ITALY 2 - SPAIN 0 | ITALY ELIMINATES SPAIN FROM EURO 2016

Italy has eliminated Spain from the UEFA Euro 2016 Cahmpionship. The final 2 - 0 in favour of Italia is deserved & justified after a 1º st half that saw Spain overrun by Italy. When the best player on the field is Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea, this tells you everything. The Spanish goalkeeper made 4 espectacular saves in  the first 45 mins that kept Spain with options right up to the end.

However, while Italy counter-attacked perfectly in the 1º st half with dangerous players Eder & Pelle running riot, the 2º nd half was a master-class of defending that kept out the final desperate Spanish attempts. 

The Italians were quicker, more determined & physical stronger from the start. Spain was lost, with bad field positioning & inaccurate passing. The Italians had a clear game plan & worked the counter-attacks to perfection. After a couple of saves from De Gea, a free kick outside the box opened the can. A powerful Eder shot hit Spanish goalkeeper De Gea & Chiellini scored from the deflection in the 33rd min.

Italy had more chances that luckily at this "early" stage were not goals against Spain. 

Spanish Coach Del Bosque then took off Nolito & put on Aduriz for the 2º half to change the play & put muscle upfront against the experienced Italian central defenders. The idea worked as Spain began finding opportunities but the defending from the Italians was superb. 

Spain then lost Aduriz to injury & young Lucas Vazquez came on the put some fresh legs upfront. More opportunities arose for Spain but Italian goalkeeper Buffon then did his stuff blocking off an Iniesta shot & more dangerous attempts for Spain.

Spain was desperate & began an all out attack phase that nearly gave the equalizer in the 88th min but Pique missed in front of Buffon who stopped the shot. With Spain skewed upfront a counter-attack opened Spain & Pelle scored the second for Italy in the 90th min to secure the Italian victory.

Italy now moves onward in the tournament & will meet Germany next Saturday, while Spain goes home with the "end of a marvellous generation of players". For Spain it is now all questions like, will Coach Del Bosque continue? If not, who will be the new Selector-Coach? Will their be some "in-house" cleaning? Was this the last Spanish National team call-up for Casillas? 

Stay tuned!
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CROATIA 2 - SPAIN 1 | EURO 2016 GROUP D RESULT

First serious opponent for Spain tonight that exploited their accumulated tiredness & the multiple mistakes of the Spanish team. Croatia defeated 2 - 1 Spain in the last Group D match of the Euro 2016 Championship which leaves Spain in second place in the Group. Although the good news for Spain is that they qualify for the next round, the bad news is that it "changes" their match-up path with now Italy the next opponent next Monday in Paris. However, if Spain manages to continue after Italy the "theoretical" stronger teams, e.g. Germany & France... will also be along the path. 

Obvious surprise result as a draw would have given Spain top spot and the "easier" path, but this now is for Croatia which played their game & very well. Croatian bet on pressure & in exploiting the Spanish mistakes, using effectively the counter-attacks which were more dangerous as the Spaniards tired towards the end. Said this it is no excuse & does not take away the merit from the Croatian side which is a very good team, even without Modric who did not play tonight.

Spain started with the same 11 from previous matches : De Gea, Juanfran, Piqué, Ramos, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Iniesta, Cesc; Silva, Nolito & Morata; started strong, controlling the game & creating chances. The goal came early for Spain when Morata pushed in a Cesc Fabegras pass in the 7th min.

Spain then had a concentration slip & lost the ball too much which allowed Croatia into the match & lifted in confidence. Their goal & equalizer came in the 44t min through Kalinic, a psychological blow for Spain.

But the draw was still enough for top spot for Spain, & while Spain attempted to secure things the evening heat & tiredness came into effect. Croatia was psychical stronger & quicker which troubled Spain & were getting closer to the goal every time. 

Then a crucial moment half way through the 2º half when a doubtful penalty was called on David Silva. Spanish Captain Sergio Ramos took the penalty but was stopped by Croatian goalkeeper Sabasic. A boost to Croatia which carried them through until the end when they converted a rapid counter-attack into the winning goal in the 86th min through Perisic. 

The rest is what it is 2 - 1 result in favour of  Croatia.

