Spain Roll Past Aussies to Close Out Campaign

World Cup ·

David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata struck past Australia to ensure Spain ended their torrid campaign on a positive note in Curutiba.

BY NISAR KHAN

AUSTRALIA 0 – 3 SPAIN

David Villa played his final game for Spain THESCORE

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Australia 0 – 3 Spain

David Villa (36′), Fernando Torres (69′), Juan Mata (82′)

Monday 23 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

Group B, World Cup Game #33

A drastically-changed Spanish team dictated the opening of the match, passing it around at their discretion and building up. Villa snatched at an early chance, Iniesta’s free kick fizzled off target and on the other end, Reina collected long balls at ease. Spain were portraying glimpses of their renowned play, while Australia rushed.

Spain would emulate some of their finest play, but did so in the combination of lacklustre defending. Juanfran breached into the box and squared the ball to David Villa, in plenty of space, back-heeling the ball into goal.

At the half, the sides were separated by Villa’s goal. Spain were controlling although the Aussies were never too far away. 

David Villa sustained a knock approximately ten minutes into the second half and was subbed off for Juan Mata – that would be the last time we’d see David Villa in a Spain shirt. A prolific career ends how it played out, with a goal. More: David Villa Ends Spain Career 

Australia seemed less motivated as the second half progressed. There was more space, allowing Spain to do what they do best.

Iniesta orchestrated the move for Torres to bag Spain’s second, putting through the forward and allowing him to slot it past the keeper.

Spain would turn into cruise mode, easing past the Australians.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Andres Iniesta
Flop of the Match: Mathew Ryan
Possession: Australia 43% – 57% Spain
Shots: Australia 3 – 8 Spain

Ready to Rebuild
At least Spain’s whole campaign is not devastating – this win will do great measures in ensuring a much better bounceback at the Euros.

Aussies Run Out
Australia had been so entertaining over the course of the World Cup – but  in this game they lacked, and were just too many steps behind.

Passing Prominence
Spain did just that, as they reverted.

Australia finish bottom of Group B, while Spain’s win puts them third and registers points.

With nothing to be played for, motivation was low and at times the game was sombre, but both have a lot of work to do.

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Complete Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup »

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David Villa Bows Out in Final Game For Spain

World Cup ·

David Villa bowed out in his Spain international career with a goal against Australia in Curitiba.

BY NISAR KHAN

A final kiss of the badge.

Recently signing with MLS team, New York City FC, Villa announced just days before the World Cup that he would be hanging up his boots after the World Cup.

Helping Atletico to their historic La Liga title win, along with Barcelona a few seasons earlier, the prolific David Villa made an impact for both club and country.

He expressed his desire to continue, saying he would play till 50, but acknowledged the need to be realistic with an array of young talent entering the side.

Having lost to Netherlands and Chile, David Villa was part of a very shifted Spain side in their final game vs. Australia.

Villa scored the only goal of the first half, being found in space by Juanfran for an intricate backheel to beat the Aussie keeper Ryan.

The 32-year-old was a key piece for Spain’s era of dominance, and he “spoke with Del Bosque and he understands [my] decision”.

David Villa in tears on the Spanish bench after being subbed in his final international match. Pure legend. #ESP pic.twitter.com/XqsPdGW1bG
— FutbolBible (@FutbolBible) June 23, 2014

Villa was forced off near the hour mark, and broke down on the bench in tears as his career came to an end.

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Vargas, Aranguiz Goals Send Spain Crashing Out Of World Cup

World Cup ·

Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz both struck home for Chile as the underdogs thwarted a lackluster Spain to send the World Champions crashing out of the 2014 World Cup. 

BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK

SPAIN 0 – 2 CHILE

Spain plummet out, with back-to-back losses. Who would have ever thought?

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Spain 0 – 2 Chile

Eduardo Vargas (20′) Charles Aranguiz (43′)

Wednesday 18 June 2014

8pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Group B, World Cup Game #19

After a crushing 5-1 loss to The Netherlands, Spain were looking to get back to winning ways, but a young, speedy Chile team denied the defending champions as Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz both scored to shockingly send Vincent del Bosque and Spain crashing OUT of the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.

15 minutes into the game, after a mistake from a Chile defender, Spain counter attacked, the ball went to Diego Costa, but he took it a bit too wide, and rushed his shot. The ball was parried, Iniesta kept it in and fed Alonso for a shot but was saved by the Chile goalkeeper.

