Could champions Spain miss 2014 World Cup qualification?

Spain has been the team of the last few years in international football having won the 2010 FIFA World Cup plus the 2008 and 2012 UEFA European Championships, but La Furja Roja are in danger of missing out on direct qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Until a few years ago the Spaniards were regarded as the underachievers of world football, but their golden generation has changed all that with Spain being the team to beat over the last five/six years.

But on Friday, Spain once more dominated a while match but ended only with a one-all draw against lowly Finland in Gijon which puts them under immense pressure against a resurgent France, who have a two point lead over Spain in Group I ahead of Tuesday evenings clash at the Saint-Denis in Paris.

A win to France and the Equipe Tricolore can plan for Brazil, while even a draw could see them through in the end while only a Spanish win will put La Furja Roja back in control of the group.

Many are already speculating if it is the end of an era in which Spain won everything or if this qualification round has made the Spaniards become human again.

After Tuesday evening we could know more about where Spain and its football team stand on their path to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil then finishing second in the group isn't the end of the road then as the top second-placed team they qualify directly for the World Cup or go into a playoff.

VIDEO: Liverpool's Pepe Reina Incredible Over-Head Kick Goal in Training!

Liverpool FC goalkeeper Pepe Reina isn't having his best of seasons and maybe he is looking at other options then goalkeeping to get into the first eleven. Here a LFC training clip in which Reina scores an incredible over-head goal off a Luis Suarez corner.

Sporting Clube de Goa sign Spanish striker Juanfri

I-League side Sporting Clube de Goa signed Spanish striker Juan Francisco García Peña yesterday to increase the Spanish Armada at the club as first young coach Óscar Bruzón Barreras was signed during the season and then last week defender Angel Berlanga had come in.

Sporting Clube de Goa has been having a difficult season and they hope that Juan Francisco García Peña, known as Juanfri in short, can sort out their problems upfront in attack.

The 1,80m tall striker was born in Fuenirola at the Costa del Sol. He started his career with his home town club before moving to Estepona and was then for three seasons at CF Málaga before being with Écija the first half of this season.

Relegation fighting Sporting Clube de Goa, who have a focus on local Goan talent, will hope that their two new Spanish recruits will give them a flavour of what the World and European champions are known for and keep the side in the I-League.

Andres Iniesta named as UEFA Best Player in Europe!

Spain and FC Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta was today chosen and then handed the 2011/12 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award at the Grimaldi Forum in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Iniesta won the award ahead of club team mate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from CF Real Madrid.

The FC Barcelona midfielder, who helped Spain defend their 2012 UEFA European Championship title this summer in Poland and Ukraine, deservingly got the award for his great performances across the season for club and country. What makes it special is that Andres Iniesta finally won an award ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who normally stand ahead of him in rankings and votings.

In a live poll of sports journalists representing each of UEFA's 53 member national associations, Andres Iniesta received 19 votes while Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo both received 17 votes.

It is interesting to note that no player from 2011/12 UEFA Champions League champions Chelsea FC and beaten finalist FC Bayern Munich made it into the top three with former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba coming seventh and his club mate Petr Cech as joint eighth within the top 10.

Positions four to ten were finalised after each journalist provided a list of their top five players, with the first receiving five points, the second four points and so on:

4. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus, ITALY) (90 points)
5. Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona, SPAIN) (57 pts)
6. Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF, SPAIN) (53 pts)
7. Didier Drogba (Chelsea FC; IVORY COAST) (31 pts)
8. Petr Cech (Chelsea FC, CZECH REPUBLIC) // Falcao (Club Atlético de Madrid, COLOMBIA) (14 pts)
10. Mesut Özil (Real Madrid CF, GERMANY) (10 pts)

Malaga CF: Rise & Fall of a La Liga club

Málaga CF had their best ever finish last season as the club from the Costa del Sol finished fourth in the Spanish La Liga to reach the UEFA Champions League play-offs. But all is not well for the club then their Qatari owner Abdullah bin Nasser bin Abdullah Al Ahmed Al Thani has lost interest in the club and suddenly all the work of the last couple of years could simply collapse.

