Spain eager to avoid further injuries

Spain attacker Juan Mata insists his side are in good physical condition and remain hopeful of avoiding any further injury setbacks.

Vicente del Bosque is already without David Villa and Carles Puyol ahead of Spain’s opening Euro 2012 clash against Italy.

But Chelsea attacker Mata is adamant Spain will not be hit with any more injuries.

“Hopefully no more injuries will arise of any kind and we will have the time to think about Italy,” Mata told reporters.

The 24-year-old said his team were concentrating solely on adding a third consecutive title to their trophy cabinet, calling on his team-mates to approach the competition in a similar way to the World Cup two years ago.

“Above all, we will be focused. It would be bad for us to play through excess pressure, so we must try to enjoy our football like we did in the World Cup,” Mata said.

Mata, who helped the Spain under-21s to a European Championship triumph in Denmark last year, wished Jose Antonio Camacho the best of luck as coach of China, who lost 1-0 to the world and European champions on Sunday.

“We all greeted him. He is a much-loved coach in Spain and we wish him all the luck in the world while in charge of China,” Mata said.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/spain-eager-to-avoid-further-injuries/95876/

Romeu backs Torres to shine World Soccer Shop

Chelsea star Oriol Romeu thinks his team-mate Fernando Torres will be a key player for Spain at Euro 2012 despite enduring a difficult season.

Torres: Has a fan in Romeu

Torres, who cost the London club £50million when he was signed from Liverpool in January last year, scored just 11 goals in 48 appearances at club level this season but is expected to start when Spain begin the defence of their European crown against Italy on Saturday.

However, Romeu thinks his experience of the big occasions and workrate could prove vital for the world champions.

He told Marca: "I think that Torres will be a very important player for the national team at the Euros because he is a player with great quality and experience and these characteristics are very important in a forward.

"He is very important for Chelsea too. You only have to look at how the fans love him and chant his name, whilst he is also loved amongst the players and directors at the club."

Torres admitted last week that he was as excited as ever to play for his country after being left out by Vicente Del Bosque for the friendly against Venezuela in February and Romeu believes being dropped provoked a reaction in the World Cup winner.

"It is true that when you lose something you realise how important it is and this is what happened with Fernando in the national team," he said.

"When Del Bosque left him out he did so to give him a warning and he took it well, naturally he continued to work until the end of the season and now he is there with a great chance of having a good European Championship."

On his own situation at Chelsea, Romeu was more guarded after featuring only twice since Roberto Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas in March.

He said: "That I have played less is a reality but there are times when you play more or less and you have to accept that, but now it is a difficult time.

"The manager said he believed in me but when we entered a phase in which we played a lot he chose the players he believed were more suited to play. But I expect to start again in the new season and if I continue to work bit by bit I believe I can get into the team.

"More than anything I believe I can do as I have already shown I can play from the start. When you look at what has happened you know it is not a utopia and you can return to achieve it again."

The former Barcelona midfielder also reflected on an eventful first season at Stamford Bridge, which culminated in dumping his old side of the Champions League at the semi-final stage on their way to winning the tournament.

"It has been a brutal season," he continued.

"We believed in ourselves and the team knew what we could do. We believed in our chances, even against Barcelona, and this allowed us the chance to reach the Champions League final."

Romeu is also hoping to start next season in fine fashion by playing in the Olympics which start at the end of July.

The 20-year-old was involved in the Spain Under-23 side that beat Egypt in February and is expected to be named in Luis Milla's squad for the games, but is wary given how well a number of other players finished the season whilst he was not playing at Chelsea.

"Hopefully I can go with the national team but I have to wait and see the squad list, because the level of players that could go to the Olympics is spectacular," he said.

"They have been playing for big teams, have won the Europa League or been playing in finals.

"The Olympics is a once in a lifetime experience and I would like to be there. The people of Spain have been spoiled with triumphs recently but Olympic gold is a huge thing.

"To be in London with Spain would be a bit strange, but nice at the same time because it is the city where I live and I enjoy it. To see a completely different atmosphere would be something special."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17752/romeu_backs_torres_to_shine

Negredo backs Spain to shine

Alvaro Negredo says that Spain will be on top of their game in their Euro 2012 opener against Italy on June 10.

The reigning European and world champions struggled in Sunday’s 1-0 international friendly win over China, but Negredo insists that things will be different in his side’s first game at the UEFA showpiece.

“The first half was pretty ugly to watch because they (China) defended a lot,” Negredo told reporters.

“They kept things tight at the back, and we misplaced a lot of passes. There’s no need to worry, though.

“The match against China wasn’t good, but things will be different against Italy. What happened here will benefit us and make us stronger.”