The end result is not bad in itself for Spain as it may bring back to earth the early Spanish euphoria after their 2 previous earlier games. The negative aspects is, as said, the difficult path towards a hypothetical final where beforehand Spain must overcome the Euro 2016 favourites. While the "other" path is beforehand much "easier" now for Croatia. 

Next game for Spain, Monday 27th of June in Paris against Italy. An elimination game & against an old & difficult rival. Tough affair.
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SPAIN 3 TURKEY 0 | EURO 2016 GROUP D RESULT

Spain defeated 3 - 0 Turkey & take the top spot of Group D in the Euro 2106 tournament. Spain found that old "magic" that was lost from the last World Cup to send a clear message that they are back. The current reigning European Champions put in a splendid performance tonight that reminded of the powerful Spain back in 2008.

The Turks tried but were out played in every position by Spain who dominated the ball & controlled the whole match with touch Football.

Everything fell into place tonight for Spain, even the goals, an area the team has been criticised for sometime as lacking. Tonight the two young "newbies" Alvaro Morata & Nolito managed to score:

Goals: 1-0, 33': Morata, 2-0, 36': Nolito, 3-0, 47': Morata

However, it was a team effort with some of Spain´s key player coming into form in the right moment. A paragraph should be dedicated solely to midfielder Andres Iniesta (man of the match). Absolute "master-class" tonight in control, vision, passing & dominance. Clearly currently the best midfielder in World Soccer & a delight to watch. He was supported by an excellent David Silva who was brilliant, along with another player the best in the World in his position, Sergi Busquets.

But there are more names that need a spotlight & who were outstanding tonight, Cesc Fabregas was magical, wing-defenders Jordi Alba & Juanfran untiring & decisive, along with defenders Pique & Sergio Ramos both solid as rocks.

Confidence booster for Spain, which have clearly played the better Football of all the Euro 2016 Championship to date. Spain has sent a clear message that they are "back" & have lifted their odds as contenders.

Said this, we need to water down the fires as its still too early & many things can happen which may kill off the euphoria. Until then tonight's wins secures Spain mathematically a spot in the next stage of the Championship. The next objective is to draw-win against Croatia to secure top spot & thus avoid the likes of France or Germany on the road to a hypothetical Final.

Good vibes, lets hope they keep vibrating for Spain.

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SPAIN 1 CZECH REP 0 | EURO 2016 GROUP D RESULT

Spain started well in its Group D match against Czech Republic winning 1 - 0 in today´s EURO 2016 match. Deserved victory that was worked by Spain with defender Gerard Pique scoring the winner in the 86th min with a header. The victory will calm the nerves & lift confidence,  along with giving the three points that puts Spain along with Croatia at the top of the Group.

Spanish Coach Del Bosque finally shut debate with the starting 11 team featuring David De Gea as goalkeeper, with upfront pair Nolito & Alvaro Morata.

The Czech Republic decided that their main strategy was to defend & look for the counter-attack. With most of the Czech team defending Spain had a difficult task scoring. However, lead by David Silva & Iniesta Spain dominated the ball & created numerous goal opportunities. Alvaro Morata missed some good opportunities while opposition goalkeeper Cech was outstanding in keeping Spain with scoring. 

But the the main motor & inspirational play-maker was Andres Iniesta who was brilliant, simply at a World class level. As time raced into the second half, Coach Del Bosque brought on subs like Thiago & Pedro to revitalize the midfield. The nerves increased & it looked as if the Czech Rep would hold out, until an Iniesta pass found Gerard Pique in the goal square who headed in the winner. 

Other names to mention are Jordi Alba & Juanfran who run the flanks, & goalkeeper De Gea who made an important save to avoid a possible draw. Said all this Spain needs to better in the forward line & finish off the long plays with goal. 

Next match for Spain will be Turkey.
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SPAIN 0 GEORGIA 1 | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY GAME

Last International Friendly match for the Spain National Football Team tonight before heading off to France for the soon to start Euro 2016 Championship. Spain hosted Georgia & lost 0 - 1 in a surprise result that should serve to put back down to Earth some hyped- up local Football observers & media.

Yes, Coach Del Bosque made plenty of changes & this was a "sparring match", however the some old problems persist:

1. can´t find a way to break a solid defensive wall,
2. lack of fire-power upfront. Simply said, lack of goal.