After superb play, Chile struck first as they caught Spain on the counter, with Vidal making the run on the right, he whipped in a low cross, there was a bit of a squabble in the box, it fell to Eduardo Vargas, and he poked it past Iker Casillas into the Spain net, making it 1-0 to Chile. 

After a short Iniesta free kick at 26 minutes, the ball was passed, crossed in, David Silva flicked the ball in the air, it fell to Diego Costa, and the Spaniard struck the ball in the side netting, squandering a great chance. 

Half an hour gone, and Spain were still trailing by a goal to nil. The Spaniards had more possession but they weren’t making most of their chances. At this point, if Chile defeated Spain, Del Bosque’s team would be OUT of the World Cup. But all in all, nothing much for the Spanish supporters to cheer about. 

The ball was mostly but not all the time in the centre of the pitch, as Spain were looking to break Chile down, but they were unsuccessful. Chile were often putting pressure on Spain, causing them to make mistakes. Xabi Alonso was guilty of that, as he was sloppy in the first half, delivering poor free-kicks and losing the ball a lot. 

Xabi Alonso was booked 40 mintues into the game, with a poorly executed slide tackle, lunging in with two feet, taking the Chilean playing to the floor Very naughty tackle as Alonso and Spain’s frustration grows. 

A few minutes away from half time, shock was among the Spanish players, as Chile doubled their lead. After a free kick was parried, it came out to Aranguiz, he toe poked the ball, and to everyone’s surprise, creeped in to the Spain goal. Iker Casillas should have easily caught it, but he dived and just missed the ball. Spain look mentally and physically drained. 

The defending World Champions are in big trouble. If the result stayed the same, Spain would be on their way out of the 2014 World Cup. 

A few minutes into the second half, Iniesta slides a great ball through to Diego Costa, but he fails to put the ball away, as his shot is parried by the Chile keeper. Costa looking frustrated and un-sharp.

Spain miss a golden opportunity as Diego Costa’s overhead kick travels accross the face of the goal, only for the ball to drop to Sergio Busquets (who hasn’t scored for Spain in his 67 international appearances) puts the ball wide and past the post. It’s not just Spain’s night. Frustration increasingly growing as there’s only half an hour left to keep their World Cup campaign alive. 

After a great Chile breakaway, the ball fell to Isla on the left, and he scuffed his shot at full stretch over the bar. Great chance to score and make it 3-0. 

A late chance for Spain just 10 minutes before full-time, Iniesta linked passes and one went to substitute Santi Cazorla, who’s left foot strike was kept out by the Chile goalkeeper, who has had a great game. 

Claudio Bravo was in action again as Iniesta went for a high curling strike, only to be denied by a great diving save at full stretch.

Full time, and Chile send Spain packing as another shock result ends in 2-0. After the Netherlands game, people expected Spain to bounce back, but Chile have denied the World Champions in Rio de Janeiro.  

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: My MOTM would be Claudio Bravo, he made some excellent saves to keep Spain out.
Flop of the Match: Iker Casillas fails to save Aranquiz’s slow shot.

Personal Verdict
I wasn’t overly confident that Spain would get the job done, because they were up against a young, fresh, quick Chile side, and the defending World Champions were punished for being so poor and lackluster.

Chile send Spain out of the World Cup, so what does this mean for the Spaniards now? An era could well and truly be over.

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Will Spain Recover From Holland Thrashing?

World Cup ·

After a devastating 5-1 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands, will Spain recover in time to salvage their World Cup campaign?

BY NISAR KHAN

A plethora of dilemmas have emerged from Spain’s calamity EUROSPORT

The World watched in absolute shock as Netherlands picked apart the Spaniards who were looking to continue a golden spell of dominance.

It all started well though, as Xabi Alonso converted from the spot. Some 65 minutes later, they would be standing at the face of a drastic demise. 

Having triumphantly prevailed from the Euros in 2008, securing their first World Cup title in South Africa, then defending their European title in 2012, Spain were one of the few favourites in the tournament.

That quickly became a much debated hot topic when the shocking scoreline of Spain 1 – 5 Netherlands began to circulate. It truly sent shockwaves throughout the World.

What came as the most worrying aspect for the plummeting Spaniards was how quickly they descended into defeat. All of a sudden, after a very well-contested first half, they would completely crumble.

Iker Casillas watched between the sticks as he was beaten five times, and on a few occasions it was his blunder that magnified his nation’s calamity. 

Spain are known as ‘slow starters’ in the World Cup, but this can’t be a ‘slow start’, not when you look at the scoreline. This is something else entirely.

