With Kaka Everything Is Easy

After the sorry performance Brazil demonstrated against Ecuador they had to pull out a convincing victory in order to please their frustrated followers. They did just that against bottom of the table Peru. Am I convinced with the work of Dunga’s boys? No for the very reason that the magic that enchants is still not there. On the other hand, one thing is certain that when Kaka plays Brazil shine like a brand new penny. Even while coming from injury he manages to put the whole team onto his shoulders and lead them to victory. Just like in Ac Milan when he is gone you can feel the emptiness but when he is there it is a totally different story. He brings the creativity and the vision that Brazil lacked in their previous matches without him. Everything is much easier when Kaka is there so for the sake of Brazil and Milan let us hope that he stays healthy.

Bolivia’s Sweetest Glory

Well after a very long break from this site its nice to be back and like the world of football is always spinning with out stop I see I have much to catch up to. One of the events that left me in awe was that of the result between Argentina and Bolivia, where I would have never imagined such a scandalous 6-1 defeat of Maradona’s Argentina. I checked every sports site imaginable to see whether this was a mistake or some sort of April fool’s joke. To my surprise my eyes were not deceiving me and Argentina had been humiliated by 9th place Bolivia.

It was the little guy versus the intimidating giant. A situation in which the Bolivians are quite use to and some even see it as though a curse the Bolivians have accepted. However, the roles were switched this past Wednesday in La Paz when for once the Bolivians were the giants and Argentina were the little guy receiving the abuse. They played above the clouds close to heaven and surprised every corner of the world with their football. Argentina never had a response to Bolivia’s game and only were spectators on the field as they watched the goals slip right in. One after the other and it seemed as though the  humiliation was never ending. Botero and Torrico were cold killers on the field which held no mercy to the stars of Argentina, where not even Messi was able to shine. A historic moment? Without a doubt yes, but more importantly it was a beautiful moment for Bolivia and their football.

It can be said that Bolivia played with an ally on their side: the intense altitude of La Paz. As everyone might be well familiar this has been a controversial topic in which FIFA has tried to ban the use of La Paz claiming that it is dangerous to play at such heights. There is no question in my mind that playing at those levels did influence in some way Argentina performed, but a 6-1 result is inexcusable for the Albiceleste. Bolivia were superior and no one should use the altitude as an excuse. Maradona knows that it is not an excuse for he played in the same field a bit over a year ago and supported Bolivian President Evo Morales in favor of playing football at those heights. Maybe he has changed his mind.

Above Everyone Else

Just another demonstration of their superiority against any rival. La Furia are like Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona where it seems that there is no rival that can match and beat the exquisite touch football that Spain are displaying. This is associated football at its purest form. From top to bottom they are perfection and no team can compare. Capello’s England should be thankful that at least they were able  to see the beauty of Spain’s football up close and personal. England may have invented the game but Spain are taking it to another level. Some are calling Spain the Brazil of Europe, but at the current moment I think Brazil can take a page or two from La Furia’s style of play.

Highlights:

• Spain continues to taste sweet victory for the 126th straight time
• Iker only 27 years old reaches Hierro with 89 caps. There is no removing his mark from Spanish history books.
• Fernando Llorente scores his first goal wearing the red. Moments later he would limp off the field with an injury.
• David Villa opened the way for Spain by scoring against England, which makes him the first Spanish player to score in six consecutive matches.
• David Beckham also makes history with England by making his 108th appearance reaching the same numbers of the eternal Booby Moore.

Note: Brazil against Italy delivered an impressive performance with the City boys Elano and Robinho giving the Italians a major headache. The way Robinho broke the spines of the Italian defense with his mind numbing dribbling inside the box was tremendous. To watch him play with Brazil it makes me wonder who lost more Real Madrid or Robinho with his transfer to City? On another note, the Azzuri’s performance was horrendous, but come the Confederations Cup I am certain that the Italians will be in tip top shape. I never  let my guard down with Italy.

Reasons Why Iker Deserves the Balon d’Or

Real Madrid in their official website have posted reasons why Iker Casillas should win the balon d’or and even though it is objective and or subjective, I do think that a player like Casillas is worthy of such a recognition (but my view is also distorted as I am a madridista). 

Here are the reasons:

 1. He had a tremendously successful year:
Champion of Europe and champion of Spain. The Balon d’Or recognizes a player’s performance between January and December, during which Casillas won La Liga and the Euro and conceded the fewest goals in each.

2. He has an amazing track record:
Only 27 years old, Iker has already won four league titles, two European Cups, two Spanish Super Cups, one European Super Cup, and now, one European Championship. In 2000 he earned Bravo Trophy honors as the best young player in Europe, only after winning the European Championship with Spain’s Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 squads.

3. His flawless technique: 
Agility, reflexes, one-on-one dominance, sure-handed down low, sure-handed up high. His technique is simply flawless. He reaches balls no one else can. He moves like none other and is always a step ahead. His saves translate into countless points for his team.

