Here is a photo of the Spanish starting line-up with Cesc Fabregas in the intial 11 with Xavi on the bench so as to not risk further his leg complaints from a knock from his last "Liga" game.
Spain had two versions tonight: the 1ºst half ( pictured above) & the 2ºhalf with various changes as expected to give players a run. It was the first version which was the best with a magnificent Iniesta in control, David Villa dangerous as ever, the solid defence & every member of the team tuning the machine. It was all ball control & an overpowering midfield that did the damage, although France were dangerously competative in the early part of the game.
The first goal came in the 20th min via DAVID VILLA, after an Iniesta & Silva combination that put the Valencia CF player in front of the French goalie to score. Watch the below VIDEO:
From here Spain dominated the game & after several warnings the 2º goal came from SERGIO RAMOS in the 46th min after his shot took a deflection from a French defender. Watch the below VIDEO:
The 2º half saw various changes on both sides throughtout the remaining 45 mins, with Spain bringing on Torres (Villa), Xavi (Cesc), Senna (Xabi Alonso), Albiol (Puyol), Navas (Iniesta) & Guiza (Silva); while France changed its whole front-line from Ribery (Malouda), Cisse ( Anelka) & Henry (Govou). This had a discoordination effect within the Spanish team, & the lifting of spirits for France & their game with MALOUDA hitting the post with a header in the latter part of the match. But that was it, Spain considering the substitution imbalance, still managed to keep the "ship" steady & continued frustrating the French who kept running after the Spanish who controlled the ball.
In conclusion, an authoritative victory that turns the tide of historical defeats, it builds up even more confidence & cohesion with the Spanish team & sends a clear message out to other World Football Nations sides. The French one has to say are undergoing a difficult changing "of the guard" with players out of form, & a star like Thierry Henry sadly & terribly out of form & only a shadow of what he once was a few years back.
2 comments:
Domenech must be sacked if france wants to win anything
seconded...but its too late
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