Spain tackle Italy in Gdansk before matches with Republic of Ireland and Croatia.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/negredo-backs-spain-to-shine/95840/

Torres hoping for trophy hat-trick

Striker Fernando Torres wants to follow up Chelsea’s Champions League and FA Cup success by winning Euro 2012 with Spain.

Vicente del Bosque’s side are the holders of the UEFA European Championships, and among the favourites again to win the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Torres, 28, netted the only goal in Spain’s 1-0 triumph over Germany in the Euro 2008 final.

And with his country’s all-time leading goal-scorer David Villa ruled out through injury, the pressure is on Torres to lead the line during the competition.

“I had a great end of season in which I collected two titles and I hope to win the Euro and put the cherry on the cake,” he said.

“Currently we are considered favourites for the Euro 2012 and we have a different kind of pressure. I have new hopes after a tough year for me.

“It’s not easy to be here, but what we want now is to maintain Del Bosque’s trust in us, play as much as possible and make a big contribution to the team.

“That’s what I’m here for. We have a collective target, not an individual one.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/torres-hoping-for-trophy-hat-trick/95838/

Alonso undeterred by favourite tag

Xabi Alonso says Spain face a tough task to win Euro 2012 due to sky-high expectations, but the team are determined to meet the challenge.

The holders are among the favourite to triumph in the UEFA showcase tournament, but Real Madrid star Alonso believes it will be very difficult to go all the way in Poland and Ukraine.

“The expectations aren’t just high, but they are soaring. The bar is almost insurmountable,” Alonso was quoted as saying by El Mundo Deportivo.

“The expectation can weigh you down a bit, but let’s just hope this won’t happen.

“Winning the title is going to be much more difficult this time than previously. However, our objective is obviously to successfully defend our title.”

Spain start their Euro 2012 campaign with a Group C match against Italy on June 10, before taking on the Republic of Ireland four days later, and Croatia on June 18.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/alonso-undeterred-by-favourite-tag/95825/

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/

Torres sparks Spain, Holland scare World Soccer Shop

Fernando Torres scored on his return to the fold as Spain continued their preparations for Euro 2012 with a 4-1 win over South Korea in Bern.

Torres: Is congratulated after scoring the opener

The Chelsea forward opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a neatly flicked header from Benat Etxebarria's fine cross. However, a wonder strike from Kim Do-Heon brought the Koreans level two minutes before half-time.

Xabi Alonso quickly restored the World and European champions' lead after the break from the penalty spot after Choi Hyo-Jin handled Nacho Monreal's shot and Santi Cazorla's clever free-kick extended their advantage four minutes later.

Vicente del Bosque then made a raft of substitutions and two of the replacements combined for the fourth with 11 minutes remaining as Roberto Soldado's throughball was smashed home by Alvaro Negredo.

Holland suffered two injury scares ahead of Euro 2012 as Wilfred Bouma and Wesley Sneijder were forced off during a 2-0 home victory over Slovakia in Rotterdam.

PSV Eindhoven centre-back Bouma had to be substituted after a collision in the first minute when he and defensive colleague Johnny Heitinga clashed heads. Feyenoord's Ron Vlaar was Bouma's replacement, while Heitinga was comfortable enough to stay on the pitch.

Ibrahim Afellay helped to put Holland in front after seven minutes when the Barcelona forward, who returned to action only last month after a serious knee injury, produced a tricky run along the left and his low cross prompted Slovakia defender Kornel Salata to put the ball into his own goal.

Sneijder suffered an ankle knock in the 51st minute, with Holland boss Bert van Marwijk wanting to take no further risk with such a key player.

Rafael van der Vaart doubled Holland's lead after 75 minutes with a precise low right-footed shot from 15 yards across goalkeeper Jan Mucha and into the left corner.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a fantastic opening goal and set up the second as Sweden held on for a 3-2 victory in their first Euro 2012 warm-up match against Iceland.

The AC Milan striker broke the deadlock in the second minute before teeing up Ola Toivonen 12 minutes later at the Gamla Ullevi in Gothenburg.

Kolbeinn Sigthorsson narrowed the deficit in the 27th minute and although Christian Wilhelmsson restored the two-goal advantage, Hallgrimur Jonasson's stoppage-time strike ensured a nervy finale.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17485/torres_sparks_spain__holland_scare

International friendly: Spain 4 South Korea 1

Spain continued their preparations for Euro 2012 with a comfortable 4-1 victory over South Korea at Stade de Suisse in Switzerland on Wednesday.

Spain got off to a good start, and nearly found the net just five minutes into the match when Santiago Cazorla’s blast at goal deflected off Fernando Torres, only for the ball to creep agonisingly by the post.

The early pressure from Vicente Del Bosque’s side paid off just five minutes later when Benat’s fizzed cross from the left-hand side was met by Torres inside the area, and the Chelsea man did well to nod the ball past South Korea goalkeeper Jin-Hyeon Kim.

