Spain World Cup Tickets: June 2010

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Villa ends Portuguese dreams

A 63rd-minute David Villa goal proved enough for Spain to beat Portugal and reach the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The highly-anticipated meeting between these Iberian rivals, the first in six years, lived up to expectations, certainly in the first half when Carlos Queiroz's side were unlucky not to be rewarded for their endeavour in Cape Town. La Roja were dominant after the break, however, and El Guaje's close-range finish ensured they will now meet Paraguay for a place in the last four.

Both teams went into the match protecting proud records, with Spain having won 29 of their last 31 matches. Portugal were on a 19-match undefeated run dating back to November 2008, with 20 clean sheets in 24 matches since Queiroz assumed their reins.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque named an unchanged side from the one that beat Chile in their final group game, with the inclusion of Xabi Alonso allaying initial fears that an ankle injury would prevent his inclusion. Portugal, conversely, were forced into two changes as injuries to forward Danny and defender Duda afforded starts to Atletico Madrid's Simao and Hugo Almeida of Werder Bremen.

A high-tempo opening saw Fernando Torres unleash a goal-bound shot that Eduardo did well to parry away, before it was the turn of the in-form Villa to warm the hands of the Portuguese goalkeeper. It was far from one-way traffic, and Tiago's drive from 30 metres was only palmed into the air by Iker Casillas, with Almeida seemingly set to head into an empty net only for the Spain captain to recover and push the ball to safety at the midway point of the first half.

Soon after, Cristiano Ronaldo unleashed a venomous long-range free-kick which Casillas could again only parry, with the ball somewhat fortuitously avoiding a host of lurking attackers. It was proving an uncomfortable opening period for the Real Madrid custodian, who was captaining La Roja for a record 51st time, surpassing goalkeeping predecessor Andoni Zubizarreta at the head of the list.

The early energy gave way to a slightly more measured pace, with Portugal having the better of the latter exchanges in the opening half. A Seleção das Quinas seemingly resumed where they had left off after the interval. Tiago burst down the left flank with an impressive turn of speed, and his cross looped off the knee of Carles Puyol and over Casillas, only to narrowly bounce the wrong side of the post.

Spain's pedigree soon started to shine through and on the hour mark, substitute Fernando Llorente directed a diving header straight at a relieved Eduardo. Within 60 seconds Villa grazed the post with a curling drive, with the momentum having well and truly changed hands. Then came what proved to be the game's only goal. Xavi flicked a short pass from Andres Iniesta to Villa, whose shot was blocked by Eduardo. However, the rebound fell kindly back into the path of Villa who guided the ball home off the underside of the bar.

Spain controlled possession thereafter, as Portugal broke sporadically in their quest to save their South Africa 2010 campaign. Spanish defender Sergio Ramos came within inches of a rare goal after a strong run and shot on the right only to see the impressive Eduardo stick out a strong right hand and turn the ball narrowly around the post. Having joined Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain and Robert Vittek of Slovakia on four goals at the front of the race for the adidas Golden Boot, Villa was looking to go one better, and his thunderbolt from 30 metres would surely have found the net had it been marginally either side of Eduardo.

Portugal's stand-out player Ronaldo was kept largely quiet with a late red card to Ricardo Costa compounding the misery. Two principal stars delivered decisive performances for the victors with Budweiser Man of the Match Xavi making a significant contribution as his side enjoyed 61 per cent of the possession, while Villa left Green Point Stadium having settled the outcome.

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Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Del Bosque reflects on slow start

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque believes his side's shock opening defeat by Switzerland has been "highly motivating" as they seek to add the FIFA World Cup™ to their UEFA Euro 2008 triumph.

Del Bosque's side were among the pre-tournament favourites but were stunned when Switzerland snatched victory in their first group match in South Africa. Spain rallied to beat Honduras and Chile, securing a last-16 showdown with Iberian rivals Portugal, and while Del Bosque refused to retrospectively regard the Switzerland defeat as a positive, he admitted it has served a purpose.

Ahead of tonight's showdown with Portugal in Cape Town, he said: "That first stumble versus Switzerland has been highly motivating psychologically.

"The group knows our targets and we're feeling fine. I don't think a defeat is ever good. It was damaging to us and we were very anxious because we thought we were going to be facing many difficulties. I don't think we had to learn any lessons, though, because this group is very humble and modest. We were not floating along on cloud nine at all, we fully realise that every match is difficult in itself."

