SWEDEN 1 SPAIN 1 | EURO 2020 GROUP RESULT

EURO 2020 Group qualifiers continued tonight with SPAIN travelling to SWEDEN. The Spanish National Football team needed a draw tonight to get the sufficient points to automatically get their ticket to the Euro Championships. Here is a short summary with goalscorers & the final result.

The above image shows the starting SPAIN XI team, with Carvajal, De Gea, Thiago, Gerard, Iñigo Martinez & Rodri getting a run. Sergio Ramos was out suspended after receiving a yellow card in Norway, his 5th.

The great start of Spain, which was able to get quickly three very clear occasions (especially a hand to hand with Thiago) which gradually gave way to the reaction of Sweden. The local team had a very clear idea; defend, use the counter-attack & their superior physical strenght. The Swedes got stronger & Spanish goalie David De Gea had to make a fabulous save from a Quaison header to avoid the 1 - 0 in the 32nd min. Later on Spanish defender Iñigo Martinez also had to intervene to avoid a Swede goal.

The second half started with Sweden getting ahead 1 - 0 in the 49th min through BERG after De Gea made two saves. Things get complicated for Spain which was looking for the equalizer & at the same time creating spaces for Sweden. The local side created many goal opportunities, of which one of those De Gea was injured & was replaced by Kepa. The clock kept ticking & the nerves set into the Spanish Game, which made Spanish Coach Moreno put on Rodrigo Moreno & Jesus Navas to be more vertical. It paid off.

In the 92nd min a Spanish corner found Fabian who crossed hard into the square to find the tap on of forward RODRIGO who equalized. Spain saved at the last moment with a final disappointed Sweden team which had fought hard & played well all game. 

The result qualified Spain automatically for the upcoming EURO 2020 Championships.

FINAL RESULT: SWEDEN 1 - SPAIN 1


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SPAIN 2 - NORWAY 1 | EURO 2020 QUALIFIER RESULT

The road towards the qualification for the upcoming EURO 2020 Champions began for SPAIN tonight with the first match at home against NORWAY in Group F. Here is a short summary of the main events, the goalscorers & the final result.

SPAIN - NORWAY: Euro 2020 Group F Qualifier 

Spanish National Team Coach Luis Enrique put in the following starting 11:

David de Gea, Jesus Navas, Sergio Ramos, Íñigo Martinez, Jordi Alba, Parejo, Sergio Busquets, Jesus Ceballos, Marco Asensio, Rodrigo & Alvaro Morata. 

Only 5 names survive from the World Cup team: De Gea, Ramos, Alba, Busquets & Asensio.

Later Betis midfielder Sergio Canales & forward Jaime Mata of Getafe debuted as substitutes in the 2º  half. 

SPAIN won in a worked match 2 - 1 NORWAY. Although Spain dominated most of the match they were overall not at all convincing. Spain creates plenty of goal opportunities but does not manage to score, their effective rate is way below the occasions created by the Team.

Norway, knows their limitations & they also know their strengths sticking to their strategy of defending well, forcing the errors from their opponents, counter-attacking & attempt to exploit their big men upfront with long balls to exploit their heading power. Simple & effective. 

This is basically the summary of tonight's match. The Norwegian game plan nearly paid off as they pushed Spain in the latter part of the 2º half. A penalty on Morata was the lifesaver for the locals to pull off the victory & grab the three points.  

The 1º st half went to Spain which started well with the habitual ball domination & goal creating opportunities. The first goal came in the 16th min when Valencia CF striker RODRIGO managed to score.  With the momentum Spain created numerous clear goal opportunities but Norway Goalie JARSTEIN made important saves & MORATA (along with fellow team-mates) was not able to score. In fact, the Atletico de Madrid forward have up to 6 occasions that where all missed, even though the penalty awarded late to Spain was won by him.

