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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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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SPAIN EUROPEAN INDOOR SOCCER CHAMPION

Congratulations to the Spain Indoor Soccer Squad for winning their 7th European Championship Title after defeating Russia 3 - 7.

Russia- 3: Gustavo, Shayakhmetov, Romulo, Abramov, Robinho -initial five-, Vikulov (goalkeeper), Sergeev, Kutuzov, Milovanov, Davydov, Pereverzev, Lyskov & Shakirov.

Spain- 7: Paco Sedano, Ortiz, Mario Rivillos, Pola, Raúl Campos -initial five-, Juanjo (goalkeeper), Jesús Herrero (goalkeeper), José Ruiz, Bebe, Andresito, Rafa Usín, Lin, Alex & Miguelín.

Goals: 0-1, m.9: Alex; 0-2, m.15: Pola; 0-3, m.16: Rivillos; 0-4, m.16: Pola; 1-4 m.20: Romulo; 1-5, m.30: Miguelín. 2-5, m.32: Robinho; 2-6, m.35: Miguelín; 2-7, m.36: Rivillos; 3-7, m.40: Milovanov.

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SPANISH FOOTBALL SPORTS FLASHBACK | MARCELINO LEGEND

Legendary Spanish International Football player Marcelino received today the "Sporting Legend Award" by a major Spanish Sports paper. The ex Real Zaragoza forward & 14 times Spanish International was remembered today after his most famous goal ever, the winner of the European Nations Cup Final 50 years ago against the powerful USSR.

It was June the 21st the year 1964 & Spain faced the USSR at the "Santiago Bernabeu stadium" in the city of Madrid in the final of the European Nations Cup Championship. In the Soviet team there was the impressive goalkeeper Lev Yashin , who months earlier had become the first goalkeeper to date to have won the Golden Ball,  & in front of Spain an impressive & fearful Soviet squad.

The game began with an early goal by Spaniard Chus Pereda in the 6th minute, however that was answered with an equalizer two minutes later by Soviet Kushainov in a deadly counter-attack. The match went to the 84th minute when Marcelino connected a pass from Pereda with a perfect header that beat the Soviet goalkeeper. Before passing the ball to Marcelino, Chus Pereda himself shook off a Russian defender with some magical dribbling.

Marcelino gave Spain the winner, the 2 - 1 final score line in the European Nations Cup Championships that finally gave Spain a mayor World Football title & a historical moment in Spanish Sport that would inspire later generations of Spanish Football players.
Check the video:

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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Q / FINAL RESULT | FC BARCELONA 1 PARIS ST GERMAIN 1 | BARÇA WINS IN AGGREGATE

Spanish Soccer giant FC Barcelona has qualified themselves for the semi-finals of the Champions League competition after drawing 1 - 1 at home against Paris St Germain in tonight's 2 º leg return quarter - final clash. Barça goes through thanks to their away goal advantage after drawing in Paris 2 -2 , this gave the overall aggregate a 3 - 3 result with more weight to the goals scored by Barça in the 1º st leg. 

A relatively balanced  & close to the wire encounter for Spanish Football Club FC Barcelona who experienced around 20 minutes virtually eliminated from Champions League. As with last nights games with other Spanish Soccer Clubs, Real Madrid & Malaga FC, this part of the tournament is tough business & suffering is the natural path that all teams must follow to get to the Final.

Barcelona started without their star Messi on the bench & still carrying the injury received in Paris. The Argentine was however in place if needed & was indeed called into duty later on when things got complicated in the 2º half after the PSG goal.

Barcelona started the match strong with their usual possession Football & upfront pressuring. PSG held  their ground while waiting for a Barça slip which allowed the counter-attack. Tonight PSG also used the long ball tactic with Ibrahimovic as the reference. Both teams had their chances to score but the French defence stay firm & solid & Barça goalie Victor Valdes made some game savers.

The surprise came in the 51st min when Ibrahimovic used his body to protect the arrived ball & passed onto Pastore who beat Valdes for the opening goal. At this stage Barça was eliminated & rapidly called on Lionel Messi who came on to attempt to save the match. The Argentine did this with his participation & back heel that found Pedro in the goal area in the 71st min to score the equalizer & put Barça back in the match & Champions League. Now PSG was virtually eliminated & they attempted everything to get the second goal which never came in the end. Barça was through, just through. A close call which will leave PSG disappointed as they to deserved more for their efforts.


