of effort, hearts and disguises

Here are two more new spots starring our boys, courtesy of Movistar and Cruzcampo.

In the Movistar spot, which is titled “We will make as much as an effort as all of you,” the question “How to motivate stars who have already won everything?” is posed.  Therefore, Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Andrés Iniesta, Juanfran Torres and Santi Cazorla are sent undercover, in disguise, to get up close and personal with the fans.

They get wigs, mustaches or beards, and in some cases glasses.  Santi ends up looking exactly like Mario of Super Mario (were they inspired by his Arsenal Christmas party outfit?), while Juanfran bears more than a passing resemblance to Luigi, complete with green hat and all.

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.

all set for Finland!

Spain takes on Finland tonight (20:30h) in its sixth (out of eight) qualifier for the 2014 World Cup.  At present, Spain leads Group I with 11 points, followed closely by France with 10 points (France will play Georgia tonight).

all set for Italy!

Our opponent tonight in the semifinal of the Confecup (21h) is Italy, who is only in the tournament because we won the World Cup, and then beat them in the final of the Euro last year.  Let’s do it again!  At stake is a place in the final, where Brazil is waiting after having avoided a repeat of the “Maracanazo.”

all set for Nigeria!

Spain takes on Nigeria today (21h) in Fortaleza in its third and final game of the first round of the Confecup.  The players who started the first game against Uruguay will most likely return (or stay on in the case of Sergio Ramos), while Víctor Valdés will take over the goal.  To finish atop Group B (and face Italy), Spain needs at least a tie.

ICYMI – Spain vs. Tahiti

Well, I think Tahiti has become my favorite rival out of all those whom Spain has played.  The reason is not because Spain managed to score 10 goals, but rather for what happened before the game and after the game.  Plus, the Tahitians got many of our boys to remove their shirts, so how could we not love them?

all set for Tahiti!

I won’t get around to La Rojita’s campeones post until later this week, so in the meantime, here’s one on La Roja, who takes on Tahiti today (21h) at the legendary Maracanã in Rio in their second game of the Confederations Cup.

all set for Uruguay!

Spain takes on Uruguay tonight, or rather, early early tomorrow morning (00h Spain time), in the opening game for La Roja in the Confederations Cup, which as we’re reminded every five minutes, is the only cup we don’t have in our trophy cabinet.  So let’s go and win this cup!

Do you think Pepe said yes?  And how was Iker planning on getting the ring over the glove?