Jin-Hyeon was a busy man in the opening 45 minutes and kept his side in the match with a couple of accomplished saves, denying both Cazorla and Xabi Alonso.

South Korea almost equalised in the 20th minute when Kim Jung-Woo skipped past a couple of challenges before lashing a shot inches past Jose Reina’s.

South Korea continued to probe for their opening goal and it eventually came a minute before half-time through a stunning Do-Heon Kim strike. The midfielder picked up the ball on the left hand side before smashing a fierce strike from 25 yards into the top corner.

Spain reclaimed the lead in the 53rd minute when Yong-Hyung Cho blocked a Nacho Monreal strike on goal with his hand inside the box. Xabi Alonso stepped up to coolly dispatch the penalty.

Del Bosque’s men kicked on after their second goal, and were able to add a third just three minutes later through a Cazorla free-kick. The Malaga playmaker showed outstanding initiative to fire a strike under the Korean wall from his set-piece on the edge of the box, giving Spain a two-goal lead.

The South Koreans kept up their spirits, however, and came close to grabbing a goal back when Ja-Cheol Koo went on a bursting run through the middle of the Spanish defence, only to smash his eventual shot on to the post.

Cerezo Osaka goalkeeper Jin-Hyeon continued to keep the score respectable with a number of brilliant saves in the second half, denying Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo twice.

Negredo did eventually find a goal for Spain in the 78th minute when Roberto Soldado sent his compatriot through on goal and the substitute scored with a well-taken finish.

Spain’s final Euro 2012 warm up comes this weekend when they take on China in Seville before they head to Poland and Ukraine.

South Korea’s next encounter is also of large importance as they take on Qatar in World Cup 2014 qualifying.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/international-friendly-spain-4-south-korea-1/95549/

Reina rues absent Villa

Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina said David Villa’s unavailability for Euro 2012 is a major blow, claiming the striker is also a big off-field presence.

The country’s all-time record goalscorer Villa was forced to admit defeat last week in his battle to recover in time from the fractured tibia he suffered during the Club World Cup in December when representing Barcelona.

“I have wanted to give him a hug because I have not seen him recently,” Reina told Marca.

“But we talk every day and soon I will be able to give him a hug.

“The group will miss him, both as a player and a person. But we have no other option but to encourage him and hope that he returns as soon as possible.”

While Reina was unable to comfort Villa in person, he was on hand to support Roberto Soldado, who was excluded from Vicente del Bosque’s 23-man squad for Poland and Ukraine.

“We went to have a coke and I told him that in the future he will definitely have many opportunities with the national team,” he said.

“I know that for him and the other guys it was not easy to continue with us for these past four days (after the squad announcement), but they have to maintain their enthusiasm and keep fighting.”

Spain will open their campaign against Italy, whose preparations have been overshadowed by the enforced withdrawal of left-back Domencio Criscito due to his alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal in Serie A.

Reina admitted he does know the full ins and outs of the story, but the controversy has taken him by surprise.

“We do not have much knowledge of what is happening but it is obviously not normal,” the Liverpool goalkeeper confessed.

“Photos have come out and it’s a surprise. We’ll see what happens but, of course, we are surprised.”

Defending champions Spain also have Republic of Ireland and Croatia for company in Euro 2012 Group C.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/reina-rues-absent-villa/95533/

Kuyt attracting Euro interest World Soccer Shop

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt claims there are clubs in England, Germany, Spain and Italy interested in signing him this summer.

Kuyt: Set to leave Liverpool

Kuyt, 31, has a year to run on his Anfield contract, but seems destined to leave after a season in which he found first-team starts limited.

"There are many clubs who are interested," he told NUsport in Holland.

"Not only from England, also from Germany, Spain and Italy."

One club he has ruled out, however, are former side Feyenoord who would not be able to afford his wages.

"I have had several conversations with Feyenoord but we were unable to agree," he added.

"I did not want on my conscience that Feyenoord would have financial problems because of my salary.

"There were too many doubts on both sides. I've thought about it, but it is not the time to return. "

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17449/kuyt_attracting_euro_interest

Del Bosque urges stars to end conflict

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has admitted that tension exists between defenders Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique.

As the European champions continue preparations for Euro 2012, the duo’s relationship has soured after a number of heated encounters between Barcelona and Real Madrid, but the national-team boss has called on the centre-back pairing to cast their differences aside ahead of this summer’s tournament.

“If they don’t get on well then they will just have to get on, because on the pitch is where they have to get on well,” Del Bosque told ONA FM.

“They are young and have their differences but in the end they are just two excellent lads and I am sure there will be no problem.

“They have already played together and there have been episodes in the past. The main thing is that they both have a good heart and that’s all.”

