Villa shows faith in Spain depth

Barcelona striker David Villa has played down his absence from the Spain national team at Euro 2012.

The 30-year-old striker ruled himself out of selection for the finals in Poland and Ukraine as he is still nursing a fractured tibia sustained at the Club World Cup in December.

His unavailability has been described by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque as a heavy blow, but Villa thinks that Spain have other quality attacking options available.

“One is always happy that people regret their absence, but Spain will not miss me,” he told reporters.

“There are great goal-poachers on the team and any player can score. I have a great affection for Fernando Torres and I think he is in great form after what he undeservedly went through.”

Villa, who visited Spain’s training base on Thursday, explained how he told Del Bosque that he would not be able to make the squad for Euro 2012.

“I worked until the end and they waited until the last moment to see how my recovery was going,” he said.

“But when there were a few days left for the announcement of the squad, I told him [Del Bosque] that I was not at a level good enough to compete, that I was not in the shape for the national team, and that I would not be at my best.

“I was true to myself, Barcelona and Spain.”

Questioned about Spain’s chances in Poland and Ukraine, Villa said: “We have won the right to be called favourites after four years filled with success.

“But when the tournament starts, every team will have the same chances.”

Spain begin the defence of their European crown against Italy in Group C on June 10.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/villa-shows-faith-in-spain-depth/95619/

Lippi praises Guangzhou players

Marcello Lippi praised his players after his club became the first Chinese side to reach the AFC Champions League quarter-finals since 2006.

Tournament debutants Guangzhou Evergrande progressed with a first-half goal from Brazilian striker Cleo.

“Our team played as we expected,” Lippi said.

“Our opponent was fast, they are not tall, but they have good technique, however we left little room for them to attack,” said World Cup-winning coach Lippi after just his third game in charge of Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou.

“We created many opportunities to score and played hard. Our opponent also created several attacking threats.

“The victory can be attributed to the excellent performance of each and every player. If our attackers had taken their chances, we would have scored more goals.”

Meanwhile, Ulsan coach Kim Ho-gon was delighted to maintain his country’s interest in the competition.

Ulsan ensured that Korea will be represented in the quarter-finals after edging out Kashiwa in a five-goal thriller at the Ulsan Munsu Stadium.

After a goalless first half, the Korean side took a deserved lead through a Kim Shin-wook header only for Leandro Domingues to equalise midway through the second half.

Ulsan regained the lead courtesy of an own goal from Naoya Kondo and extended their advantage through Lee Keun-ho before Junya Tanaka pulled back a goal for Kashiwa in stoppage time.

““It was difficult game but we are happy with this win as we are the only survivors among the four K-league teams taking part in this year’s competition,” he said.

“I have told my players many times that we are not only representing our club but that we are also representing Korea and the players recognise the importance of that.”

The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on June 14.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/lippi-praises-guangzhou-players/95539/