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Friendly: Spain vs. Russia

Conchaga

Let's fuck some shit up
I managed to catch the rerun of the friendly between Spain and Russia today. One word describes the whole game: uninspiring.

The Spanish Offense is definitely something to watch out for. I'd rank Fernando Torres as one of the most dangerous young strikers playing in this World Cup. His problem is that he's too young and way too head-strong. He's quick on the attack, but he hesitates to be a team player. There were several opportunities during the game where they missed a goal because he was trying to score all by himself, or that he failed to be the key member of a forward advance.

Spain, for all of their firepower (Villa, Raul, Joaquin, Reyes, and Xavi) couldn't punch through the Russian defense. Their main problem was getting anything past Akinfeev, Russia's keeper. Keep in mind, Spain is a team that qualified for the world cup and couldn't score a goal against Russia, a team that didn't qualify.

Although, towards the last 30 minutes of play, the game looked more like a practice match than a real soccer match between very good teams.

Even though the game ended up 0:0 with the majority of the possesion being held by Spain, it was still a pretty crappy game and a poor showing by both teams.

There was one notable moment around the 22nd minute. The Spaniards made one hell of a drive showing great teamwork, passing, fading, screening, faking, and one of the most impressive shows of footwork I've seen on a football field for a long time. Alas, it came down to Torres hesitating and choking, kicking the ball too wide and even nailing one of the Russians in the head on accident sending the ball into the stands. It was the most anit-climactic scene in football I've ever witnessed.

My conclusion is that if you're worried about Spain beating a favortie of yours, don't worry too much. Also, I highly doubt that Spain will take the cup this year. Hell, if they get to play either the US or Italy during the semi or even quarter (laughably enough) finals, I'll thoroughly enjoy watching my teams trounce them.

Sorry, Spain. You suck.
 
PS: I also watched a rerun of the 2002 game of the US vs. Portugal, where the US upset Portugal 3:2. Yes, there were two own goals in the game, but each team scored one on themselves. But, damn... That header by O'Brian was fucking awesome. That cross and header made for some damn good dramatic football. I'm so pissed I didn't see it the first time around.
 
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