Showing posts with label Xavi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Xavi. Show all posts

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Friday, June 16, 2017

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Xavi calls time on Spain career

Xavi has retired from international football after winning the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.

The 34-year-old was capped 133 times, more than any other Spanish outfield player, while Vicente del Bosque admits the national side will struggle to find a replacement for the Barcelona midfielder.

"We have lost a unique player in the national team and it will be difficult to find another one like him,” said the 63-year-old.

"Xavi has been key in Spain's style and in all the success achieved. We'll miss him so much on and off the pitch."
Wednesday, August 6, 2014 12:00

Ozil, Modric & the Goal 50 absentees


You can read about it via this link by Chris Myson
Ozil, Modric & the Goal 50 absentees

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Stark reality bites in Spain's Roja wedding

It's over, it's finally over. Spain, reigning world and European champions have been dumped out of the World Cup thanks to a colossal performance from Chile.

Jorge Sampaoli's side, also nicknamed La Roja, scored twice in the first half in a frantic end-to-end game of football in Rio de Janeiro.

And for Vicente del Bosque's team it was very much a case of one tournament too far for a group of players who have defined an era. There will be casualties from this exit, not least if they fail to even take home the wooden spoon in their final game against Australia.
Thursday, 19 June 2014 12:46

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Don't touch Neymar!

Tuesday's Champions League fixtures saw plenty of action with protesters interrupting Basel's match with Schalke after abseiling into the stadium, while up in Scotland Barcelona inched past Celtic.

Cesc Fabregas was the hero for the Catalans heading home late on to secure victory for the Spanish champions and ensure heartbreak for Neil Lennon's men.

However, the main talking point was not Fabregas' goal but the red card which saw Scott Brown sent off on the hour mark for a kick at Neymar, a decision that did not go down well with the home fans.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013 11:43

Friday, September 6, 2013

Race to Rio continues as stars face World Cup qualifiers

The race to qualify for World Cup 2014 continues in earnest this weekend with many top stars in action for their countries.

The world’s most expensive footballer, Gareth Bale, should feature for Wales although Real Madrid’s newest recruit is highly unlikely to make it to Rio.

Another big summer signing Mesut Ozil is in action for Germany, who are closing in on qualification, while Manchester United new-boy Marouane Fellaini will face Scotland with Belgium.

Elsewhere expect to see Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in action as club football takes a back seat this weekend.
Friday, 6 September 2013 11:50

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Brazil & Spain set to serve up a Confederations Cup treat

The climax to the Confederations Cup takes place on Sunday night as Brazil host World and double European champions Spain in the Maracana in front of an expectant crowd.

Neymar has lit up the tournament so far, while Fernando Torres has banged in crucial tournament goals again for Vicente Del Bosque's side.

It all adds to an enticing final match that should provide a lovely taster for next summer and the fervour with which the tournament has been received by the Brazilian public will have whet the appetite of football fans around the globe ahead of World Cup 2014. 

Spain penalty prowess too much for Italy

Spain booked their place in the Confederations Cup final on Thursday with a penalty shoot-out victory over Italy.

Cesare Prandelli's side battled the world and European champions for 120 minutes but neither side could break the deadlock.

But Spain's superstars proved to be as accurate from the spot as they are with their passes, as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Juan Mata and Sergio Busquets all netted.

Italy matched their opposition for quality every step of the way, until Leonardo Bonucci fired over the bar, leaving Jesus Navas to calmly slot past Gianluigi Buffon to book a final clash with Brazil on Sunday. 

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Barca look to seduce Bale away from Tottenham

A saga that shows no sign of letting up anytime soon is the attempts from across Europe to lure Gareth Bale away from Tottenham this summer.

The Welshman is fast becoming the hottest property the Premier League has to offer, and while Real Madrid have been most closely linked in recent months, Liga rivals Barcelona have stepped up their charm offensive in the past few days.

Centre-back Gerard Pique hailed the the 23-year-old as an "unbelievable player", while also insisting the Blaugrana want to have "all the best players in our team", but will Bale's head be turned by the overtures from Catalonia? 

Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year! Stars prepare to bring in 2013

Spain secured their place in the pages of football history, Chelsea marched to an unlikely Champions League triumph and two of the greatest players of all time have smashed yet more records. 2012 will be difficult to match.

With the fixtures in the world's major leagues wrapped up for the current calendar year, the game's biggest and brightest can celebrate a job (mostly) well done.

But there's plenty more to look forward to in 2013. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will carry on and, in all likelihood, reach a few more remarkable landmarks. A mouthwatering last 16 of the Champions League awaits. And, when all else fails, there's Mario Balotelli.