The 2º half was more in Norway´s favour & they put up forward some "towers" of forwards to receive the long balls & make things difficult for the Spanish defenders. The plan worked when in the 65th min Norway was awarded a penalty from a free- kick that forced Martinez to foul KING in the area. In was KING himself who converted the penalty to draw the result. Spain was going through its worst moment & things were not looking bright for the locals as the nerves began to settle in throughout the side. 

However, a Norwegian defensive error gave Morata the ball & Norway goalie Jarstein had no option but to foul the Spanish forward. Sergio RAMOS took the penalty in the 71st min to score & put Spain back into the match & leading. The worst part for Spain seemed over, as the locals regrouped & began using their heads to keep control of the situation. Norway did have some occasions towards the end that made the crowd hold their breath but Spain managed to hold the 2 - 1 result. 

GOALSCORERS:

1 - 0 (16') Rodrigo Moreno
1 - 1 (65') (P.) Joshua King
2 - 1 (71') (P.) Sergio Ramos

FINAL RESULT:

SPAIN 2 - NORWAY 1

Spain manages the victory & the three points but they have to work more upfront to lift their goal conversion rate, as they fail to transform the numerous occasions created into goals to shut their matches. 

Spain plays MALTA next Tuesday in their next Group F Euro 2020 match. 

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UEFA EURO 2020 | SPAIN IN GROUP F

The Group draw was held this morning at UEFA HQ for the upcoming EURO 2020 competition & Finals. SPAIN has been drawn in Group F along with Sweden, Norway, Romania, Faroe Islands & Malta.

Match Calendar:

Round 1: 21 - 23  March 2019
Round 2: 24 - 26 March de 2019
Round 3: 7 - 8 June de 2019
Round 4: 10 - 11 June de 2019
Round 5: 5 - 7 September de 2019
Round 6: 8 - 10 September de 2019
Round 7: 10 - 12 October de 2019
Round 8: 13 - 15 October de 2019
Round 9: 14 - 16 November de 2019
Round 10: 17 - 19 November de 2019

EURO 2020 finals; from 12th June to 12th July 2020

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SPAIN 2 - ENGLAND 3 | UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE

SPAIN hosted ENGLAND for their Group clash of the UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE. Important match for both as a Spanish win tonight would have put them directly into the final 4, while England needed to win to keep alive their chances & more importantly avoiding relegation to a lower Group.

The final result was Spain 2 - England 3 with the visitors doing the damage in the 1st half with all 3 goals. Spain put up a better performance in the 2º half scoring & creating chances but the English defended well & kept onto their earnt advantage from the 1ºst half.

Starting 11 teams:

SPAIN: David De Gea; Jonny, Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Marcos Alonso; Sergi Busquets, Saul, Thiago; Asensio, Rodrigo & Aspas.

ENGLAND:  Pickford; Trippier, Gomez, Maguire, Chilwell; Barkley, Dier, Winks; Sterling, Rashford & Harry Kane.

The 1ºst half was a shocker from Spain which was overpowered by the English counter-attacking system. Poor defending by all back four defending Spaniards, with Ramos & Nacho out of position & all slow. England pressured the Spaniards when they had the ball & forced mistakes which allowed them to take advantage of the spaces left unattended by Spain.

Harry Kane acted as the forward reference to get the ball & lay onto the speeding & attacking Sterling & Rashford to finish off the job. Plan worked perfectly for them as England was 0 - 3 by half time.

0 - 1 (16') Raheem Sterling
0 - 2 (29') Marcus Rashford
0 - 3 (38') Raheem Sterling

Much better 2º half from Spain with control of the game & creating numerous goal opportunities. Spanish Coach Luis Enrique made substitutes (Ceballos for Saul; Alcacer for Aspas & later Morata for Rodrigo) which gave Spain more vertical push forward & speed. 

The extra Spanish "aggressiveness"  & push gave their prizes when Paco Alcacer headed a goal to lift Spain & give them hopes of attempting a comeback.