Jordi Alba, César Azpilicueta, Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos – a strong defence, on paper. When it came to the test they were downright dreadful. I just can’t help but imagine the difference that Puyol would have made. The centre-half duo are star-studded, on paper that is. Ramos and Pique could do little to stop the Netherlands onslaught.

Taking nothing away from Netherlands’ incredible performance, many teams could have beaten Spain on that day.

Spain need to recollect quickly. But what should Del Bosque do?

He’s in a very tough position. Maybe he should revert to the glorious days where they played False-9, because Diego Costa was dormant to say the least and Fernando Torres was just, terrible.

But, Costa and Torres are not the only options. There’s Soldado and Villa – but is it right to choose them?

Spain have a stacked squad and plenty of choice. One thing is for sure, that choice should be exploited to produce a squad that can fire back.

Chile are the next challenge for Spain. It’s going to be an even tougher game than many first thought. The Chileans put on an impressive performance over Australia on Friday night.

Perhaps, Spain could put three at the back, because the full backs weren’t that impressive. But then there is more problems. I don’t envy Del Bosuqes’ job at the moment.

Time is of the essence for the Spaniards. There’s no doubting that they can eventually recover but they need to do it quickly. Otherwise, they could stumble in the group stage and surprisingly plummet out of the tournament.

It may derail them, they could be slow out of the blocks against Chile, and maybe draw, what if they come second in their group? They could have an extremely tough knockout stage tie.

We’re going to be able to delve into Spain’s true Championship character depending on their response. Spain’s manager has went about the right way too. Now they need to really recooperate and hope they can get out the group stage.

Is this merely an off-day, or a sign of changing times for the Super Spaniards?

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Dutch Masterclass Destroys World Champions in Salvador

World Cup ·

A Dutch masterclass tore apart the European and World champions in Salvador as goals from Robin van Persie, Stefan de Vrij and Arjen Robben sealed an emphatic win for Oranje.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

Simply unbelievable.

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Spain 1 – 5 Netherlands

Xabi Alonso (penalty 27′), Robin van Persie (44′ & 72′), Arjen Robben (53′ & 80′), Stefan de Vrij (64′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 8pm BST (UK time)

Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Group B, World Cup Game #3

The match was expected to be a tight affair, just like the final four years ago in Soccer City. However, after the first half, it was anything but.

There were early warning signs as Arjen Robben slipped a pass through for Wesley Sneijder after eight minutes who shot straight at Iker Casillas. Then Spain took control of the game as Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa both blazed off target. In the 27th minute, Xavi passed through the Netherlands defence to Diego Costa, who was adjudged to be fouled by Stefan de Vrij. Replays showed, however, that the striker trod on the defenders leg. Xabi Alonso stepped up to calmly slot past an otherwise impressive Cilessen, becoming the first Real Madrid player to score in the World Cup for Spain since 2006 in the process.

Nigel De Jong and David Silva both had decent efforts saved at either end before the goal of the tournament so far took place. The ball was picked up by Dutch left back Daley Blind on the halfway line, who threaded a 45 yard inch perfect cross to Robin Van Persie, the skipper superbly lobbing Casillas with his head from 16 yards out, an incredible goal.

Andres Iniesta started the second half by testing a busy Cilessen before Arjen Robben superbly controlled a lobbed through pass and twisted inside Gerard Pique to smash into the net. A minute later, Chelsea striker Diego Costa was very lucky to have his headbutt on Bruno Martins Indi go unseen by the referee. Robin van Persie then struck the crossbar with a sublime weak foot volley in the 60th minute. Spain ringed the changes, bringing on Fernando Torres and Pedro Rodriguez for Diego Costa and scorer Alonso. The Dutch replaced the already booked Jonathan de Guzman with Wijnaldum. 

The Netherlands then extended their lead when Stefan de Vrij headed in at the back post from a Wesley Sneijder free kick. Moments later, Spain had the ball in the net but David Silva was offside when he tapped in. Robin van Persie was hungry for a second goal of the night, and tested Casillas in the 69th minute before Casillas inexplicably miscontrolled a backpass to a rampaging van Persie, who poked in from in the area to seal Spain’s fate. Arjen Robben then put the icing on the cake in the 80th minute when he beat Raos for sheer pace to latch on to a pass and round an embarrased and desperate Casillas to grab his second of the tournament. Robben could have had a hat-trick when he exquisetly blasted a goal bound volley from 25 yards out which Casillas saved in the 87th minute.

To rub salt in the wounds for Spain, a distracted and depressed Fernando Torres miskicked an open chance with the net at his mercy from a yard out in the closing stages.

