the list for Slovakia and Luxembourg

Vicente del Bosque has announced the list of players called up for the upcoming Euro qualifiers against Slovakia (Oct. 9, 20:45h in Žilina) and Luxembourg (Oct. 12, 20:45h, Luxembourg City).

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David de Gea, Kiko Casilla.

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Juanfran Torres, Gerard Piqué, Raúl Albiol, Sergio Ramos*, César Azpilicueta, Jordi Alba, Marc Bartra*.

Midfielders: Ander Iturraspe, Sergio Busquets, Koke Resurrección, Andrés Iniesta, Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fàbregas, David Silva, Juan Bernat, Raúl García. 

Forwards: Rodrigo Moreno, Pedro Rodríguez, Diego Costa, Paco Alcácer.

the list for France and Macedonia

Spain’s first games since the World Cup disaster are coming up.  They are a friendly against France in Paris on Sept. 4 (21h), followed by the first qualifier for the 2016 Euro, which will be against Macedonia on Sept. 8 in Valencia (20:45h).  This list of players called up was announced today.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, David de Gea, Kiko Casilla.

Defenders: Juanfran Torres, Dani Carvajal, Mikel San José, Sergio Ramos, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, César Azpilicueta, Raúl Albiol.

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Ander Iturraspe, David Silva, Koke Resurrección, Cesc Fàbregas, Andrés Iniesta,* Isco Alarcón, Santi Cazorla.

Forwards:  Pedro Rodríguez, Diego Costa, Paco Alcácer, Raúl García.

all set for Italy!

Spain takes on Italy tonight in a friendly at the Vicente Calderón (Madrid) at 22h.  There are several things of note about this game.  It is the last time La Roja is together before the concentración for the World Cup begins on May 26, the game will serve as a tribute to the late and great Luis Aragonés and as the stage for the debut of the new black jerseys, and of course this will be the first time we see Diego Costa in the shirt of Spain.  All eyes have been on him the entire week, although I have to admit mine were focused on Azpi’s dimples instead!

the list for Italy

Vicente del Bosque has revealed the list for the upcoming friendly against Italy on March 5 in the Vicente Calderón (Madrid).  This is the last time La Roja will get together before the concentración for the World Cup begins on May 26.  The list was announced at the headquarters of the AFE (the Association of Spanish Footballers; Iker Casillas, David Villa, Gerard Piqué and Carlos Marchena are current vice presidents), as the game will benefit the association.

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

During the last concentración back in November, the boys filmed their holiday messages.  With 2014 being a World Cup year, it was no surprise that the shiny gold trophy was mentioned time and again.

I do hope that 2014 will bring us many successes, including of course the World Cup.

memories of South Africa

Spain has returned to Soccer City (now FNB Stadium) for the first time since winning the World Cup there on July 11, 2010.  La Roja will play South Africa in a friendly tonight at 20h.  Of the 23 players who were crowned champions with Spain on that unforgettable night, 15 have traveled with the team for this trip, and according to prognostics, VDB will try and play as many of them tonight as possible.  There are six more (Puyol, Piqué, Xavi, Cesc, Torres, Silva) who could make the final list for Brazil.  Only two (Capdevila, Marchena) no longer figure in VDB’s plans.

Just being back in South Africa brought back many memories for our team.

the list for Belarus & Georgia

Vicente del Bosque has announced the list of players called up for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Belarus (Oct. 11, Palma de Mallorca) and Georgia (Oct. 15, Albacete).

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Víctor Valdés.

Defenders: Álvaro Arbeloa, Juanfran Torres, Gerard Piqué, Raúl Albiol,* Sergio Ramos, Nacho Monreal, Alberto Moreno, Iñigo Martínez.

Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Mario Suárez, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Koke Resurrección, Isco Alarcón, Jesús Navas, Cesc Fàbregas, Juan Mata, David Silva.

Forwards: Pedro Rodríguez, Álvaro Negredo, David Villa*, Miguel Pérez (Michu).

*Raúl Albiol has a right thigh injury and VDB called up Iñigo Martínez as a replacement.  David Villa is also injured and has been replaced by Michu (in his first ever call-up).

This is Alberto’s first call-up after several stellar appearances with the U-21 team, while Juanfran and Juan Mata are returning after being absent from the last several call-ups.

Unfortunately, I don’t have time to cover these games, but I will of course be cheering for La Roja. ¡Vamos!

all set for Chile!

Spain plays Chile tonight (20h) in Geneva, in a battle of the “La Roja” teams!