This Friday UEFA will celebrate the semi-finals draw with two German teams & two Spanish Football Teams: Bayern Munich, B.Dortmund, Real Madrid CF & FC Barcelona.
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BASKETBALL | SPAIN WINS 2011 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP DEFEATING FRANCE 98 - 85

Big day of celebrations for SPANISH SPORTS after Spain managed two out of three Moto GP bike wins, a birth in the upcoming Davis Cup Tennis Final & tonight the EUROPEAN BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS Title. SPAIN defeated FRANCE 98 - 85 to proclaim themselves Euro Champs repeating the Basketball achievement to retain the title.

Pau Gasol

This is an exceptional generation of Spanish Basketball players which have put in an excellent & spectacular exhibition of Basketball against a very good French Basketball team. The MVP was JUAN CARLOS NAVARRO with 27 points tonight, followed by an impeccable PAU GASOL with 17 pts equal with an excellent CALDERON. 

Juan Carlos Navarro

However, the key to the victory & title was the whoe team effort with Marc Gasol, Felipe Reyes, Rudy Fernandez, Ricky Rubio, Lull, Ibaka, Sada, Claver, Emeterio etc all outstanding throughout the whole tournament. The defensive work tonight was vital as the attacking players then made sure to get in the shots & the many triple points to make it difficult for the opponents.

Congratulations to the SPANISH BASKETBALL Team, well done guys, were are all very proud,  & now its on to London & the Olympic Games.


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2010 U-19 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP | SPAIN 2 - PORTUGAL 1

The U- 19 SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM defeated PORTUGAL 2-1 this afternoon in their second group match of the 2010 U-19 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP being held in France. The victory assures the Spaniards a place in the semi-finals & gives them a direct ticket for the 2011 World Championships in Colombia.

The man of the match was Spaniard & Liverpool FC player DANI PACHECO who scored both of the Spanish goals, although Portugal bravely fought hard & nearly was rewarded after PINTO scored mid 2º half with an equalizer.

Spain will now play group team Italy next Saturday afternoon were the substitutes are sure to be given a run.

Spain 2: Alex; Martín Montoya, Planas, Bartra, Pulido, Oriol Romeu, Keko (Koke, min.91), Thiago Alcántara, Rodrigo (Rochina, min.79), Canales (Muniain, min.73) & Daniel Pacheco.

Portugal 1: Tiago Maia; Nuno Reis, Roderick, Agostinho Cá (Ruben Pinto, min.45), Nélson Oliveira (Baldé, min.86), Cédric, Sana, Alex (Evandro, min.45), Danilo, Mário Rui, Sergio Oliveira.

Goals: 1-0, min. 12, Daniel Pacheco; 1-1, min. 78, Rubén Pinto; 2-1, min. 88, Daniel Pacheco. Tweet

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U-17 FEMALE SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM WINS 2010 EUROPEAN TITLE

The South African World Cup & the SPAIN FOOTBALL TEAM are taking the spotlight in the area of Spanish Football. However, there an is equally important & great news to announce from the FEMALE SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM, specifically at the U-17 level, whom have proclaimed themselves the 2010 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS.

SPAIN defeated IRELAND in the penalty shoot-out of the Final finishing 0-0 after extra-time to take the FEMALE EURO U-17 Title. The Spanish goalkeeper DOLORES GALLARDO stopped two penalties to give Spain its first ever U-17 Euro Female title. Congratulations to the girls, lets hope this is an omen for the men’s Team in South Africa! Tweet

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NATIONAL U/19 FOOTBALL TEAM: AZERBAIJAN 0 - SPAIN 4 - QUALIFIES FOR U/19 EURO

Source: Sp Ftball Sprts Blog
The Spanish National U/19 Football Team has defeated Azerbaijan 0-4 a seals its qualification for the European U/19 Championships to be held in France this July. The first 5 national sides placed in this tournament will automatically have their place secured for the U/20 World Championships the following year. Spain becomes the first side to qualify along with France who are the hosts.

The star was young Barcelona player ROCHINA who scored twice & he was joined by Thiago (penalty) & Rodrigo. Good news from the junior level front!