Meanwhile, David Villa has launched a staunch defence of his strike partner Fernando Torres. While Villa has scored three goals from as many matches, Torres has yet to find the net in South Africa having only recovered from a knee injury just before the tournament. Villa insists the squad are oblivious to negative reviews of Torres' performances so far.

"First of all I haven't really heard any criticism of Fernando and I certainly don't share a view of his performances being lacklustre," said the Barcelona-bound striker. Perhaps he hasn't scored a goal but he's done spectacular work. He really is very happy in the squad, he's made an enormous effort to help this team. Let's remember what state he was in with his knee a month ago.

"He is supporting the team with his play, so I'm very thankful to him and I think his performances have been very good. He is doing some excellent work, but forwards are always measured by the goals they score and I'm totally convinced that if he continues working as well as he is, he will score goals."

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz expects a potential classic when his men clash with their Iberian rivals. "It is a regional rivalry between the teams and it is also a social, cultural and historical rivalry between two nations," he said. "Therefore the game between Portugal and Spain is always a mouthwatering game, I'm sure of that. Just like 'derbies' between, say, England and Germany."

Monday, June 28, 2010

Twin prize is in sight for Villa

Spain's record FIFA World Cup™ goalscorer David Villa is hoping that South Africa 2010 turns out to be historic for him and his country as they try to win the trophy for the first time and add it to their European crown.

The 28-year-old is keen to do all he can to bring that about starting with Tuesday's game against Portugal who have still to concede a goal in the tournament.

Villa, who scored one of the goals of the FIFA World Cup so far with an outrageous 40 metre lob in the win over Chile, has outshone strike partner Fernando Torres in South Africa and his three goals have established him as Spain's all time FIFA World Cup goalscorer with six, one ahead of legends Emilio Butragueno, Fernando Hierro, Fernando Morientes and Raul.

"Making history with the national team makes me very proud and happy," said Villa, who was the leading scorer at UEFA EURO 2008 with four goals though he missed the final through injury. However he added: "I prefer to see my team win more than me scoring a goal."

The Barcelona new signing - he was signed last month from Valencia for 40 million euros - has his sights set on eventually overhauling Raul's overall national goalscoring record of 44 goals in 102 appearances. He hasn't got far to go with his current tally of 41 goals in 61 games, an outstanding strike-rate in anyone language.

"To be just behind Raul, and to be so close to him (personally) at the same time, is a great honour," Villa told Spanish daily La Nueva Espana. "I hope to be able to continue to score goals, not only to overtake Raul but also to help Spain win more trophies."

Ticket4Football.com is the most specialized and fully dedicated football ticket website offering the best place to buy all Spain World Cup Tickets. You can buy World Cup Final Tickets , World Cup Semi Final Tickets and World Cup Quarter Final Tickets online through our secure and guaranteed online booking system. You can also sell World Cup Football Tickets here!. Ticket4Football offers 100% safe and secure online booking system for World Cup 2010 tickets.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Del Bosque: Portugal concern me

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque does not feel his side have gained any advantage by securing a last 16 showdown with Portugal rather than five-time world champions Brazil. Spain's 2-1 win over Chile in Pretoria last night saw them replace the South American side at the top of Group H, but with both nations still going through.

"I take no satisfaction from the fact we're up against Portugal instead of Brazil. They are both great national teams."Vicente Del Bosque, Spain coach

The European champions' reward for their second successive win in South Africa was a showdown with Iberian neighbours Portugal in the knockout stages, with Chile meeting the Brazilians. On paper it would appear that Spain have slightly easier route, but that is not the way Del Bosque is looking at it.

When asked if he was concerned about facing Cristiano Ronaldo, Del Bosque said: "No, Portugal concern me. We've seen today how they controlled the game against Brazil, hitting them on the counter-attack. Portugal are going to be a very tough side. I take no satisfaction from the fact we're up against Portugal instead of Brazil. They are both great national teams."

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Villa gets Spain back on track

Spain got their FIFA World Cup™ campaign back on track with a win against Honduras that was far more comprehensive than the 2-0 scoreline indicated. The Central Americans were the unlucky victims as the European champions returned to the kind of form which placed them among the pre-tournament favourites, David Villa claiming the Budweiser Man of the Match award for his two-goal haul.

