Spain worthy winners – 2008

I wan’t exactly supporting Spain at Euro 2008 but must admit to being won over by their play in the final.

The only team who really played nice flowing football in the game thoroughly deserved the crown as champions after the 90 mins and to finally get a trophy after 44 years is a great achievement.

Torres’ goal was a superb dink over the keeper, and the German defence was abysmal to say best.

Much has been made about the Germans weakness at the back throughout the tournament but I can’t help but feel their weakness up front was even more worrying.

The only German player who came out of the game with any credit was the outstanding Schweinstiger who for me was one of the payers of the tournament.

So congrats to Spain, who also had midfielder Xavi named as player of the tournament. I can’t help that they must now also be favourites for the World Cup!

Germany through, who will join them? Spain or Russia

Well after the twist and turns of last nights match between Germany and Turkey what can we expect from tonights match?

Obviously a lot of people will be looking at the job Spain did on russia in the group stages, beating them 4-1 and think they’ll do them over again.

Personally I think and hope Russia can do the job and make it to the final, but having watched the opening 5 minutes of the game, Spain are looking dominant and full of life early on. Torres has just pulled a good save out of the Russian keeper and I feel he could be in for a busy night.

Interesting to see that both of these teams tonight have only one player each plying their trade outside of their respective countries.

More to life than money! David Villa says no to Chelsea.

How refreshing it is to hear that one of the brightest talents in the game, David Villa, will say no to a contract with Chelsea.
I don’t mean that to sound as though I have something against him joining Chelsea, in fact I’d love to see him play in the premier league, but his reasons for declining set an example for others to follow.

Basically he has said I’m really happy in Spain and I’m not interested in moving on for any amount of money.

I bet his agent is still recovering from the shock!!

Any youngsters that are looking for a new role model have the perfect guy here.

In an age where Man Utd can pay their 16 year olds near on a £100,000 a year it’s so easy for young players to lose sight of reality and of the game and take the money from a young age. It’s nice to see a guy say hey I know I live a remarkable life already! There’s only so many big houses and flash cars you can have before it all becomes a bit mundane and if I stay here I can have all that, some nice sunshine and really enjoy my football. If I move to London I have to put up with rain for 3 months of the year, cold for 3 months of the year, rain and cold for 3 months of the year then have a few half decent ones in the summer which I’d probably spend in Spain anyway! Plus I’d probably spend half my time on the bench and pay a fortune in tax and fuel on my lovely motors.

And to cap it all off, you have to admit, it is quite funny that despite all of his billions, Abramovich still can’t afford a modest Villa in Spain!

Spain – off to a flyer Euro 2008

Spain managed to put 4 past Russia earlier this evening in a thoroughly entertaining game.
Villa pulled off a lovely hat trick and proved he is absolutely world class with a big hand in the other goal too!
Russia did manage a consolation goal but just couldn’t live with the fluidity and style of the Spanish.
Does this make them favourites?
Well only a fool would say they don’t stand a chance and if they continue to play like this I certainly would not begrudge them their first trophy since 1964!!!!

European Championships – Austria / Switzerland 5 Days to go

I love the big International football tournaments.
Everything about them gets me excited, the passion, the skill, the colours.

Obviously the big two for me being The World Cup and The European Championships. Ok so this year it will be a bit strange that there’s no British teams to support, but I don’t think it will make the tournament any less enjoyable. It’s not as if any of the home nation teams ever do anything exciting like looking as though they stand a chance of winning it anyway. So this year I’ll adopt a team, and cheer them on.

Most people I speak to seem to think that it’s going to be between Croatia, Portugal and Spain and I’d be a fool if I said I don’t think they’ve got a chance. Spain in particular look a bit tasty with Torres in fine form.

My favourites though are the Italians. Ok they’re not everyone’s cup of tea but hey they’re World champions and still have a quality set up. I think if they can get through their group, which will be an achievement in itself, they’ll become their usual tight at the back unit who can pull off a one nil against anyone.

With the recent turmoil and scandal involving italian clubs I think it would be a fitting return to the top of the pile and I dare say UEFA would like to see some good reports about Italian football at the moment, so don’t be surprised if there’s one or two dubious decisions in favour of the Italions and they end up with another trophy.