Match Breakdown 

Possession: Spain 64% Netherlands 36%
Shots: Spain 10, Netherlands 14

Man of the Match – Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match – Iker Casillas
Spain Defence a Real Worry for Del Bosque
Can Holland Go All The Way This Time

Possession: Mexico 62%, Cameroon 38%

Shots: Mexico 9, Cameroon 13

Stalemate first half: Flat first half, Mexico coming closest to breaking the deadlock.

Dos Santos misery: Giovani Dos Santos’s disallowed goals misery was secured by late Peralta strike.

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Personal Verdict: “This is the best football match I have seen in months. I absolutely loved it and was priveleged to be chosen to report on this game, Let’s hope for many more like this. Over to to you England.” 

This Group B opener sees Netherlands to the top of the table while Spain are rock bottom with a horrible -4 goal difference.

If Netherlands and other underdogs keep providing us with such treats, this will be the greatest World Cup of recent memory.

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Brazil Silence Spaniards in Maracana Masterlass

Brazil lived up to an enthralling atmosphere in the Maracana stadium and thrashed world Champions Spain in a wonderful display.

Fred scored twice but Neymar, player of the tournament from us at TSM, once againstole the show with an outrages strike with his left boot. The Spanish were already reeling and being knocked around easily by the hosts and then Barcelona centre back Gerard Pique summed up their night as he was sent off.

It was the third time in a row that Brazil have won the Confederations Cup and they took the lead within 2 minutes to stop the Spanish in their tracks as Fred slotted in while off balance. Neymar scored the second for Brazil with a sweet-struck shot which flew past Casillas just before half-time. Fred wrapped up an overwhelming victory shortly after the break with a first time shot.

Spain may have been outclassed by a buzzing Brazilian team, but they were by no means out of it until late on. Midfield magician Andres Iniesta was at the heart of it all, forcing a few saves from Julio Cesar and flummoxed the defence with the aid of Fernando Torres. Had they converted one of these chances, paired with the fact that Sergio Ramos tamely put a penalty wide and Gerard Pique got sent off, things may have been very different for them, but it was not to be.

Confederations Cup 2013: Group Stage Week One round-up

The Confederations Cup 2013 kicked off with Brazil taking on Japan on Saturday. Below, we review the first week of the tournament.

Brazil 3 : 0 Japan



A spectacular third minute goal by Barcelona new-boy Neymar set the tone for Brazil to romp to an easy victory over a Japan side featuring Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda. Dani Alves crossed for Paulinho and Jo was sent clear by Oscar to add the finishing touches.

With less than a year to go until Brazil hosts the World Cup finals, this is a tournament that will act as a dress rehearsal for the South Americans – on and off the pitch with protests taking place in Brazil recently.

Japan had a few chances of their own with Honda and substitute Ryoichi Maeda but the result was never in doubt for the hosts. 

 
Italy 2 : 1 Mexico



Andrea Pirlo’s 100th cap was marked with the perfect start to the Confederations Cup in the Azurri’s first win over Mexico in 20 years. 

Pirlo himself got on the scoresheet after he smashed in a typical free-kick in the 27th minute. Javier Hernandez equalized for the Mexicans with a penalty seven minutes later but, unlike Hernandez, it was Mario Balotelli who took the headlines as he coolly fired in the winner in the 78th minute and was subsequently booked for removing his shirt in the celebration.

Uruguay 1 : 2 Spain



World and European champions Spain kicked off their Confederations Cup tournament with a masterclass win over Uruguay which was much more one sided than the scoreline suggests.

Cesc Fabregas struck the post before a deflected Pedro shot bobbled in after 20 minutes. Fabregas then set up Roberto Soldado to slot home with a magical pass before Liverpool striker Luis Suarez floated in a wonderful free-kick as a consolation for the fans in Recife.

Spain largely dominated the match with 92% possession after nine minutes gone and Suarez’s goal at the end was the only piece of quality that the Copa America 2011 winners showed.

Tahiti 1 : 6 Nigeria




Nigeria may have outclassed Tahiti on the field, but the South Pacific islanders were celebrating a historic goal scored by defender John Tehau.

Nigeria sprinted into a 3-0 lead with less than half an hour gone, Tahiti captain Nicolas Vallar scoring an own goal and Nnamdi Oduamadi grabbed a couple. The result was no doubt settled before a ball was even kicked as Tahiti, ranked 138th, made their Confederations Cup debut marked with a goal. John Tehau nodded in from a corner and it sparked wild celebrations in Tahiti and in the stadium for the fans. Oduamadi grabbed his third before Tehau scored at the other end and Echiejile added the sixth.