1 - 3 (58') Paco Alcacer

The Spanish momentum continued & could have received a penalty when English Goalkeeper Pickford lost a ball to Rodrigo & fouled the Spanish forward before giving away a corner. The referee only saw a corner & denied Spain a penalty which could have really changed things.

From here onwards, barring an English occasion or two, Spanish attacked non-stop & bombed the English goal square, but were not able to finish off their opportunities, hitting the post etc. Spain finally managed a second goal late with a Ramos header in the last moment

2 - 3 (97') Sergio Ramos

England had defended well during the difficult last moments & managed to hold out the Spaniards to secure the victory & most importantly 3 points.

Great match, England played a top first 45 mins, while Spain showed "grit" & pride to at least pull back two goals. Spain will complain about the penalty not given but England takes the 3 points & gives Spain some things they need to rethink for future matches. Spain defensively was bad & is not fine tuned yet. 

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ENGLAND 1 SPAIN 2 | UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE RESULT

SPAIN has defeated ENGLAND tonight 1 - 2 at Wembley in their UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE match. Spain has not won England at Wembley since 1981 & tonights victory gives the "new" Spanish Football Team a confidence boost. 

New Spanish National Team Selector & Coach Luis Enrique started with the following 11:

De Gea; Carvajal, Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Marcos Alonso; Sergi Busquets, Saul, Thiago; Isco, Iago Aspas & Rodrigo Moreno.
The goalkeeper debate ended with De Gea keeping his place, while Aspas & Rodrigo surprised with their start. Correct choices by Luis Enrique as DE GEA was to be very important making 3 match saving actions & Rodrigo scoring the second & eventual winning goal.

Positive & encouraging match by Spain which dominated the 1º st half with possession Football & quick attacking incursions from the flanks. Dani Carvajal was very dangerous while midfielder SAUL was very active & causing all sorts of dangers. Said this England got ahead first in the 10th min through RASHFORD when defender Shaw made a clinical pass that broke the Spanish defense. 

The good news from Spain´s point of view was their quick reaction to the situation managing to equalize in the 12th min through SAUL. From this point onwards Spain took control putting England on the back foot & making them chase the ball. Valencia CF forward RODRIGO scored from an Isco free-kick in the 31st min that would turn out to be the winner.

England did have their moments through Rashford who was their most dangerous man, but Spanish goalkeeper DE GEA made 3 saves (hand, knee & leg) that kept out Rushford & avoided the few England equalizer attempts. 

Spain lost "gas" as the match went on in the 2º half & England pushed forward more looking for the equalizer. It nearly came but the offsides did not help & a disputed disallowed goal in the 96th min due to a foul on De Gea foiled England´s plans.

The moment of the night was the unintentional knock received by English defender Shaw by Dani Carvajal early in the 2º nd half that saw Shaw being attended 7 mins by the medical team & stretched off with neck brace & respiratory assistance. We believe it was precautionary & wish from here Shaw a speedy recovery.

In conclusion, good match & better start from Spain under new Coach Luis Enrique with his new players. There is still lots of work to do for Spain to better their play & secure the teams focus & concentration in the latter part of the matches where tonight they allowed the opponent to lift themselves & lose the grip of the match. England nearly managed to pull off the equalizer, thanks to their determination but also due to Spain's lack of ability to finish off the game with a third goal. 

Next match for Spain will be another UEFA Nations League Group game against Croatia.

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WORLD CUP 2018 | SPAIN ELIMINATED BY RUSSIA ON PENALTY SHOOT OUT

SPAIN was eliminated this afternoon by RUSSIA losing 3 - 4 on penalties after extra-time & with a 1 - 1 draw at the end. Spanish players Koke & Aspas missed their penalties while goalkeeper De Gea did not stop any penalties from the Russians. Sad moment for Spanish Football as an "inferior" team managed to knock Spain out of the World Cup, but Russia played well their limited cards looking to take the game onto penalties where things get even & remain wide open. Congratulations to Russia.