Two areas that need to be solved along with an aspect that has crept into the Spanish Football Team, too many long ball passes. 

The Spain starting 11 was: 

De Gea; Juanfran (Bellerin) , Pique, Ramos (San Jose), Jordi Alba; Busquets (Pedro), Thiago Alcantara (Iniesta), Cesc (Koke), Lucas Vazquez, Aduriz & Nolito.

Silva - played mid 2º half as well.

The Spanish team created plenty of chances but failed to finish. The Georgia goal came from a Jordi Alba mistake pass to Sergio Ramos who missed & allowed Georgia to counter-attack & score in the 39th min through Marcookriashvili.

Spain needs to improve some aspects of their Football & fine tune their passing before their Euro 2016 Group opener next Tuesday.

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SPAIN 6 - SOUTH KOREA 1 | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

Spain Football Team continued with their Euro 2016 preparation programme playing this afternoon South Korea in an International Friendly. The final score Spain 6 - South Korea 1 in a one side match with Spanish Coach Del Bosque mixing players about all match but introducing some "heavy-weights": Iniesta, Pique, Casillas etc , for this ocassion.

The goalscorers for Spain were:

• David Silva 29th min
• Cesc Fabregas 31st min
• Nolito 37th min
• Morata 49th min
• Nolito 53rd min
• Morata 88th min

with Nolito & Morata scoring both twice & making a claim as candidates for a permanent place in the Spanish Team starting line-up.

For South Korea there goal came through

• Ju Se-Jong 82nd min

Overall a positive & promising performance from Spain which should lift their spirits & confidence. The local media are a bit euphoric with the result & should put the encounter in a proper perspective. Overall South Korea performed as a low grade "sparring partner" & is no indicator to the true level that the Spanish Team will meet in the upcoming Euro 2016 competition in France next month.

Spain still has to incorporate a few more players, those from Real Madrid & At. Madrid to complete the squad. Plus has another scheduled Friendly game soon to keep experimenting & fine tune the team.

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SPAIN FOOTBALL TEAM | LIST OF PLAYERS FOR EURO 2016

Spanish National Football Team Selector & Coach Vicente del Bosque handed in the final & definite list of 23 players to make up the Squad to compete in next months Euro 2016 Championship.

Surprises with Isco & young star Saul having been dropped, while defender Bellerin takes the place of injured Carvajal. Personally very surprised to see the lack of real forwards in this squad, the inclusion of Pedro who has had a weak season at Chelsea FC & defender Bartra who can´t get a regular place with FC Barcelona. However, I don´t make the list & must have faith with these 23 players which will be defending Spain & the European Champion Title.

Full list of 23 players Spanish Football National Team :

Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Iker Casillas & Sergio Rico

Defenders: Juanfran, Bellerin, San Jose, Pique, Ramos, Bartra, Azpilicueta & Jordi Alba.

Midfielders: Lucas Vazquez, Bruno Soriano, Silva, Cesc, Koke, Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro & Thiago.

Forwards: Morata, Aduriz & Nolito

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SPAIN 3 - BOSNIA 1 | PRE - EURO 2016 FRIENDLY

Spain begins focusing on the upcoming European Nations Championship in France next month with a series of International Friendlies that began today against Bosnia. Many regular Spanish International players incorporated themselves to the squad yesterday while those who played yesterday with Real Madrid & Atletico Madrid will join in coming days.

Spanish Selector & Coach Vicente del Bosque put in a starting line-up full of new faces & triggered more Spain National Team debuts: 

Asensio, Bellerín goalkeeper Asenjo started.
Denis Suárez, Oyarzabal, Iñaki Williams, Fornals & Diego Llorente came on in the second half

The final score was SPAIN 3 - BOSNIA 1. Two goals came from Nolito - 12th & !8th min - & Pedro scored in the 94th min, while Bosnia scored theirs through Spahic in the 31st min. The Bosnian Spahic later received a red card for slapping & left his team with 10 men.

In the second half Bosnia with 10 men played better & forced Spanish Goalkeeper Asenjo to make match savers. 

In coming days the regular Spain Team members will be all coming together & begin working to defend their European Champions title in the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament in France next month. 

