people ask me all the time, why spain. you know, its not necessary to have brazil as favourite, or any other south american team for that matter. spain has always been an underachiever in world cups, but this time they have showed that they are here to stay. i dont care if people dont consider them as favourites, but for me they are.

english team is full of stars,but i feel they are not as united as they should be while playing for their country. rather all of them focus more on self proclaimed glory. and also, since espn start sports shows EPL live, most of indian fans are aware of english player, but i feel spanish league is more competant thet EPL any given day. But brazilian team seem to be very composed on the same front. and this was very obvious from the match day before.instead looking for their personal fame, they rather go for team victory and this is wat sets them apart, five time champs you see.

anyways coming back to my team,the mighty spainiards. a perfect balance on all front, this attack minded team has capability to thrash world's strongest of defence and at the same time can fail most impressive forwards. though they didnt include morientas in the team,still spanish attack seems to be one of the best in the world. and with pernia playing for the side, it is stronger than ever.

anyways players to watch are

Iker Casillas(GK) : possibly the best goalkeeper in the world, with kahn not playing. why germans chose lehman over kahn is beyond my understanding, but thats a different story altogether. and in absence of raul, he will be leading the team. if at all any team manage to get past spanish defence its not very easy for them to find the net, as this acrobatic wizard can nullify most formidable moves with his unbelivable reflexs.he is young by goalkeeper's standards and my feeling says he is going to be one of the all time greats, if he is not yet.

Mariano Pernia(D) : sometimes he amuses me, wat if he would have decided to be a forward, not that he is not that now but officially. i think, he is a secret weapon of spain in this world cup, who seems to me another roberto carlos in making(same left back, who act more like a left winger, beware reyes ;). but still has to get more into those calfs before his freekicks can generate power at par wid brazilian maestro.after del Horno's injury, his way to playing eleven became clear.

Sergio Ramos(D) : most talked about teen sensation after rooney and c ronaldo.not even twenty and he is first choice of aragones as right defender. as of now, he is trying to develop himself as a defensive midfielder. a young guy, in which you can see future of spanish football.

Carles Puyol(D) : versatility is the name. basically a defender, this FC Barcelona captian is a brilliant playmaker too. master of tackling and has impressive understanding of the game. no matter who you are, he is able to get into your mind and read it. this quality makes him world's best centre back. and he is kinda allergic to fouls, which makes him even more valuable under vulnerable conditions. this rock solid defender is also blessed with amazing fitness.

Xavi(MF) : another player with keen understanding of the game and with a hawk's eye. this amazing playmaker has mastered the art of ball distribution , and has created lots of unthinkable chances for his national team and for club barcelona.he is a very powerful shooter and is one of the most selfless player.

Xabi Alonso(MF) : though spanish team rely more on one touch game, this guy has that unique ability to send ball miles with a classy precision . an astonnishing player, who is suceptable to injuries, but for the kind of commitment he shows in the game, that is acceptable. playing as a central midfiielder he is going to trouble a lot of teams.

Cesc Fabregas(MF): spanish hope for next generation. he is considered to be a prodigy with a very practical sense of game. he is the youngest player in the squad, still a teen and is seen as immensly potent midfielder. arsene wenger consider him as a gifted one. he was the hero of spanish team who finished second in u-17 worldcup and grabbed both golden boot and golden ball.

Senna(MF) : i have not seen much of him playing, but of what i hear, he is a dynamo. powerful striker of ball.

Jose Antonio Reyes(MF) :they are saying its difficult for him to find his place in playing 11, but this arsenal midfielder is a killer. more of an attacking midfield, he can devastate any defense. he should be first substitute by aragones.he along with henry made a formidable duo for arsenal.

Raul Gonzalez(F) : does he need intorduction. if u dont know him, you dont deserve to cheer for spain !! he is acclaimed as best thing tht ever happened to spanish football. a born leader and outstanding striker of the football. he has everything to make him a great player.he is truly dedicated to the game. this wizard in jersey no 7 always rejuvinates his team, and the key reason for that never say die spirit in the squad. he is light fast and quick as a fox. this potential playmaker, also makes stunning moves, besides converting them. he can make goals virtually from all the angels and is remarkably good on both feet.its all these things that makes him any defence's nightmare.no doubt, he has to play pivot role in this tourney.

David Villa(F) : the man in form. a powerhouse, can hit the ball with inhumanaly power. was second highest scorer of spanish league after sameul eto'o.

Luis Garcia(F) : besides his striking capabilities this guy is famous for his celebration. HE SUCKS HIS THUMB. lol.and also his hairstyle is fun too. he is fast and furious on field but not very reliable.can make some top class moves but at times just loose control over ball. in form, he can be a major danger.

Fernando Torres(F) : Aragones says about him “never scores two goals the same” because of the variety of goals he scores. one of the younger spaniard, he is also called El Nino(the child).he has got amazing right foot but at the same time he knows how to use left one as well.

this is my pick from spanish squad.i still fail to understand how can morientes be dropped out of 23. but watever, spanish team is the one i m going to hail for a month.and in form, they will be one of the toughest opposition for any team.

Labels: Soccer, Sports, Yaaaaayyyyyyyyyy