It all started in June 2010 when Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani bought the shares of Lorenzo Sanz, a former president of Real Madrid. The arrival of the Qatari investors ushered a new era for Malaga with Al-Thani's aim being to challenge Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in the years to come.

The club from Andalusia brought in high profile players like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Santi Cazorla, Martin Demichelis, Jeremy Toulalan and Joris Mathijsen along with a high profile coach in Chilean Manuel Pellegrini. The Qatari owners spend more then 150 Million Euros on the club.

The plans seemed to work as last season the club finished fourth in La Liga, but now Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani has lost interest in the club and for months no payments have been received by the club, players have not been paid their salaries, former Spain captain Fernando Hierro resigned as manager. The new situation stalled Malaga's further push to close the gap on the Spanish giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.

The club has started selling their stars. Venezuelan striker José Salomón Rondón has been sold for 9 Million Euros to Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan, while Spanish international Santi Cazorla could move for more then 20 Million Euros to English Premiership club FC Arsenal.

Malaga is simply fighting for survival then without outside cash from a new investor the chances of staying in La Liga are difficult due to the financial problems in Spain and the unfair TV rights distribution in Spanish football. The search is on but the bad experiences with the Qataris will make Malaga CF careful in choosing a new foreign investor.

rs1.tv VIDEO: Früh Kölsch SportTalk - Euro2012 Review

Tonight I moderated my own talkshow here in Germany - the Früh Kölsch SportTalk from the Bergische Sportarena in Wermelskirchen from a pub within a sports indoor complex infront of a live audience and on rs1.tv.

The topic tonight was the just concluded 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine with guests on the show being long-time friend and fellow journalist Chris Punnakkattu Daniel, former German international and now Wuppertaler SV coach Hans-Günter Bruns, FC Remscheid manager Mike Zintner and journalist colleague Peter Kuhlendahl from our local newspaper Remscheider General-Anzeiger.

We had a lively discussion about the tournament - the champions Spain, finalists Italy, Germany's performance, the star performers, new things seen at the tournament and much more...

Watch live streaming video from rs1tv at livestream.com

rs1.tv VIDEO: Spanish Champions celebrations in Germany

Last night Spain demolished the Italians 4-0 in the final of Euro2012 and that led to Spaniards across the world celebrating the historic victory of La Furia Roja. The same happened here in Germany, where celebrations went on till late at night.

Here my reports for rs1.tv from the Spanish celebrations in our town

Euro2012 - Final: Spain defend their title in Style!

It is the final of the 2012 European Championships with defending champions Spain taking on Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine; which was also the opening Group C match on June 10 when the match had ended in a one-all draw. Spain had overcome Portugal in a penalty shootout, while Italy had beaten Germany in the semifinals.


FINAL

Spain 4-0 (2-0) Italy
Goals: 1-0 David Silva (14'), 2-0 Jordi Alba (41'), 3-0 Fernando Torres (84'), 4-0 Juan Mata (88')

The old and new champions of Europe are Spain! Spain demolished Italy 4-0 to lift the Euro Cup for the third time. The Spaniards never ever really left a doubt in the final that they are the best side in Europe as Italy could never perform to the level as they did especially against Germany in the semifinals.

Spains combining tiki-taka football was at its best tonight as Italy were simpyl not able to stop the Spanish armada. Spain took the lead in the 14th minute through a lovely combination. Andres Iniesta found Cesc Fabregas free on the right just outside the box, he beats Giorgio Chiellini to the byeline and cuts back a perfect cross to allow David Silva to head in the lead. Italy tried to get back into the game, but Spain just didn't allow them and doubled their lead in the 41st minute when left-back Jordi Alba scored following a brilliant double pass with Xavi Hernandez.