Next International Friendly with be next Wednesday against South Korea.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL TEAM | LIST OF 25 PROVISIONAL PLAYERS

Spanish National Football Team Coach & Selector Vicente Del Bosque has handed in his provisional list of 25 players for the upcoming EURO 2016 Championship in France. The Spanish National Team Selector has to drop two players for when the final & definitive 23 players are announced the 31 st of May.

Regular names have been left out like Alcacer, Juan Mata, Cazorla, Diego Costa & the highly speculated Fernando Torres. Personally I am surprised not to see Javi Martinez, instead we see in the provisional list Bartra who is not a regular with Barça.

New additions are young upcoming players who have put in a wonderful season & have been prized for it like Saul & Lucas Vazquez.

FULL PROVISIONAL LIST OF 25 NAMES SPAIN NATIONAL TEAM for upcoming Euro Football Championship:

Goalkeepers

Casillas (Oporto)
De Gea (Manchester United)
Sergio Rico (Sevilla)

Defenders

Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Juanfran (Atletico Madrid)
Pique (FC Barcelona)
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Bartra (FC Barcelona)
Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona)
Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

Midfielders

San Jose (Athletic Club Bilbao)
Bruno (Villarreal)
Koke (Atletico Madrid)
Saúl (Atletico Madrid)
Thiago (Bayern Munich)
Silva (Manchester City)
Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid)
Busquets (Barcelona)
Cesc (Chelsea)
Iniesta (Barcelona)
Isco (Real Madrid)

Forwards

Nolito (Celta)
Pedro (Chelsea)
Morata (Juventus)
Aduriz (Athletic Club Bilbao)

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EURO 2016 | SPAIN GROUP D

UEFA celebrated today the Group draw for the upcoming European Nations Championships to be held next year in France. Spain as head of serie, & defending Champion, has been matched up with Czech Republic, Turkey & Croatia in Group D.

The rest of match ups are below, in Spanish & easily understandable.

The Championship starts the 10th of June with the France - Romania game. Spain starts the 13th of June against Turkey.

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SPAIN WINS 0 - 1 UKRAINE | EURO 2016 RESULT

Spain travelled to the Ukraine to play their Group C qualifier for the upcoming Euro 2016 in France. Spain has already secured the Group top spot & thus has a direct ticket, while the Ukraine needed to win tonight to get a chance at the second spot & thus get into the play-offs between the other 2º placed teams in the other Groups.

With this situation Spanish Coach Del Bosque put on the following starting 11:

David De Gea; Mario, Nacho, Etxeita, Azpilicueta; San Jose, Cesc Fabregas, Thiago; Isco, Nolito & Paco Alcacer.

In theory Spanish selector put on the "B-team" although a fine "B-team" in anyone books. 

Said this, Spain did not go into the match relaxed while Ukraine were very serious looking for the victory. Overall the Spain Football Team played well but failed to shut the match. Spain got ahead in the 22nd min with a header from debut player Mario. Soon after Spain was awarded a penalty but Cesc Fabragas failed to convert in the 24th min. This lifted off the "canvass" the Ukraine team which managed to created some dangerous goal opportunities, however Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea put in an

excellent performance making half a dozen or more important saves keeping the locals out, apart from frustrating the local supporters.

Spain had a goal disallowed after some great combination work from Tiago, Isco, Cesc & finally San Jose who scored, but the Serbian referee considered a foul was committed on a Ukraine defender before the ball went into the net. From here until the end of the game the Ukrainians went forward putting all their efforts into attempting to turn the match around their way. But some inaccurate finishing, an alert & agile De Gea & a concentrated Spanish defence maintained their earned goal from the first half & the resulting final victory.

Final result 0 - 1 win for Spain over the Ukraine.

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SPAIN 4 LUXEMBOURG 0 | EURO 2016 GROUP C RESULT

Spain played Luxembourg in their Group C Euro 2016 qualifier & won 4 - 0. The victory assures the top spot of the Group for Spain & its ticket for next years European Championship in France.