Spain's victory lifted them alongside Switzerland with a win apiece, though still three points off Group H pacesetters Chile, their final opponents on Friday. Honduras, meanwhile, now need to win their last match against Switzerland, and hope Chile do them a favour against Spain, to have any hope of progressing.

Injury to Andres Iniesta saw Spain coach Vicente del Bosque reshuffle his pack with Fernando Torres brought into the line-up to join Villa in attack. Sevilla's right-sided flanker Jesus Navas was also given a place in the starting XI with David Silva omitted. It was no surprise to see Spain, undoubtedly stung by their opening loss to Switzerland, start in an attacking mode. Villa rattled the crossbar after just six minutes with an effort from 25 metres, while Sergio Ramos was unable to get downward force on a free header at the back post just minutes later.

Spain caused constant problems on both flanks with Villa operating on the left and Navas on the right. Villa appeared to be in supremely confident mood and it was no surprise to see Barcelona's recent signing open the scoring with what is set to be one of the individual goals of the tournament. Cutting in from the left, Villa dissected a path through two defenders when there appeared to be none, before rounding a third attempt at a tackle and unleashing a shot into the roof of the net.

On the half-hour mark, Torres had two good openings within the space of 60 seconds as Spain upped the ante further still. The Liverpool man, perhaps still showing signs of rustiness after his return from injury last month, guided a header into the ground and over the crossbar, before then skying his shot after a dribble into the penalty area. Honduras rarely threatened in the opening period, winning their first corner only in the final minute of the half. Honduran speed-merchant David Suazo received scant service up front as La Roja dominated midfield possession.

The second half started disastrously for the Hondurans with Villa doubling the advantage just six minutes after the restart, his shot from 20 metres taking a wicked deflection off the knee of Osman Chavez and looping over the outstretched hand of stranded goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Just past the hour, Emilio Izaguirre's foul on Navas in the penalty area gave Villa a golden opportunity to record a hat-trick but he pushed his spot-kick wide and in the process became the first Spain player to miss a penalty at the FIFA World Cup.

Nevertheless, Spain appeared certain to kill off the game with a third goal, only to be guilty at times of overplaying the passing movement when presented with a shooting opportunity. Substitute Cesc Fabregas appeared certain to score with his first involvement but, after springing the offside trap and rounding Valladares, the Arsenal skipper saw his shot impressively cleared off the line by a retreating Chavez. Honduras found some joy in attack in the final stages with Suazo firing wide and half-time substitute Georgie Welcome guiding a header the wrong side of the post. Yet Spain were still the team pushing hard until the final whistle with only some determined defending and their own profligacy ensuring the scoreline remained unchanged.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Swiss shock kings of Europe

Switzerland pulled off the biggest shock so far at this FIFA World Cup™ as Gelson Fernandes's strike against the run of play earned them a 1-0 win against European champions and joint-tournament favourites Spain. Vicente del Bosque's team predictably dominated possession but were hit on the break seven minutes into the second half as the Swiss recorded a first win over Spain in 19 attempts.

Stylish Spain had all of the ball in the early stages in Durban, painting pretty patterns around the pitch with astounding ease as the Switzerland chased and harried. The Swiss hardly got a sniff of the ball in the first quarter-hour but were not unduly troubled either as Spain failed to turn their elegant control and ball play into concrete attempts on goal. Their first chance of any real substance came after 25 minutes. After coming forward for a free-kick, centre-back Gerard Pique remained in an advanced position and collected a brilliant through-ball from the lively Andres Iniesta, back from injury in time to make the starting XI. Turning his man with the acumen of a seasoned striker, the tall defender was only denied at the last by the legs of Diego Benaglio, who came roaring bravely off his line.

The Swiss had their only notable attempt of the first period just seconds later, with Reto Ziegler’s free-kick from 20 yards hardly troubling Iker Casillas, the Real Madrid man diving to his left to keep out the tame strike. The UEFA EURO 2008 winners soon shifted the focus back to the other end of the pitch and on the half-hour mark Silva's looping ball from midfield picked out Iniesta racing toward goal. The Barcelona man was pulled back by Stephane Grichting on the edge of the box but Pique slammed the free-kick harmlessly into the Swiss wall. As the opening stanza ground to a halt, Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was forced to replace influential centre-back Philippe Senderos, who limped off early in a match in his second consecutive FIFA World Cup.