After the break Italy came out attacking with substitute Antonio Di Natale's first touch a header just going over within the first time itself. But that was it for Italy as Spain retook the control over the match. Matters got worse for Italy when substitute Thiago Motta had to go off just four minutes after coming on for a hamstring with no substitute option left. Italy had to play for about half an hour with 10 men only and that was it for them. Spain continued their combination football and scored two late goals through substitutes Fernando Torres and his Chelsea team mate Juan Mata. First Torres scored of a Xavi pass following a Marchisio mistake through which Torres became the first player to score into Euro Cup finals. Then Busquets found Torres free to play in for Mata to finish of the 4-0 victory.


It ended 4-0 for Spain, who showed in the final what they are capable off.

Euro2012 - Final: Spain vs Italy tonight

The final of the 2012 European Championships will be held tonight between defending champions Spain and former champions Italy at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, Ukraine. Interestingly this was also the opening Group C match on June 10 in which the Italians had surprised the Spaniards and had held them to a deserving draw.

But now three weeks later we are in the final and the rematch will be played under different circumstances with both teams having played four matches in-between. La Furia Roja has remained the unbeatable Spain which is still a fact, but they no longer look as invincible as in Euro2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Italian Azzuris meanwhile came into the tournament on the back of another betting scandal and nothing much was expected off them, but coach Cesare Prandelli has put together a squad of experience and young talent which has surprised many in the tournament.

Going into the final to name a favourite is difficult this time around, though Spain remain the better candidate without conceding a goal in the knockout stages since losing to France at the 2006 FIFA World Cup though Italy with their different approach to the game have gained a lot of new admirers.

Spain have the big match experience and coach Vicente del Bosque so far has done little wrong with his squad, when he did as against Portugal in the semifinals he corrected it and it did work towards in the end. Spain's problem is that their tiki-taka football for which they and FC Barcelona were praised over the last few years has become boring and tiring for the fans as they knit their passes together but don't really go for the finish playing sometimes without a real striker. Especially Xavi Hernandez had not shown what he is capable off while Andres Iniesta has at least tried and has shown glimpes of his class.

Italy meanwhile operate differently then in the past. Normally they depended on a strong defence with outstanding defenders and somehow they tried to score a goal to win by that goal. This Italian squad is different, then it does not have those calibre of defenders though having an Andrea Pirlo in midfield, who at 33 is playing like he hasn't for years with Cassano, Balotelli and di Natale causing problems to the rival defenders.

I all wish us a fitting final tonight and be this 31st and last match of Euro2012 be remembered for years...

My Euro2012 TV TalkShow: Before the Grand Finale & a first Review

Earlier today I hosted a Euro2012 TV show special in the Allee Center, Remscheid ahead of tomorrows final Spain vs Italy, looking back at the tournament and the disappointment regarding our own German team.

My talk guests were Mike Zintner (Manager, FC Remscheid), Lothar Steinhauer (Youth Coordinator, FC Remscheid), journalist colleague Andreas Dach (Remscheider General-Anzeiger) and the event manager Lars Nöker (Fanmeile Remscheid), who organised the public viewing arena in our city.

rs1tv on livestream.com.

My Euro2012 TV TalkShow: Before the Grand Finale & a first Review

At 11.00 CET (10.00 GMT / 14.30 IST) today I will be hosting a special Euro2012 TV show in the Allee Center, Remscheid ahead of tomorrows final Spain vs Italy, looking back at the tournament and the disappointment regarding our own German team.

My talk guests will be Mike Zintner (Manager, FC Remscheid), Lothar Steinhauer (Youth Coordinator, FC Remscheid), journalist colleague Andreas Dach (Remscheider General-Anzeiger) and the event manager Lars Nöker (Fanmeile Remscheid), who organised the public viewing arena in our city.

Watch live streaming video from rs1tv at livestream.com

Euro2012: Spain just about beat Portugal on penalties

The 2012 European Championships is now in the semifinals with Portugal taking on defending champions Spain at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine. Portugal scored a lone goal win against the Czech Republic, while Spain won unconvincingly 2-0 against a weak France.