Spain began the night with the following 11 :
Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Bartra, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Cesc, Cazorla; Silva (Mata), Pedro (Nolito) & Morata (Alcacer), 
with Luxembourg taking on an aggressive approach, sidelined first was David Silva with a suspected knee strain, while shortly later Alvaro Morata was taken off with a possible bone (fibula) fracture. If the last is correct, Juventus FC will have their striker sidelined 4 months, something that still needs official comformation. 

As mentioned a rough 1º half with Spain dominating with up to 73% of ball possession but not effective upfront. It was not until the 44th min that Spain broke through the opposition defence through Santi Cazorla.

The second half was also a slog until Cesc Fabregas managed a "surgical pass" that found Paco Alcacer in the 66th min to score. Nolito then came on shortly after & "handed" a pass to Alba who found Paco Alcacer in the 80th min for the Valencia player to score. The last & fourth goal also had the signature of Nolito but it was Cazorla who managed to score in the 85th min & get his second for the night.

Spain now flys over to Kiev to meet the Ukraine next Monday for another Group C qualifier. Should give Coach Del Bosque to give other players a run as Spain has the upcoming Euro 2016 secured.

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SPAIN FOOTABLL TEAM LIST FOR UPCOMING EURO 2016 GROUP QUALIFIERS

Spanish National Football Selector & Coach Vicent Del Bosque handed in this afternoon the list of players that will represent Spain in the upcoming EURO 2016 Group qualifiers against Luxembourg (Logroño, 9th of Oct.) & the Ukraine (Kiev, 12th of October). The novelties are the return of Thiago, Iñigo Martinez, Bruno & Morata.

The full list of players:

Goalkeepers:

Iker Casillas (Oporto/POR)
David De Gea (Manchester United/ENG)
Sergio Rico (Sevilla)

Defenders:

Juanfran Torres (Atletico de Madrid)
Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Marc Bartra (Barcelona)
Jordi Alba (Barcelona)
Daniel Carvajal (Real Madrid)
Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Iñigo Martínez (Real Sociedad)
Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea/ENG).

Midfielder:

Sergio Busquets (Barcelona)
Francisco Alarcón 'Isco' (Real Madrid)
Cesc Fabregas (Chelsea/ENG)
Santi Cazorla (Arsenal/ENG)
Juan Mata (Manchester United/ENG).
Thiago Alcántara (Bayern Múnich/GER)
Bruno Soriano (Villarreal)

Forwards:

Alvaro Morata (Juventus/ITA)
Paco Alcacer (Valencia)
Manuel Agudo 'Nolito' (Celta)
Pedro Rodríguez (Chelsea/ENG)
David Silva (Manchester City/ENG)

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SPAIN EUROPEAN BASKETBALL CHAMPION 2015

The "Golden Generation (1999)" of Spanish Basketball have put Spanish Sports back on top after proclaiming this evening the 2015 European Basketball Championship title. Spain defeated Lithuania 80 - 63 in a controlled Final from the Spaniards point of view.

Few gave Spain hopes of going so far after 2 defeats in their difficult Group, which included Serbia & Italy, however the team went from less to more as the competition continued & they won with self believe, pride & with some fabulous Basketball. Its the 4th Euro Final of this group & tonight their 3rd Gold Medal. The win takes Spain directly ( along with Lithuania) into the upcoming 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.

The player that has taken all the headlines is Spaniard & Chicago Bulls pivot PAU GASOL, who has lead Spain with leadership, sacrifice & with an extraordinary level of Basketball. Pau Gasol was included in the EURO 2016 Ideal 5 & was award MVP of the tournament.

Another Spaniard prized for his extraordinary effort was RODRIGUEZ who was also included in the EURO 2016 Ideal Team. Said this, the triumph is collective as the Spaniards apart for the individual talents mentions rose to the occasion as a unit, a solid bloc.

Lastly congratulations to Lithuania for their tournament & I am sure both will again meet in the future to battle again. 

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MACEDONIA 0 SPAIN 1 | EURO 2016 GROUP C RESULT

Spain travelled to meet last placed on Group C Macedonia to finish with a 0 - 1 victory that cost the current European Champions. Thanks to an early (perhaps accidental) goal Spain managed the three points but showed little more as Macedonia placed a defensive wall which neutralized thereafter all the Spanish attempts.