A similar trend developed in the second half, with Spain dictating the patterns but stuttering in front of goal. Their profligacy was punished in the 52nd minute when a long, hopeful ball hoofed up the field was collected by Eren Derdiyok. The outrushing Casillas saved at his feet but the ball ricocheted to Fernandes who slid home from close range. It was only the second shot on goal for the Swiss, who celebrated the unlikely lead with a combination of shock and delight. The Spanish fans were stunned into the silence, but their favourites continued to press in search of that elusive goal. Villa went close on the hour, two minutes before Spain boss Del Bosque added a bit of firepower, bringing Fernando Torres and Jesus Navas off the bench. With their supporters back on their feet again, Iniesta's curler beat Benaglio but drifted the wrong side of the post.

Liverpool man Torres began to torment the defence with his running and pace, leading directly to a vicious strike from Xabi Alonso in the 71st minute which rattled the crossbar and left it shaking. Shortly after Navas saw a chance from close-in well saved by Benaglio as Spanish pressure mounted. The Swiss were dangerous on the break, however, and Derdiyok hit the post with a quarter-hour to go after the Spaniards committed too many men forward. Seconds later Spain lost Iniesta, who limped off after a rough challenge; he may have aggravated the muscle injury that made him a doubt before the game. In his absence, Spain endured only further frustration and they will need to rebound against Honduras at Ellis Park on 21 June. The Swiss take on Chile, the other Group H winners, earlier that same day in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Spain: Uniform kit

Spain's traditional kit is a red jersey with yellow trim accompanied by dark blue shorts and socks while their traditional away kit is either a full white kit with red and yellow trim. Spain's kits have been made by manufacturers including Adidas (from 1982 until 1984), Le Coq Sportif (from 1984 until 1992) and again Adidas (since 1992).

Their current home kit designed by Adidas, is a lighter red than usual along with light blue shorts and red socks, similar to the older 2006 kit. A third kit is sometimes used and is usually blue with red and yellow trim (used currently as change kit). Rather than displaying the logo of the Spanish football federation, Spain's jersey traditionally features the Coat of arms of Spain over the left breast.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Confederations Cup debut and 2010 World Cup Qualification

Luis Aragonés left the manager's role after the Euro 2008 success, and was replaced by Vicente del Bosque.

2008 saw David Villa score 12 goals in 15 games, breaking the Spanish record of 10 goals in one year held by Raúl since 1999. On 11 February 2009, David Villa broke another Spanish record as his 36th-minute goal saw him become the first Spanish player to score in six consecutive games.

Spain began their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with six successive wins, and went into the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup as one of the favourites. By the start of the tournament, Del Bosque's had ten consecutive wins, making him the first international manager to do so from his debut, breaking Joao Saldanha's record, held since 1969, of nine consecutive wins with Brazil.

Spain won all three of their matches at the group stage, the 5–0 win over New Zealand including a Fernando Torres hat-trick that is the earliest and fastest hat-trick in the tournament's history. With further wins over Iraq (1–0) and South Africa (2–0) they earned not only qualification for the semifinals, but also obtained the world record for 15 consecutive wins and tied the record of 35 consecutive unbeaten games (with Brazil).

On 24 June 2009, Spain's undefeated record ended when the United States beat them 15-0 in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup semi-finals which sent them to the third place match. This was Spain's first defeat since 2006. Spain defeated hosts South Africa 3–2 after extra time in the 3rd-place playoff.

On 9 September 2009, Spain secured their place at the 2010 World Cup finals after beating Estonia 3–0 in Mérida. They went on to record a perfect World Cup qualifying record with 10 wins out of 10 in Group 5, finishing with a 5–2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 14 October 2009. The Spaniards will enter the 2010 World Cup as second place in the world rankings.

2010 FIFA World Cup

The 2010 World Cup draw, which took place on 4 December 2009, placed Spain in Group H. They will play their first match against Switzerland on 16 June, followed by Honduras on 21 June and finally Chile on 25 June.

Ticket4Football.com is the most specialized and fully dedicated football ticket website offering the best place to buy all World Cup Tickets. You can buy World Cup Final Tickets , World Cup Semi Final Tickets and World Cup Quarter Final Tickets online through our secure and guaranteed online booking system. You can also sell World Cup Football Tickets here!. Ticket4Football offers 100% safe and secure online booking system for World Cup 2010 tickets.

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