Spain dominated the entire match controlling the ball with all moments of pure "boredom" as the objective - to score goals - was never clear. Spain only had a hand full of shots at the Russian goal during 130 mins & this is practically "anti Football" with no effectiveness, no goal. This is precisely the problem of Spain during this tournament & past years, the team has difficulties scoring goals. Most of the scored occasions for Spain during their World Cup participation have been rebounds or lucky spill overs with forwards out of the count. 

Even today´s only goal for Spain was an own goal by Ignashevich (11th min) after a tussle with defender Sergio Ramos. The Russian equalizer was a penalty scored by Dzyuba (41st min) after defender Pique hand balled.The rest of the summary was all Spain, all Spanish ball domination & null goal opportunities & without goals you cannot win. Below is the technical card summary:

Spain will now fly home tomorrow & rethink the future. Current selector Fernando Hierro will certainly not continue as he too showed signs of inexperience although he was brave to take on the position after the "erroneous" sacking of Julen Lopetegui. Inietsa & Pique leave the Spanish team & veterans like Ramos & Silva are close to calling it a day in coming years. Spain will have to rejuvenate & look forward to the Euro Championships 2020.

So goodbye, Spain will not be missed from the World Cup because they never really played well in all of their 4 matches, with perhaps Portugal being their best moments. But the team started badly, key players not at their best moments, poor decisions by Coach Hierro & the lack of goal or effectiveness upfront to win matches. In the end looked at things rationally Spain was "lucky" to get as far as they did.  

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SPAIN 1 - IRAN 0 | GROUP B RESULT FIFA WORLD CUP 2018

SPAIN has defeated 1  - 0 IRAN in their Group B match tonight in Kazan (Russia). A very difficult encounter for the Spanish Team against a rocky, sticky & ultra defensive Iran that gave Spain troubles the whole match. Iran knew their game plan on how to neutralize the Spanish ball possession & their higher quality players: defend with all 11 men. A draw for Spain was useless & Iran had the upper hand with 3 points after defeating Morocco in their Group opener.

In fact, Spain will give thanks to the introduction of the "VAR Technology" which disallowed an offside goal in the second half to Iran which would have been a disaster for Spain if allowed. This event helps explain how difficult & awkward this match was for Spain as they walked on the "knife edge" on various occasions throughout the 2º half.

Spain anticipated that Iran would defeat & attempt the counter-attack & thus started with Carvajal & Lucas Vazquez to try to open up Iran on their left flank. However, the Iranians were solid everywhere defensively allowing Spain the control of the ball and smashing continuously into their defensive wall ( or Trap ) to increase the frustration levels for the Spaniards. Added to all this Iran complemented their game with "time wasting" tactics from apparent non-fouls, shoe laces, ball going astray, goalkeeper taking his time etc etc, the whole array of time consuming ideas was witnessed.

It took 55 mins to open the Iranian can & with luck for Spain to score a goal ( the winning goal) after the ball rebound of an Iranian defender onto the knee off DIEGO COSTA. Witnessing how the game was developing this is as valid as a clear open shot for Spain was clearly not seeing the light in the tunnel up until this "small miracle".

Miraculously, Iran changed "game plan" for this point & for the first time went forward looking for the equalizer that would give them a secure opportunity of advancing in the World Cup, while almost certainly eliminating Spain. The Iranians nearly found their "goal" on various occasions putting the heart up the throats for most Spaniards watching TV back home.

In the 73rd min Iranian midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi put the ball into the Spanish net after a free-kick & multiple defensive fumbles. However Saeid was off-side & while Iran was celebrating the referee had consulted the "VAR" & disallowed the goal. Spain saved by the technology, those who did not like it will now have to love the technology.

Both Coaches made their changes with Spain securing further the midfield with Koke (Iniesta), giving legs with Asensio (off Vazquez) & winning time with Rodrigo (off Costa), while Iran looked for the equalizer putting on offensive players.