The starting 11 Spanish Football Team tonight:

De Gea; Carvajal, Pique, Ramos, Bernat; Busquets, Cazorla (Koke), Isco (Iniesta); Mata, Silva & Diego Costa (Paco Alcacer),

up to 6 changes from the last game against Slovakiallast Saturday.

The winner came early in the 5th min when Juan Mata crossed but managed to "unwillingly" cause the ball to deviate & beat a surprised Macedonia goalkeeper at his far post. From here onwards Spain controlled the ball but was ineffective in breaking the Macedonian defensive lines.

Frustrating for the visitors with the changes in the 2º half introduced by Spanish Coach Del Bosque not changing things upfront. Diego Costa who started was again scoreless & not effective which is causing some to doubt if he is the goal scoring answer. 

Said all this & looking at it all with pragmatism a win is a win & more importantly gains another 3 points which maintains Spain on top of Group C. However, not a night to brag about spectacular Football.

Next games - Luxembourg & Ukraine

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SPAIN 2 SLOVAKIA 0 | EURO 2016 GROUP C RESULT

Spain has defeated Slovakia 2 - 0 tonight in their Group C Euro 2016 qualifier. Important result for Spain as they regain the top spot of Group C with goal advantage over Slovakia. If Spain manages to win the remainder of their games  they should qualify directly into the Euro 2016 Finals next year in France.

The starting 11 line-up for Spain was the following:

Iker Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Cesc; Silva, Iniesta, Pedro Rodríguez; & Diego Costa

A team which dominated most of the game with their habitual ball control & creation of numerous goal opportunities. Slovakia defended most of the night & looked for counter-attacks of which some were dangerous. But Spanish goalie Iker Casillas managed to make some important saves along with his defence which swept away the danger.  

It was Spanish defender Jordi Alba who opened the scoring in the 5th min from a brilliant David Silva pass that was headed into the back of the net. With Spain on a roll Diego Costa was fouled in the penalty area & Andres Iniesta scored the 2º goal in the 30th min converting the penalty.

The 2º half Spain continued it dominance but missed plenty of more goal opportunities to ram home their clear game advantage. Spanish midfielder David Silva was - for me - the "man of the match" but unfortunately failed to score at least a goal in his numerous created occasions. 

In the end Spain settled for the three points to seal top spot & looks now forward to next Tuesdays Group C qualifier against Macedonia. A win will be needed to cement all the great work & the result gained tonight. 

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SPAIN LIST FOR UPCOMING EURO 2016 QUALIFIERS

Spanish National Football Team Selector & Coach Vicente del Bosque handed in his list of 23 players for the upcoming Euro 2016 Group qualifiers. Spain plays in the Spanish city of Oviedo Slovakia the 5th of September, to then travel to play Macedonia on the 8th of September.

Vital match against Slovakia where Spain is currently second in the Group behind them & needs a victory to take the top spot & with it the direct access into the Euro 2016 finals.

Some local Football observers have been surprised that Del Bosque has not called up Athletic Club Bilbao forward Aduriz. However, his 34 years of age could be his handicap as the Spanish Coach prefers to bet on young & the future.

Full list of 23 players to represent Spain:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Sergio Rico
Defenders: Juanfran, Azpilicueta, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Bartra, Jordi Alba, Bernat
Midfielders: Koke, Busquets, Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas, iniesta, Isco, Silva, Mata
Forwards: Alcacer, Diego Costa, Vitolo & Pedro.

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BELARUS 0 - SPAIN 1 | EURO 2016 GROUP MATCH RESULT

Spain visited Belarus in their Euro 2016 qualifier in a must win situation, as they needed to secure the 2º place of the Group & have a chance of grabbing the 1º spot off Slovakia in the all important September Group game between both. 

The objective was achieved with a worked 0 - 1 victory over Belarus that had its moments of "danger" for Spain especially in the 2º half. Spain suffers a long term chronic problem upfront, lack of goal & effective Football to shut their matches. Said differently, plenty of ball domination - up to 65-68% - plenty of goal chances but ineffective in terms of conversions. 

Spain started with the following 11 players:

Casillas; Juanfran, Pique, Ramos, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Cazorla, Cesc; Silva, Pedro & Morata.

