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

The Russians Have It In Them To Win

Just a couple of days ago I had praised Holland for their fantastic football but the Russians proved against Holland that they too play amazing football. Even so that they out played Holland with exquisite performances from Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin. The two biggest revelations of this Euro and it is no surprise that some of the biggest European clubs are after these two. Yet, the team as a whole has been absolutely impressive. Against  Holland, it was the Russians that looked more like the clock work orange than Holland itself. This is a far cry from the Russians side we encountered against Spain, where they lost 4-1.

Still, if there is one person to thank for all of Russia’s grandeur in the Euro it would have to be the genius Guus Hiddink. He is the mastermind behind the well oiled machine that is the Russians. He was right to call up Arshavin even when he knew he would not be able to play the first games of the euro and fixed the problems of his team after the Spanish defeat. He has trained and disciplined these boys to the best Hiddink matter. He has instilled his football philosophy into his young disciples and they have obeyed. “There is a reason why the Russians compete and win gold”, a quote I once heard and it describes this national side to the perfection. Their competitive edge is  something to admire of, beside their entertaining football. Russia is already the surprise team of the Euro but they want to continue to leave more mouths open when they face Spain in the semifinals this Thursday. A task that can happen.

Spain would have to be ignorant to be believe that this is the same squad they faced in their first meeting. Even Aragones recognises that he will not be able to fool Hiddink with the same tricks. It would be a mistake by the players to be confident and think it will be a walk in the park. Russia will not easily trip over the same rock twice. So far, there have not been any teams that have really attacked Spain and it is well known that the Spanish defensive line is the Achilles heel of this squad. With the way the Russians have been playing and attacking, they could cause havoc for Spain. La Furia may seem as the favorites but I would not count this Russian side out. In 90 minutes anything can happen.

In San Iker We Trust

After 24 years of not getting passed the quarter finals it was time that Spain ended the quarter final curse that doomed them tournament after tournament. It was time that they ended another curse which was the 88 years of the Italian torment of not being able to defeat them. It was time for them to do their country justice and start writing a positive page in Spain’s history. The time came on June 22, 2008, a day that had always been a jinx for la furia, against one of the giants of Europe, Italy.

It was not an easy game for both Spain and Italy. Both countries left everything on the field. The heart, soul, pride, and honor was present from the first minute til the very last penalty. Football was the only ingredient missing.  It is true that Italy were missing their conductor Andrea Pirlo, but still enjoyed some good opportunities to get ahead in the score. However, this Italy still was a pale image to the the team that won the World Cup. Any rare attack by the azzurri were stopped by the phenomenal Casillas. His performance throughout the game was unreal, and when it came to the penalties he was a gift sent from the heavens. San Iker Casillas de Móstoles would not let his country down.  San Casillas in a spectacular fashion has given a country hope to dream of something big. The miracle of San Casillas on June 22 will forever remain in our mind and our hearts.

Its victories like these that makes one fall in love with football all over again. After years of suffering it is nice to celebrate again. After all, it is not everyday that you eliminate the World Champions. Spain were superior and looked for the victory a bit more than Italy. It was a suffered victory but a grand victory at the same time.  So now, I can finally say this could really be the year for Spain. They have disappeared the ghost of the quarter final, then why not continue writing history.  Here is to hoping that Spain have more fortune and victories heading their way in this Euro. 

  ¡Viva Casillas y que Viva España!

Thanks Holland!

  

When Van Basten first obtained in his hands the dutch national side he made it clear that the philosophy of ‘total football’ would be set aside, because they were tired of playing beautiful but never winning anything. Well he has not been wrong. Up to this moment, Holland without a doubt, has been the most consistent and solid team in the tournament. The ‘new’ clock work orange have demonstrated a stylish forward minded football. More cannot be asked of Van Basten’s side. Even the reserves (any other team they would be first pick) can put on a brilliant performance and bring the victory home. It seems that there is no stopping this team and that this could finally be the year when they reclaim European glory.  Thier grand work done so far, is saving football.

Who Said the Azzurri Were Dead?

Just when you thought it was all over for the Italians, they come and win to prove every one wrong. Time after time they have taught the world to never count them out. Like always, when ever the Azzurri find themselves in a difficult situation they always manage to pull through with a smile on their faces. This attitude has given them the ticket to the quarter finals against Spain.

However, as much as i would love to praise their work I think that they are still in debt to their followers and fans. So far the only ones that can be saved from this group phase are Buffon, Panucchi, and De Rossi. Everyone else have been complete flops. For being world champions they have barely shown in it in the tournament. Much more is expected from the Italians, who can still be considered as the favorites to win this year. Holland out classes them in every sense while Romania easily could have eliminated them. If the Azzurri want to continue on their journey to the final, then much will need to be improved. I have much respect for this national side but they are lucky to be alive in this competition. Yet, one makes their own luck and this victory over France could be essential in leading them to the right path.