In the end, Spain managed to control the situation, the Iranian attacks & their nerves by controlling the ball which is precisely what they do best. The final whistle blew & all of Spain sighed relief as this was a "close one". Iran played well tonight they knew their limitations & put forward their strategy, a plan that nearly paid off for them. They too came close to their objective. 

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SPAIN 1 TUNISIA 0 | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY GAME

SPAIN won 1 - 0 TUNISIA in the last Friendly game before they start their WORLD CUP campaign next Friday the 15th of June when they play their Group opener against the current European Champions Portugal. Tough one for a starter.

The Spanish National Football Team Coach Lopetegui started with the above 11 (in photo), but later changed the line-up giving player Nacho, Koke, Asensio, Aspas, Diego Costa & Vasquez a run. 

Tunisia which is also a World Cup qualifier gave Spain a difficult time & was an excellent "sparring" partner to test the Spaniards which overall did not play well. Although no one can question their dominance with the ball, Spain has a long time problem that still has not been solve: the lack of goal. 

Spain was relatively slow tonight & their moves became predictable thus not really bothering Tunisia which pressured the Spanish midfielders forcing them to lose the ball & give the Tunisian forwards goal opportunities, especially in the first half. Luckily for Spain, Tunisia was not firing upfront on all cylinders & missed many occasions.

The match allowed Spanish Coach Lopetegui to experiment with players & tactical systems ending the game with just 3 defenders as Spain looked for the winner. The goal finally came after Diego Costa got the ball & after dribbling goalie & defender found ASPAS nearly outside the box who scored the 84th min.

A hard worked victory which opens more questions than gives answers. Spain will have to decide their final 11 starters & figure out how to lift the efficiency rate in front of goal, the only true area that leaves doubt over the team. Looked at it in a more "philosophical manner" tonights less than optimal performance by Spain will avoid the danger of the squad going into the World Cup Group stage with over confidence. This is positive.

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INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY | SPAIN 1 SWITZERLAND 1

SPAIN played SWITZERLAND in a Friendly International tonight which ended in a 1 - 1 draw result. Both teams will be present in the upcoming World Cup Finals in Russia & this encounter severed as a good sparring occasion. 

Spain began with the following starting line-up:

De Gea, Odriozola, Pique, Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Thiago, Koke, Silva, Iniesta, Aspas & Diego Costa.

which later changed as Coach Lopetegui gave other squad members (Nacho, Asensio, Saul, Monreal, Rodrigo...) a run later in the game.

As one would expect the game had a "practice" feel about it for both teams as they worked on fine tuning their line-ups & getting players into the groove. The goals were scored by defender Alvaro Odriozola in the 29th min & Ricardo Rodríguez for Switzerland in the 62nd min. The Swiss goal came through a De Gea clearing mistake that will need to be looked at internally to sharpen reflexes.

Spain will incorporate tomorrow the Real Madrid players Sergio Ramos & Isco to complete the squad & will play their last Friendly International next week against Tunisia. There World Cup Group opening match is scheduled for the 15th of June against current European Champions Portugal. 

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FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 | SPAIN TEAM SHIRT NUMBERS

The WORLD CUP Finals kick off in 2 weeks & Teams are building up rhythm with Friendly Internationals & hard training. SPAIN has a Friendly match tomorrow at Villarreal against Switzerland & it will be a great occasion to see which Spanish National Team players have already allocated their official shirt number.

Mentioned this, barring last minute surprises, the 23 numbers have "owners" & one can reasonably speculate the allocation & order.