SEMIFINAL #1

Portugal 0-0,2-4 Spain [on penalties]
Goals: none

In the end Cesc Fàbregas converted the winning spot kick as defending champions Spain beat Iberian neighbours Portugal 4-2 on penalties after 120 goalless minutes in the first semifinal in Donetsk, Ukraine at the 2012 European Championships.

It was often an intense and tension-ridden match, but not of the high quality that many hoped for or even expected as Portugal often was able to deny Spain their needed space while Portugal's attack was dependant on Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani on the wings.

Spain had the first chance of the match through an Álvaro Arbeloa attempt over the goal in the 9th minute. Thereafter the match was mainly played in midfield before Andres Iniesta and Ronaldo had chances on both sides in the first session. Spain coach Vicente del Bosque changed things in the second session with Jesus Navas and Pedro coming for the wings and the tiring Portuguese had especially their problems in extra-time with Spain pressing for a winner, but the match went into penalty shootouts.

The first set of penalties from Xabi Alonso for Spain and Joao Moutinho for Portugal was saved by the two goalkeepers. Thereafter all scored before Portugal's Bruno Alves missed the fourth penalty and then a shaky Cesc Fabregas scored the final penalty for Spain to secure a 4-2 win.

VIDEO - Euro 2012: Spain - an animated history (the Guardian)

Ahead of tonight's semifinal against Portugal here the Guardian's animated potted histories James Richardson talks you through the varied history of the Spanish national side, from their refusal to play in the first 1930 World Cup to glory at last in 2010 and Euro2008, via penalty misery in England and plenty of political interference.

I hope you like it as much as I do!

Euro 2012: Spain beat France to reach semifinals

The 2012 European Championships is now in the quarterfinals with Group C winners Spain taking on Group D runners-up France at the Donbass Arena in Donetsk, Ukraine. Defending champions Spain won Group C without really being convicning and now face France, who disappointed but still came second in their group.


QUARTERFINAL #3

Spain 2-0 (1-0) France
Goals: 1-0,2-0 Xabi Alonso (19',90+1')

Defending champions Spain didn't shine in their 2-0 victory against a hapless France with defensive midfielder Xabi Alonso scoring both goals in his 100th match for La Furia Roja. Spain will now take on Iberian neighbours Portugal in the first semifinal on Wednesday, June 27.

Spain went into the match knowing that they have never beaten France in a competition and interestingly the French were also the last side to beat Spain in a tournament, then at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

France coach Laurent Blanc send a defensive side onto the field to try and block the Spaniards and it initially seemed to work, but upfront there was no French presence. One mistake by Mathieu Debuchy and Andres Iniesta found Jordi Alba free on the left, he crosses the ball across the face of the goal for Xabi Alonso to head in Spain's lead in the 19th minute. France did recover from this setback, but they were only once really dangerous infront of goal through a Cabaye freekick. Otherwise Spain played their tiki-taka football and the French were running after them.

Things looked to change after the break as France became a little better, had more believe but Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema often were on their own upfront as Spain cleverly kept the French often away from their goal but they themselves also didn't exert too much pressure on the French goal of Hugo Lloris. In the end the match was heading for another typical 1-0 for Spain when substitute Pedro was brought down by Anthony Réveillère and Xabi Alonso sealed the victory for Spain.

But Spain were far from their best, the French didn't really challenge them but most likely Portugal will be a tougher opponent in the semifinals in what could be a mouth-watering clash amongst the neighbours.

Euro2012: Spain & Italy qualify for quarterfinals, unlucky Croatia go home

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group C teams tonight with their third and final round group matches in the Polish cities of Gdansk and Poznan. Defending champions Spain overcame some anxious moments before winning against Croatia, while Italy follow them into the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win against Ireland


GROUP C

Croatia 0-1 (0-0) Spain
Goals: 0-1 Jesús Navas (88')

Defending champions Spain left it late to beat Croatia by a lone goal to top Group C, while the good Croats are out of the competition. A Jesus Navas strike just two minutes from time sealed the victory for the Spaniards.