4. His stats:
Casillas has already been capped 82 times, only bested by Fernando Hierro -89-, Raúl -102-, and Zubizarreta -126-. He’s played 427 matches for Real Madrid; 311 in La Liga, 16 in Copa del Rey action, 88 in the Champions League, and 12 in other competitions.

5. The symbol of a generation:
A new Spain packed with Champions. Modern, brave, and proud. A generation of athletes born in the 80’s who astonish both home and abroad. Iker has become a pillar of Madridismo and the club with the world’s largest fanbase. His human touch, his transparency. A simple, humble, and down to earth guy.

6. He’s a leader:
Whether it’s by barking orders to his defenders or by standing up in the dressing room, Iker has always been a top dog. He’s a leader within the club and a reference point for fans. And let’s not forget captain of the 2008 European champions.

7. He’s a product of the academy:
The Quinta del Buitre took shape within the Sports City, and rarely have we seen similar cases since. Players who stay put are a rare breed. Raúl and Guti at Real Madrid. Totti at Roma, Scholes, Neville, and Giggs at Manchester. They are examples of commitment and pride. Iker has become a role model for Real Madrid’s youth system.

8. Recognition of a championship:
Tradition dictates that those who step up in summer competitions are recognized by France Football come December. Such was the case for Cannavaro in 2006, Ronaldo in 2002, Zidane in 1998, Sammer in 1996, Mattäus in 1990, and so on. So now it’s Casillas’ turn, not just for his performance against Italy, but because of his perfect Euro during which he conceded just one goal in five matches.

9. History says so:
Ever since Lev Yashin won the award in 1963, no other goalkeeper has been recognized as Europe’s best footballer. Oliver Kahn came close in 2001 and 2002, and Gianluigi Buffon in 2006, but this award is mainly given to forwards, and midfielders, and rarely to defenders and goalkeepers.

10. He’s more than just an athlete:
Realizing what they represent, many footballers take advantage of their privileged situation to help those in need, and Casillas is always on the front line. He’s joined forces in the battle against malaria in Sierra Leon and several months ago with Rafa Nadal organized a benefit match whose proceeds were donated to this ongoing struggle. Iker is also an active partner of the Real Madrid Foundation.

And one last reason… He’s the best.

Once again these views are subjective but there is no denying that Iker has had a phenomenal year. Iker is a complete package as a player and as a person. This list covers just half of the great qualities of San Casillas. This year there is probably just one other person that is in the running to win the Balon d’Or, which would be Ronaldo, who had a great year as well. However, in my opinion, Cristiano is far behind Iker in every aspect.

*Real Madrid would like to hear your opinion and your reasons why Casillas deserves this award. Email them and show your support for Iker: CASILLASBALONDEORO@CORP.REALMADRID.COM

España, Reyes de Europa

Up to this moment all Spain had were the distant images of the 1964 European Cup with the memorable goal by Marcelino that led to the only major trophy for Spain. It was 44 years of heartache and tears but in the end it was worth the wait to see Spain finally conquer Europe once again. Finally, Spain does not have to live off just the black and white images now Spain can celebrate in color. Europe has been painted with a Furious Red and can bow to this magnificent Spain.

With their grand football Spain were crowned champions against a sorry Germany, that even though their history made them the favorites, Spain did not have fear and taught them a thing or two on how to play classy football. Spain with their ticki-taca demonstrated that they wanted the victory more than the Germans. They always say that you can never count the Germans out, but they were done in the 33rd minute by a stupendous goal from el niño Torres. Torres with that sole goal was giving a nation what they had longed for. The best team not only in the final but throughout the whole Euro had convincingly won. With a lot of heart, unity, luck, and most importantly intelligence Spain beat team after team. They were the perfect team and were ultimately awarded for it by giving them the perfect ending to a stunning tournament. El Sabio heavily criticized as he was, always stuck to his guns and formed a spectacular team. To El Sabio, a million thanks and a million apologies.

Spain have proved that with good football a team can be victorious and reach the highest grounds of football glory. As Torres stated, this is not only a victory for Spain but a victory for the beautiful football. In times when ‘ugly’ defensive football prevails over the jogo bonito, Spain were the heroes and defenders of the good and attractive football in Vienna. For this reason, Spain have so much to be proud of and celebrate about.

To conclude, this young group of players have written their names in golden letters in European history. They have permanently marked our minds and our hearts with the image of Casillas lifting the European Cup of Nations high up into the air. This group promises to give Spain even more splendor and joys, and I dare jump ahead and think that the World Cup is possible. Yes, I know its still too early to think about winning a World Cup, but after what I have lived this Euro, I cannot rule anything out. For me this Euro has proved that in football anything is possible. However, for the moment, I will enjoy this epic victory and championship. With the little breath that I still have and with my heart beating ever faster, I will scream once again, Que Viva España!