The SHIRT NUMBERS of the SPANISH NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM for the 2018 WORLD CUP in Russia:

1.David De Gea

2.Dani Carvajal

3.Gerard Pique

4.Nacho

5.Sergi Busquets

6.Andres Iniesta

7.Saúl

8.Koke

9.Rodrigo

10.Thiago

11.Lucas Vázquez

12.Odriozola

13.Kepa Arrizabalaga

14.Azpilicueta

15.Sergio Ramos

16. Monreal

17. Iago Aspas

18. Jordi Alba

19. Diego Costa

20. Marco Asensio

21. David Silva

22. Isco

23.Reina

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SPAIN 6 ARGENTINA 1 | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY GAME

SPAIN has defeated ARGENTINA 6 - 1 in a historical result that will be badly received back at Buenos Aires. The game was a Friendly International, a sparring occasion to test levels before the upcoming World Cup Finals in Russia, but the result leaves Argentina with doubts. True that Argentina was without some big names, notably Messi who finally could not play due to muscle-thigh complaints but the 2º half performance from Argentina was poor. 

Spain will get a confidence boost from their victory as the pieces seem to be all working fine. Each player was out to prove they should be on the final World Cup squad list & it showed. Spain was more intense in their play & with the final definition of opportunities created, along with Asensio, Ramos, Iniesta & Isco all outstanding tonight. Even the substitutes played well, Aspas being one example scoring & assisting.  

The 1ºst was fairly even with both sides looking to dominate the ball, Spain imposing their passing game & Argentina looking for the counter-attack. Gonzalo Higuian missed a sitter in the 8th  min to put Argentina ahead that was quickly turned around by Spain when DIEGO COSTA scored the first for Spain in the 12th min. With Spain on a roll & controlling things ISCO scored the second for Spain in the 27th min with Asensio assisting. Argentina recuperated their game & from a corner OTAMENDI headed home in the 39th min for his teams first & only goal. 

The 2º nd half was virtually all Spain & the goals rained down. Spain put in Aspas for Costa & gave another option upfront with the newly in combining well with Isco & team-mates. ISCO scored in the 52nd min, THIAGO scored in the 55th min, ASPAS got his reward for his work in the 73rd min & ISCO scored again & got his HAT-TRICK in the 75th min. Things were over for Argentina by this stage of the match.

Argentina felt the frustration & there was a few heated moments with knocks & pushes about towards the end of the match. Argentina will surely be severely criticised back home & the "Messi dependence" argumente will be heatedly debated. Spain will be happy with tonight's performance as players & squad look good in their planning & fine tuning for the upcoming World Cup in Russia. 

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SPANISH NATIONAL SQUAD FOR GERMANY & ARGENTINA MATCHES

Spanish National Team Coach & Selector Julen Lopetegui has handed in his list of players to make up the squad scheduled for two International Friendly matches next week. Spain will play Germany in Dusserdorf on the 23rd of March & later play Argentina in Madrid on the 27th of March. Two excellent sparring partners as teams fine tune their squads with focus on the upcoming World Cup Finals in Russia coming up mid-year.

Novelties are the call-ups of Marcos Alonso, Parejo, Rodri & Diego Costa. Notable absence is Alvaro Morata who is going through a "flat period" with his Club Chelsea & not playing as much as desired.

FULL LIST:

Goalkeepers: David De Gea (Manchester United), Pepe Reina (Napoles) & Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao)

Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Carvajal, Nacho (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba, Gerard Pique (FC Barcelona), Marcos Alonso, Azpilicueta (Chelsea FC) & Odriozola (Real Sociedad).

Midfielders: Isco, Asensio (Real Madrid), Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Thiago (Bayern Munich), Saul, Koke (Atletico de Madrid), Parejo (Valencia CF), Rodri (Villarreal), David Silva (Man. City).

Forwards: Rodrigo (Valencia CF), Diego Costa (Atletico de Madrid), Aspas (Celta de Vigo) & Lucas Vazquez(Real Madrid)

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RUSSIA 3 - SPAIN 3 | INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY GAME RESULT

SPAIN played tonight in  St. Petersburg RUSSIA in an International Friendly match which finished in a 3 - 3 draw result. Different match to last Saturdays Costa Rica friendly with more experiments, a more enthusiastic opponent & suffered encounter, especially towards the end of the game. A good sparring experience that should keep the Spanish Football Team humble enough with their upcoming World Cup 2018 planification. 