Spain kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against Italy on June 10, before taking on Republic of Ireland four days later, and then Croatia on June 18.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/del-bosque-urges-stars-to-end-conflict/95508/

International friendly preview: Spain v South Korea

Spain continue their Euro 2012 preparations with a friendly against South Korea at the Tivoli Neu Stadium in Austria on Wednesday.

Since accounting for Serbia 2-0 at the weekend, Vicente del Bosque has named his 23-man squad for next month’s championships.

There are four members missing from the Spanish squad that triumphed over Germany to win the 2008 European championships – Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevilla and injured pair Carles Puyol and David Silva.

Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who netted 14 goals during the 2011/12 La Liga season, was included, along with Barcelona’s Pedro.

Atletico Madrid striker Adrian Lopez was a surprise omission, despite turning in an impressive substitute display in Saturday’s 2-0 friendly victory against Serbia, with Valencia marksman Roberto Soldado also missing out.

Cesc Fabregas has been told to rest for up to ten days after straining his right thigh muscle in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey success and won’t be risked against South Korea.

Following Wednesday’s match, Spain face China in Seville before opening their Euro 2012 campaign against Italy on June 11.

For South Korea’s first match since defeating Kuwait in 2-0 in a February World Cup qualifier, Arsenal Striker Park Chu-Young has been left out of the 26-man squad that is also due to play two World Cup qualifiers against Qatar on June 8 and Lebanon on June 13.

South Korea boss Choi Kang-Hee has included Koo Ja-Cheol (Wolfsburg), Son Heung-Min (Hamburg) and Ji Dong-Won (Sunderland), who missed February’s 2-0 World Cup qualifier victory over Kuwait.

Fellow European-based players Ki Sung-Yeung (Celtic) and Park Joo-Ho (FC Basel) were also named.

But there was no room for Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-Yong despite making two substitute appearances late in the season after recovering from a broken leg.

The remainder of the squad consists of 14 players based in the K-League, four in the J-League and three in the Qatar Stars League.

In four previous meetings, Spain have prevailed twice but the 31st-ranked Koreans claimed a dramatic victory on penalties to advance to the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup held in South Korea and Japan.

However, Spain won the nations’ most recent encounter – last June – courtesy of Jesus Navas’ goal four minutes from time.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/international-friendly-preview-spain-v-south-korea/95438/

Chiellini ready for Spain opener

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has vowed to be fit in time for Italy’s Euro 2012 opener against Spain on June 10.

The centre-back picked up a thigh injury in Juve’s Serie A win over Atalanta earlier this month, and there were doubts about whether Chiellini would make a full recovery ahead of the tournament in June.

However, the 27-year-old has insisted that he will be cleared to play in Italy’s Group C opener against the defending European champions.

“Is there a risk that I will miss out on the Euros? Let’s not joke around. I will be ready in time,” Chiellini told Corriere dello Sport.

“If I don’t feature in the pre-tournament friendlies, that’s just a precautionary measure. I want to be ready to take on Spain, and I’ll make sure that I will be ready.”

Italy will also have to contend with Croatia and Republic of Ireland in Group C.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/chiellini-ready-for-spain-opener/95088/

Ji ready to make international impact

Striker Ji Dong-Won will try to fill the void left by Park Chu-Young when South Korea play Spain, Qatar and Lebanon.

The Arsenal striker was left out of coach Choi Kang-Hee’s squad for the matches due to his ongoing military service saga with many fans criticising Park for his decision to defer his compulsory duty after obtaining a 10-year Monaco residency permit.

Sunderland striker Ji, 20, admitted the absence of Park, who scored eight goals in consecutive five internationals last year, will create a ‘void’ but is hopeful he can fill it.

“Of course I feel the pressure and responsibility. But the players will discuss with each other how to minimise the damage,” Ji told reporters.

Ji said the former national team captain’s absence was something he had never envisaged.

“Actually, I’ve never imagined national team without him,” he said.

“A definite starting member is omitted. But the rest of us should fill the void.”

The former Chunnam Dragons striker, who made 21 first-team appearances and scored two goals in his first season in English football, said he was concerned by his lack of match fitness.

“I’m glad to be called to the national team by coach Choi Kang-Hee for the first time,” he said.

“I have not played many games this season so I’m little bit worried about my form.

“But I’ve kept worked hard and I’m going to keep doing it here with familar faces I know.

“I think I’ve gained something from the year. I’ve seen much, heard much and learned much.

“I can’t say exactly what it is but I’m definitely better in every way. I just want to show it to fans.”

South Korea tackle Spain in a friendly in Switzerland on May 30 before World Cup qualifiers against Qatar (June and Lebanon (June 13).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/ji-ready-to-make-international-impact/95072/