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.

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!

¡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.

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.

Juan Mata at DT

Magazine DT is on a roll!  Last month, they featured my new favorite César Azpilicueta, and this month, they have the always adorable PF Juan Mata on the cover!

The Asturian forward exudes class and scores goals in the Premier League, where he was nominated as the player of the year.  At the age of 25, he already has an impressive curriculum, and is also a fixture on La Roja ahead of the 2014 World Cup.  He’s a present talent with a great future.

the list for the Confederations Cup & more

This morning at the Ciudad de Fútbol, Vicente del Bosque announced the list of 26 players called up for this summer’s tour in the U.S. and the Confederations Cup in Brazil (three players will be cut after the last matchday of the Liga season this weekend) including all of the players above.

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Víctor Valdés.

Defenders: Raúl Albiol, Álvaro Arbeloa, César Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué, Jordi Alba, Nacho Monreal.

Midfielders: Xavi Hernández, Javi Martínez, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Andrés Iniesta, Jesús Navas, Juan Mata, Cesc Fàbregas, David Silva, Javi García, Beñat Etxebarria.

Forwards: Fernando Torres, Pedro Rodríguez, David Villa, Roberto Soldado.

Fernando Torres, Javi Martínez, Javi García, César Azpilicueta and Roberto Soldado are the relatively new faces.  With respect to the 2012 Eurocopa, Fernando Llorente, Juanfran and Álvaro Negredo did not make it.  Who are you most excited to see?

UPDATE: The three players who did not make the final list are Javi García and Beñat Etxebarria, due to the coach’s decision, and Xabi Alonso, due to a groin injury.

Álvaro Arbeloa at GQ España

Ahead of the Confederations Cup, Álvaro Arbeloa spoke to GQ España, and also looked extremely sexy in the accompanying photo shoot…

On June 16, the national team begins its quest for the Confederations Cup, against Uruguay.  This is the only title that La Roja has yet to win.  Álvaro Arbeloa will once again be playing at the rightback position.  He’s a footballer with many more virtues than people think.