SPAIN started well & looked strong with their usual good Football style. They scored early in the 8th min & was 0 - 2 up by the 35th min. However, Russia begin to find their place & exploited the Spanish midfield & defensive errors. Smolov managed Russia´s first before half time.

The second half saw how both teams did some chances & tested out players which broke up the tactical scheme, this allowed spaces & goal opportunities for both teams. Russia equalized but Spain scored another to put them back ahead, to later see Russia again equalize. Russia managed the upper hand late in the match & nearly converted a late opportunity which was stopped by Spanish goalie De Gea. 

Tonight´s goals & goalscoreres:

• Jordi Alba 8th min, 0 - 1
• Sergio Ramos 35th min, 0 - 2
• Smolov 40th min, 1 - 2
• Miranchuk 50th min, 2 - 2
• Sergio Ramos 52nd min, 2 - 3
• Smolov 69th min, 3 - 3

Spain starting 11:

De Gea, Nacho, Piqué, Ramos, Jordi Alba, Busquets, Thiago, Iniesta, Suso, Asensio & Rodrigo.

Later changes:

Vitolo, Saul, Callejon, Moreno, Illaramendi & Silva.

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SPAIN FOOTBALL TEAM LIST FOR COSTA RICA & RUSSIA

Spanish Football Team Selector & Coach Julen Lopetegui hand in today his list of players for the upcoming Football Internationals against Costa Rica & Russia.

Full list of Spanish Internationals:
Goalkeepers: Kepa Arrizabalaga (Athletic Bilbao), Pepe Reina (Napoli/ITA), David de Gea (ENG/Manchester United).

Defenders: Álvaro Odriozola (Real Sociedad), Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba (FC Barcelona), Nacho Fernandez, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Marc Bartra (Borussia Dortmund), Alberto Moreno (Liverpool/ENG).

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Asier Illarramendi (Real Sociedad), Saúl Ñíguez (Atletico de Madrid), Thiago Alcántara (Bayern Múnich/GER), Luis Alberto Romero (Lazio/ITA), David Silva (Manchester City/ENG), Marco Asensio & Isco Alarcón (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Alvaro Morata (Chelsea/ENG), Rodrigo Moreno (Valencia), Iago Aspas (Celta), Jesus Joaquín Fernández "Suso" (Milán/ITA), Víctor Machín "Vitolo" (UD Las Palmas), Jose Callejón (Napoli).

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ENGLAND DEFEATS SPAIN 5 - 2 IN U-17 FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL

ENGLAND defeated 5 - 2 SPAIN in the FIFA U-17 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL. It´s the only mayor title still left to be won by Spain & this was their fourth attempt.

The result was correct & well earned by the English which was simply more stronger physically & quicker than the Spaniards. Although Spain was able to get 0 - 2 the first 30th minutes, England made a spectacular comeback with the 2º half being all England.

The steamy Calcutta (India) weather did not help the Spaniards which added to their tiredness & this in turn lead to defensive mistakes in concentration & marking which allowed the English forwards to score their goals.

Notable in the England team was Brewster & Winger Folden which was dangerous all the final. The goalscorers were:

• Sergio Gomez 10th min, 0 - 1
• Sergio Gomez 31st min, 0 - 2
• Brewster 44th min, 1 - 2
• Gibbs, 58th min, 2 - 2
• Folden 69th min, 3 - 2
• Guehi 84th min, 4 - 2
• Folden 89th min, 5 - 2

Although Spain could not win this afternoon, their Championship has been outstanding & they keep the future of Spanish Football alive & well for the next 20 years. Well done boys!