Belarus conscious of their resources adopted to defend & attempt the counter-attack if Spain made mistakes. The first half was all Spain with plenty of opportunities to score but could not finish things off. The opener finally came in the 45th min from a free kick that the Belarus goalie could not reach & found David Silva who controlled & fired home.

The second half saw Belarus lift their game & take more risks looking for the equalizer. The home side created more chances & Spanish keeper Iker Casillas had to make two-three important saves to avoid Belarus equalizing the game. Spain looked out of place up till the 70th min when Coach Del Bosque made chances (in Vitolo, Isco...) to give new ideas upfront & fresh legs. Spain regained control & again created chances, with Morata & Silva having notable clear opportunities, but again not able to finish things off. Right up till the end of the game there were more Spanish chances but the Belarus defence & goalie stopped everything.

In the end the 0 - 1 was enough to give Spain the win & the valuable 3 points, but with a sour taste that goalscoring is a ongoing problem.

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SPAIN FOOTBALL TEAM LIST | BELARUS & COSTA RICA

Spanish National Football Team Selector & Coach Vicente del Bosque announced today the list of 24 players for the upcoming International Friendly match against Costa Rica (Leon, 11th of June) & the all important Euro 2016 Group qualifier against Belarus (Borisov 14th of June. 

The principal novelties are the names of two Sevilla FC players, goalkeeper Sergio Rico & midfielder Aleix Vidal.

Complicated calendar as some important players will be on holidays (or CL Final duties) & will have to fly back to group up & prepare the matches. Lets hope this does not affect the Spanish Team performance especially against Belarus.

Full list of 24 names:

Goalkeepers: Casillas (Real Madrid) De Gea (Manchester United) Sergio Rico (Sevilla)

Defenders: Juanfran (Atlético) Carvajal (Real Madrid) Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) Pique (Barcelona) Bartra (Barcelona) Jordi Alba (Barcelona) Bernat (Bayern) San Jose (Athletic)

Midfielders: Koke (Atlético) Busquets (Barcelona) Silva (Manchester City) Isco (Real Madrid) Cazorla (Arsenal)
Fabregas (Chelsea) Iniesta (Barcelona) Pedro (Barcelona) Vitolo (Sevilla) Aleix Vidal (Sevilla)

Forwards: Alcacer (Valencia) Morata (Juventus) Nolito (Celta).

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SPAIN 1 UKRAINE 0 | EURO 2016 GROUP C MATCH RESULT

Spain hosted the Ukraine for there must win Group C qualifying match for the Euro 2016 competition in France. Both Nations came into this game with 9 points each, behind Group leader Slovenia with 12 points (now 15 after defeating Luxemburg tonight). A loss tonight by Spain would have made their qualification for France 2016 almost out of their reach, Spain managed the objective winning 1 - 0.

Although Spain won, they suffered patches of grey moments where the Ukraine created clear chances of goals,  but luckily for the home side they missed. Apart from this Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas had to make some important saves to stop the visitors from equalizing, especially in the 2º half.

Spain continues to have its long standing problem, their lack of GOAL. The Football & midfield performance was outstanding, with such talents as Iniesta, Koke, Isco & Silva in the centre & controlling the ball it had to be. However the scoreline does not correspond to the Football exhibited, there is a serious lack of upfront goal scoring effectiveness. Young Juventus forward Alvaro Morata officially debuted & scored the only goal in the 29th min but he was out of sync & not as dangerous as expected. Ramos hit the post later but little more to "hang up on the wall".

The lack of "killing off" power allowed the Ukraine to revive & believe in themselves that they could draw & they nearly did.  

Overall, a win & the 3 points for Spain which was the Nº 1 objective & priority. But the image given still leave doubts in the air & many questions still opened. Perhaps we (myself) are badly accustomed after enjoying 8 years of unbelievable Football that included 2 Euro & 1 World Cup titles, a level perhaps not to be seen again in a long time.

Details:
Score & starting line-ups:

SPAIN - 1: Iker Casillas; Juanfran, Ramos, Piqué, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Koke, Isco, Iniesta, Silva & Morata

UKRAINE - 0: Pyatov; Fedetskiy, Khacheridi, Kucher, Shevhuk; Tymoshchuk, Rotan; Konoplyaka, Stepanenko, Yarmolenko & Zozulya.

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