Spanish Football thread

[Auwais]

Reminded me of the World Cup defeat against Switzerland, where VdB picked a similar team with Iniesta and Silva in the "wide" roles and Spain lacked any width or penetration.

Without a Pedro or Navas out wide, they seem to lack any directness in their attacks. VdB should've brought on Llorente instead of the woefully out of form Torres.

England, to their credit, rode their luck but defended intelligently. Although they could've caught the Spanish on the break a bit better if they'd been cleverer with the ball.

 

[m_vaughan]

Even the greatest of players make mistakes but that was some mistake. I prefer he does it in a friendly like this than in an important Euro or WC game or qualifier.

 

[m_vaughan]

Not the best performance against Pathetico last night, but then against them you really don't need to play at your best.

Nevertheless was impressed with Higuain, Benzema and Ronaldo again. A lot of goals between the trio this season with Di Maria, Ozil and Kaka feeding in (and often scoring the odd goal) well.

Six point lead over the catalans after Burger King beat them 1-0 later. I think Valera's goal was their only shot on target but Barcelona paid the price once again for a lack of versatility. Despite the increased points gap, the Classicos are still going to be vital, so its far from over.

 

[Bevab]

Predicted a 3-1 win for Real, and was shocked to see them win 4-1.

 

[m_vaughan]

Its El Clasico time and after a very long time the pressure in Barcelona, given they go into the game trailing us by three points and having played a game more. If we win today and next weekend's game at the Sanchez Pizjuan, then we will go nine points ahead of them - which even in December is a pretty big lead.

However, I still feel they have the mental edge having outperformed us over the last three seasons, and have not lost to us in 90 minutes of football yet.

Regardless, it should be a good game. I think we have a good chance to take all three points here, given Barca's away form this season, however my head says a 1-1 draw with us scoring first and Messi equalising late in the game.

 

[JBlues08]

Hoping for lots of goals in the El Clasico.

 

[m_vaughan]

Hoping for lots of goals in the El Clasico.

Based on Karanka's press conference yesterday, Mou is going to field three defensive midfielders (although Ozil and Kaka were mentioned, but I do not see them starting).

My prediction is 1-1 was us scoring first and going a little bit too much on the defensive. Messi doing his usual wonder to beat 4-5 Madrid players and scoring a late second half equaliser.

My heart ofcourse is hoping for a victory and maintaining our 100% record at the Bernabeu.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

If Madrid win then the league is over. 6 point lead with a game in hand. No way Madrid can mess that up.

 

[War]

Personally i think the 3-1 slightly flattered Barca, given some of those freaky goals.

A draw would have been a more fair result IMO.

 

[puddleduck]

Shock horror Ronaldo goes missing/has a poor game when it's a big one

 

[Dr. Pepper]

David Villa has broken his leg. It's a real shame to see him fall from grace so drastically and in such a manner.

 

[JBlues08]

Gutted to hear that news earlier. Not being bad or anything but his injury could help Soldado get into the Spain squad for EURO 2012.

 

[Bevab]

He has started falling down in his career, after two great seasons.

Too bad he is into his thirties.

 

[m_vaughan]

I am sure it was more than two great seasons. He has been fantastic ever since 2006. It is a big blow for Spain, even more than it is for Barcelona, where he has been on the bench quite regularly. Spain have options in Negredo, Soldado and Llorente, but Villa is Villa.

What I fear now is Torres starting, which I am sure if what Del Bosque is going to do.

 

[Bevab]

It was only from then that Villa was seen greatly.

Torres starting would be a bad idea. Too bad that Del Bosque will probably do it.