Congratulations to England for the u-17 FIFA WORLD CUP

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SPAIN DEFEATS ISRAEL 0 - 1 | WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

SPAIN defeated ISRAEL 0 - 1 in Jerusalem in the last of the World Cup 2018 qualifiers. The Spanish Football Team finishes top spot of the Group securing a direct ticket for next years World Cup finals in Russia.

Spain came into this match already qualified & with top spot but wanted to win in order to gain more FIFA ranking points & lift them from their current 12 th position. Spanish Coach Lopetegui used the occasion to give "less regular" players a run. The starting 11 was:

Reina, Azpilicueta, Ramos, Nacho, Monreal, Busquets, Illarramendi, Jonathan Viera, Pedro, Asensio & Aduriz.

Sergi Busquets reached a milestone tonight gaining his 100th International Cap with Spain.

Spain dominated the ball & possession the entire match but had difficulties penetrating the solid & crowded Israeli defence. Israel played the counter-attack & found their moments, some more closer than others.

The real action, or moment happened in the second half. Spain made changes - Aspas, Callejon & Isco all came on - with new ideas & it was midfielder ILLARAMENDI who fired home a "missile" from a stray corner in the 76th min that opened the scoring. A goal which was enough for Spain to get the victory & the three points. 

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SPAIN DEFEATS FRANCE 0 - 2 IN FRIENDLY INTERNATIONAL

Spain has defeated France away 0 - 2 in tonight's International Friendly game. Prestigious victory for the Spaniards over an always difficult rival and in Paris. But the protagonist was the "Video Referee" (Technology) as it was used tonight & it played an important part in two goals. The first a Griezmann 47th min header goal given then disallowed for offside after video scrutiny,  & the other the second Spain goal to Deulofeu whistle called offside but later validated. 

The first half was the "old Spain" that ruled World Football, or at least they showed prolonged viewing. Ball domination, anaesthetically pleasing touch Football & plenty of goal opportunities. The only fault? Not to accurate upfront from the Spanish players to have put things in the bag early. Spain went off half time with France still alive, & this is always dangerous.

The second half France started on fire & turned the match around. Extreme pressure that cornered Spain in their own half, & manage to put the ball in the net in the 47th min. While Griezmann was celebrating that he had put France ahead the video was being checked & concluded that Griezmann was offside.

Spain managed to regain their composure & made same key substitutions bringing on Thiago, Silva & Deulofeu. In the 68th min Spain won a penalty & David Silva scored. Later a quick attack found Jordi Alba who found an incoming Deulofeu in the 77th min to score. While initially it was disallowed as offside the "video referee" ruled it as legitimate & put Spain in the box seat.

That´s how it finished with a victory over their neighbours & rivals. Overall a very good performance from Spain tonight that remember past days not so long ago.

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SPAIN NATIONAL TEAM | VICENTE DEL BOSQUE STEPS ASIDE

Vicente Del Bosque has announced officially that he is stepping aside as Spanish National Team Selector & Coach. The early exit of Spain from the Euro 2016 was the decisive moment for Del Bosque to make the move.

Del Bosque leaves as one of the Great Spanish Football Coaches in History along side the now departed Coach & ex-National Team Selector Luis Aragones. The now ex-coach has told the Spanish Football Federation that he wishes to however remain as part of the organization involved with other Football activities.

Some statistics:

-114 games, con 87 victories, 10 draws & losses
-254 goals in favour, 79 goals against
-World Cup Champion (South Africa, 2010)

-European Champion (Poland - Ukraine, 2012)
-IFFHS World’s Best National Coach (3): 2009, 2010, 2012
-World Manager of the Year: 2012

-FIFA World Coach of the Year: 2012

In coming weeks we will soon know who the new Spanish Team Selector & Coach will be. Stay tuned!

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ANDRES INIESTA | THE MAGIC

Like fine wine, Andres Iniesta gets better with age. Spains finest & most probably the Worlds Best midfield player. Here are just 12 seconds of the magic, an impressive overhead manoeuvre during the Turkey game in the Euro 2016 Group D match-up 




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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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