Details:
Azerbaiyán- 0: Aghayev; Garayev, Guliyev, Seyidov, Abasiyev (Karamli, 46'); Abdullayev, Yagubzade, Isgandarov (Sattarly, 72'), Guluzade; Hasanov y Ahmadov.
España - 4: Álex; Montoya, Pulido, Mayor, Planas; Oriol Romeu; Keko (Kiko, 70'), Isco (Tello, 74'), Thiago, Pacheco; y Rochina (Rodrigo, 69').
Goals: 0-1 (29') Rochina. 0-2 (31') Rochina. 0-3 (36') Thiago p. 0-4 (70') Rodrigo. Tweet

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SFS FLASHBACKS: SPAIN - FRANCE MATCHES ( 1984 EURO FINAL & 2006 WORLD CUP) - YES, WE CAN

The Spanish National Football Team travels mid-week to play France in an International Friendly match that serves perfectly to measure & “feel the Spanish Team pulse” of the current European Champions who are “hot favourites” (along with Brazil) for the upcoming South African World Cup Finals.

Traditionally France is the nemesis & the “dark angel” who have eliminated Spain out of important competitions, or defeated them in important finals like in the 1984 Euro. Spain has not been able to win on French soil in the last 42 years, but has defeated their neighbour in a friendly game, the last being in 2008 with a 1-0 win over France in the Spanish city of Cartagena with a goal from Capdevila.

To build up the atmosphere for this Wednesday night clash, SFS has two Flashback videos that although many Spaniards will wish to forget may also serve to inspire & motivate to continue turning back the historical tide & send a clear message to all rivals that this Spanish Team intends to go all the way to the top of World Football. Yes, We Can; al least we hope :0)

(Euro 1984 Final: France 2 – Spain 0)


(World Cup 2006 – last 16 team phase: Spain 1 – France 3)
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EURO 2012: SPAIN "COMFORTABLE" IN GROUP I

The Group draw for the 2012 European Nations Football Cup to be
held jointly in Poland – Ukraine has been held earlier today. SPAIN,
the current European Champions, has been drawn in Group I & have
been matched up with the Czech Rep, Scotland, Lithuania &
Liechtenstein.


















A comfortble group in theory with opponents not in the upcoming
South Africa World Cup, plus Spain has defeated them in the past.
However, there is a clear need for humility, respect & total
concentration in order to secure Top spot in the Group & the direct
pass into the Finals. Tweet

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INDOOR FOOTBALL - SPAIN DEFEATS PORTUGAL 4-2 FOR 5th EUROPEAN TITLE

SPAIN defeated PORTUGAL in the final of the 2010 EUROPEAN
INDOOR FOOTBALL FINAL. Spain won its 5th European Title
confirming their superiority while holding the current World
Champion Title. Here is the video of the highlights & the goals:



4 - Spain: Luis Amado, Kike, Álvaro, Javi Rodríguez, Borja - intial 5,
Daniel, Fernandao, Ortiz, Torras, Lin & Juanra.
2 - Portugal: Bébé, Gonçalo Alves, Pedro Costa, Arnaldo, Pedro Cary
- Intial 5-, Joao Matos, Leitao, Cardinal, Evandro & Joel Queirós.

Goals: 0-1, m.9: Ortíz. 0-2, m.13: Javi Rodríguez; 0-3, m.36: Lin. 1-3,
m.38: Gonçalo; 2-3, m.39: Joel Queirós. 2-4, m.40: Daniel. Tweet

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EURO BASKET 2009 & TENNIS DAVIS CUP: GOOD DAY FOR SPAIN , BOTH INTO FINALS

SPAIN got into two finals today. The first for tomorrow night in the
BASKETBALL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS in Poland & the second
in the Tennis DAVIS CUP final to be played at the end of this year.

Spain defeated Greece 84 - 62 in todays semi final of the European
Championships to either face tomorrow Slovenia or Serbia in the
Final tomorrow night. Who would have thought a week ago that
Spain would get so far after losing two games & playing at a very low
level. The team has gone from bad to better to almost favourites in
just 3 games. Amazing comeback to show their true class that has

earned them already a Silver Medal; now for the Gold.

We wish them luck for tomorrow.

After Spanish Tennis Team players David Ferrer & Juan Carlos Ferrero

put SPAIN 2-0 up yesterday in the DAVIS CUP semi-final being played

at Murcia (Spain), today Spain had a chance to tie it all up in the doubles
against ISRAEL.

The Spanish pair of Robredo & Lopez did just this & won the Isreal pair

7-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 to put this semi - final 3-0 & Spain straight into the
December Davis Cup final which will be played in Spain.

Spain will defend its Davis Cup title against the Czech Republic.

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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!

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