Both teams knew that a win would see them through and a draw would most likely only see Spain through with a better goal difference as Italy was likely to beat Ireland. Both sides took a cautious approach with Spain playing its usual possession football, while Croatia relied on counter-attacks.

With Italy leading at the break, Croatia became more adventurous and had their best chance through a Ivan Rakitić header which was blocked by Iker Casillas. Spain looked vulnerable at this point in time and Croatia put more men forward knowing only a win would keep them in the tournament. But with time running out Spain got the knockout punch in the 88th minute when Cesc Fàbregas chipped through for the onrushing Andres Iniesta to run clear and, spotting team-mate Navas alongside him, he played a square pass for the substitute to score and finish off the match.


Italy 2-0 (1-0) Ireland
Goals: 1-0 Antonio Cassano (35'), 2-0 Mario Balotelli (90')

Italy won 2-0 against a fighting Ireland to earn a place in the quarterfinals through goals from striker Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli.

The Irish had the better start into the game, but they couldn't use their chances as Italy looked nervous early-on. The Azzuri needed time to settle down but slowly found their ground but on two occasions Irish defender Sean St Ledger denied them the lead. But in the 35th minute Antonio Cassano would put in a Andrea Pirlo corner across the line with Shay Given getting a touch to the ball, which goes over the line before Damian Duff shots it out.

Italy with the lead looked better, but the Irish would go down without a fight but upfront they once more looked not dangerous enough to challenge their group opponents. Substitute Mario Balotelli acrobatically put in Alessandro Diamanti's corner in the 90th minute to seal a 2-0 victory for Italy.

Euro2012: Croatia hold Italy, Spain trash Ireland

The 2012 European Championships continued for the Group C teams tonight with their second round group matches in the Polish cities of Gdansk and Poznan. While Croatia held the mighty Italians to a draw, the Irish got trashed by Spain in an encounter in which the defending champions showed what they are capable off.


GROUP C

Italy 1-1 (1-0) Croatia
Goals: 1-0 Andrea Pirlo (39'), 1-1 Mario Mandžukić (72')

Italy were held to their second one-all draw at Euro2012, this time by the Croatians and like against Spain they went ahead, this time through Andrea Pirlo and an in-form Mario Mandžukić equalised for Croatia.

Italy had the better chances early on, while Croatia missed a few thereafter and again Italy before Andrea Pirlo scored with a beauty of a free-kick in the 39th minute. But Italy could not keep the lead as a reorganised Croatia equalised in the 72nd minute through Mario Mandžukić.


Spain 4-0 (1-0) Ireland
Goals: 1-0,3-0 Fernando Torres (4',70'), 2-0 David Silva (49'), 4-0 Cesc Fàbregas (83')

Defending champions Spain showed what they are capable off by beating the Irish convincingly 4-0 with striker Fernando Torres scoring a brace and further goals from David Silva and Cesc Fàbregas.

Like against Croatia, Ireland conceded an early goal as an opportunistic Fernando Torres used the chaos and lack of speed in the Irish defence to give La Roja the lead. Thereafter Spain toyed with Ireland, but often they did not look for a finish or keeper Shay Given was in the way. Spain did lead, but only by a goal and midfielder Keith Andrews had the best chance for Ireland in the first session.

The pattern remained the same after the breather, but Spain doubled their lead through a David Silva strike in the 49th minute before Fernando Torres scored his second of the night in the 70th minute. Substitute Cesc Fàbregas added a fourth for Spain just three minutes from time to seal a resounding 4-0 win.

