“Messi is key” Puyol

July 24, 2008 by Kerron · Leave a Comment

$\"Messi is a very important player for us\".....Puyol$ Barcelona’s captain Carles Puyol returning from an extended vacation following Spain’s triumph in this summer’s Euro 2008 tournament has stated his delight in the arrival of players from around Europe to Barcelona but stated that Argentine and Diego Maradona’s protégé Lionel Messi is the key to unlock Barcelona’s door to success.

The Spanish defender stated that “I think we have signed quality players that have done a lot in their respective teams, I hope they can do just as well or better for Barça.”

“We have a great squad, but Messi is a very important player for us, one of the best in the world.

“The thing is, his situation is something we can’t comment on, it is something we can’t control. I hope a solution is found and that he can play with us.” Barcelona has had two seasons without silverware and new coach Josep Guardiola and a few summer signings will be looking to end their drought.

Filed Under: La Liga
Tagged: Barcelona, Carles Puyol, Diego Maradona's protégé, Josep Guardiola, Lionel Messi

Euro 2008 Prematch Analysis: Spain vs Italy Live Online

June 21, 2008 by Kerron · 2 Comments

Euro 2008 Championships, Quarter Final
Teams: Spain vs Italy
Date and Time: Sunday 22 June 2008, 20:45 CET
Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Match official: Herbert Fandel

Youthful Exuberance

The Spanish team whose average age is approximately 24 have been in no uncertain terms fabulous throughout the Euros with a host of young players that are at the top of their game and ready to lay their tag as the “biggest underachievers” to rest and at the helm is coach Luis Aragones. They qualified for the quarter finals of Euro 2008 with maximum points from three games; finishing top of Group D. They have scored eight goals in three games, and will go into this match as favorites to progress to the semi-finals.

We have seen on many occasions that Spain are not capable of playing as they can when it really matters and the question on everyone’s lips is; will Spain fail to deliver when it really matters?
This was the case at the last World Cup, when Spain played some delightful football in the group stages, only to then lose 3-1 to France in the second round.

The Spanish are certainly in better form than their Azzurri opponents, but they have a dreadful competitive record against their Italy. There is also the small matter of the June 22 curse. It is important to note that Spain has been eliminated three major tournaments on penalties on this date in recent times, losing to Belgium at World Cup ’86, England at Euro ’96, and South Korea at World Cup 2002.

Slow Starters

The Italians have always been slow starters in every major tournament and Euro 2008 was no exception; the Azzurri confirmed their place in the quarter finals of Euro 2008 with a 2-0 victory over France in a repeat of the 2006 world cup final; after losing 3-0 to Holland and drawing 1-1 with Romania.
Roberto Donadoni’s men were much improved against Les Bleus, and they will now be hoping that they have started to hit form at just the right time.

Italy is also a team that plays when they should and it is no doubt Spain are in for the fight of their tournament when they face the Azzurri.

A Look at the teams

Spain

Defender Carles Puyol was thought to be a doubt for this game due to injury, however he will be fit enough to start. Luis Aragones will bring back all of his key players after resting many of them during Spain’s final group game against Greece on Wednesday.

Possible Starting XI: Casillas; Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila; Senna; Iniesta, Xavi, Silva; Villa, Torres

Italy

The AC Milan-duo Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo are suspended. Coach Donadoni will probably choose his best four from Daniele De Rossi, Simone Perrotta, Alberto Aquilani, Massimo Ambrosini and Mauro Camoranesi to replace them. Defender Andrea Barzagli picked up an injury in training on Thursday and is out for the rest of the tournament.

Possible Starting XI: Buffon; Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso; Camoranesi, Ambrosini, De Rossi, Perrotta; Cassano, Toni

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Spain

Fernando Torres: Coming off an outstanding club season for Liverpool, Torres has been overshadowed at Euro 2008 by his strike partner David Villa; however the 24-year-old has the pace and trickery to trouble the Italy backline if he is afforded the space to do so. This could open up space for Villa who is Euro 2008 leading goal scorer on 4 goals.

Italy

Luca Toni: The Bayern Munich hit man has failed to score in Euro 2008 so far and missed numerous chances in the 2-0 win over France. However he has played well and many feel it is only a matter of time until he finds the back of the net. If anyone is to score against Spain surely it will be Toni. With his height, ball control and skill; the Spanish defense will not stand a chance if he is given a proper supply of the ball and with Pirlo out, it could be up to him.

PREDICTION

This game will certainly be close and one should not rule out the possibility of extra time or even penalties. Clinical finishing could a major difference between both teams. With Pirlo and Gattuso out for Italy they really have no antidote for the Spanish attacking midfield. It will be tight but the youthful Spanish will conquer.

Spain 2-1 Italy

Watch Spain vs Italy Live Online

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