player who will be angry & suspect on his return for
next season; YAYA TOURE.Lastly, it is rumoured that MESSI (as Puyol
with Reina above) is doing the “smooth” work on Mascherano, if
true more bad friction : Toure - Messi? Conclusion: BAD
MANAGEMENT

Lastly, FC BARCELONA Economic Vice-President Joan Boix publicly
said yesterday on “Ona FM Radio” that at this moment Barça ONLY
has 35M€ of budget for signings. That figure would only increase
with selling of players. So, what about the supposed 50M€ offer for
Ribery? The 50M€ offer for David Villa? Conclusion: BAD
MANAGEMENT

These are just observations. SFS, as said before, has nothing against
Barça nor does it favour any Club. Those who feel "offended" can only
be so because they are not observing, be that rumours, speculations,
politics, false comments or the truth. Finally, SFS anticipates itself;
it’s all a Madrid media conspiracy to bring down the “Barça Empire”?
It could very well be, SFS does not know, what is written here is

just observation.

La Liga 2020-2021 Fixture & Results

Spanish Football Sports: About Me

Spanish Football | Soccer | La Liga | Sports News

Social Website 2.0

Spanish Football | Soccer | Sports Search

Soccer Pins

Football Sports Information

RSS Feeds

Recommended Links

Football | Soccer | Sports Blog Partners

Football Sports "Big Brother"

Disclaimer