Euro2012: Italy hold Spain, Croatia win

The 2012 European Championships kicked-off for the Group C teams tonight with matches in the Polish cities of Gdansk and Poznan. Italy surprised many by holding top favourites Spain to a draw, while Croatia showed their potential in their win against a fighting Ireland.


GROUP C

Spain 1-1 (0-0) Italy
Goals: 0-1 Antonio di Natale (61'), 1-1 Cesc Fàbregas (64')

Reigning World and European champions Spain were held to a surprise one-all draw by former champions Italy in their opening Group C match in Gdansk. It was one of the most anticipated matches of Euro2012 and the match lived-up to its expectations because Italy could match the Spaniards.

Spain wasn't its usual self early on as David Silva tried it long-range as the Italian bothered the Spanish defence time and again with their goalkeeper-cum-captain Iker Casillas having to come to his teams rescue a few times following a Andrea Pirlo shot, Antonio Cassano's low drive from the left and Thiago Mottas header.

But after the break Spain started to show glimpes of what they are capable off as no Italian captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had to defuse chances from Cesc Fàbregas and then Andrés Iniesta. On the other side young Mario Balotelli was free on goal after Sergio Ramos's slip, but Ramos himself incepted Balotelli before he could take an attempt on goal. Soon after Balotelli was replaced by Antonio di Natale and the Udinese striker with his first touch gave Italy the lead in the 61st minute. But it only lasted three minutes as Spain equalised with a great combination at blistering speed as Iniesta first found David Silva, whose perfect through-ball reached Cesc Fàbregas who sloted home past Buffon. Spain looked better towards the end as Italy looked tired, but Spain's best chances were both wasted by substitute striker Fernando Torres who first couldn't beat Buffon and then his effort landed on the goal netting. It ended one-all, a point with which both teams can live.


Ireland 1-3 (1-2) Croatia
Goals: 0-1,1-3 Mario Mandžukic (3',49'), 1-1 Sean St. Ledger (19'), 1-2 Nikica Jelavic (43')

Croatia got the better of a fighting Ireland as the team from the Balkans won 3-1 and showed that they could be a team to look out for while the Irish fans simply celebrated their team being at Euro2012.

Wolfsburg striker Mario Mandžukic gave the Croats a perfect start with a 3rd minute header following a corner. Ireland looked shocked, but they regrouped and got the equalised in the 19th minute off a Aiden McGeady free-kick which defender Sean St. Ledger headed in to the large joy of the Irish fans. But Croatia remained in control and put Ireland under a lot of pressure with their second goal coming two minutes before the break through a Nikica Jelavic strike.

Ireland were still in the match, but another early goal, this time in the fourth minute of the second session again by Mario Mandžukic, this time with a little bit of luck then his shot hit the post and then keeper Shay Given's head to go in and seal the game for Croatia though Ireland were denied a penalty when Robbie Keane was brought down. Thereafter the Croats controlled proceedings and had their chances with the best for Ivan Rakitic, but it went wide. Towards the end Ireland did get some chances but all were wasted by Keith Andrews as they lost 1-3 on their return to the European stage.

Euro2012: Who are the favourites?

The 2012 European Championships kick-off tonight with co-host Poland taking on 2004 champions Greece at the new National Stadium in Warsaw. We all are hoping for three weeks of great football action, an exciting tournament; but who are the favourites going into the tournament?

On top of the list are surely defending champions Spain, but the Spaniards don't look as strong as they were four years ago in Austria & Switzerland or at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. La Furia Roja seem to have crossed their zenith with dependable star striker David Villa and long-time captain Carlos Puyol missing the tournament due to injuries. Especially upfront Spain looks vulnerable as they often won key matches through Villa goals, now Fernando Torres and the others will need to show what they are capable off but it will be once more about the midfield combination of Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez plus how well Xabi Alonso can cover for them.

2008 runners-up Germany go into the tournament with their youngest team ever in a Euro or World Cup with an average age of 24,4. But Germany is still mainly the same team which played a great tournament at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. These players have gained two years of experience with Germany winning all their Euro2012 qualification matches and young talent like Mario Götze and Marco Reus coming into the team. Their group looks tricky, but if they can survive that then anything is possible.

The Netherlands are in the same group as Germany and need to overcome Portugal, Denmark and their old archrivals from across the border. The Dutch have one of the best attacking units in the world. If you can count Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Robin van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ibrahim Afellay and Dirk Kuyt then any opposition will have respect. The only issue is that the Dutch defence looks suspect, which could give chances to their opponents.

The surprise element could be a resurgent France, who are the 2010 FIFA World Cup disaster in South Africa will look to rebuild the positive image of the Equipe Tricolore. Led by Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema the French under coach Laurant Blanc are unbeaten in over 20 matches and have played some good football recently. The question is if they are ready to test the big boys.

And could there be a real upset? Could there be a repeat of 2004 when Greece shocked everyone and went on to win the title. Anything is possible with especially a focus on the co-hosts Poland and the Ukraine. Especially Poland look to have a group from which is could progress and then cause some upsets led by their German double winning trio of Robert Lewandowski, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Lukasz Piszczek from Borussia Dortmund.

The action starts tonight, so lets enjoy the football and let the best team win...

Euro2012: Champions Spain name final squad

Defending champions Spain have named their final 23 players squad for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine. Spain plays Italy, Ireland and Croatia in Group C of the tournament that runs from June 8 to July 1.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has only had one big surprise in his selection as FC Valencia striker Roberto Soldado missed out as did Adrian Lopez from Atletico Madrid, while Chelsea's Fernando Torres and Barcelona's Pedro made the squad.

Earlier Barca duo Carlos Puyol and David Villa had to opt out due to injuries, while Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea was dropped with three stronger keepers ahead of him as per del Bosque's assessment.

Spain are going into the tournament as the 2008 European Championships and 2010 FIFA World Cup winners, so a lot will be expected from the Spaniards who will try and win their third major title in a row.


SPAIN

Goalkeepers
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (FC Liverpool), Victor Valdes (FC Barcelona)

Defenders
Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (FC Valencia), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (FC Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao)

Midfielders
Xavi Hernandez (FC Barcelona), Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), David Silva (Manchester City), Santi Cazorla (FC Malaga), Cesc Fabregas (FC Barcelona), Juan Mata (FC Chelsea)

Forwards
Jesus Navas (FC Sevilla), Pedro (FC Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (FC Chelsea), Alvaro Negredo (FC Sevilla)

Spain's David Villa ruled out of Euro 2012

Spain's alltime highest goal scorer David Villa has informed Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque he has not fully recovered from a broken leg suffered in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup last December and ruled himself out of their title defence at the 2012 European Championships in Poland and the Ukraine, the Spanish federation confirmed yesterday.

In December 2011 I had written following article after David Villa's injury: Will David Villa be fit again for Euro2012?

"Villa spoke with the national team coach this afternoon, after the team arrived in Schruns, Austria (for a pre-tournament training camp)," the Spanish federation (RFEF) statement read.

"After failing to achieve the desired progress in recent training sessions, Villa spoke with del Bosque and told him although he would like to be with the team in Poland and Ukraine, his physical state 'isn't the best' for a competition like the Euros."

"The RFEF and Spain's coaching staff wish the player all the best in his recovery and hope he will return soon to the national team, and value the effort made by David to get back to full fitness," the statement ended.

David Villa was a key player in Spain's title triumphs at Euro2008 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Villa is Spain record goal scorer with 51 goals in 82 international matches.

Villa follows FC Barcelona team mate Carlos Puyol, who also had to pull out of Spain's squad due to injury. Now the focus will be on Chelsea striker Fernando Torres, Valencia's Roberto Soldado, Sevilla's Alvaro Negredo and Atletico Madrid's Adrian Lopez who look certain to be in the squad with Bilbao's Fernando Llorente and Barca's Pedro fighting for a last spot upfront.