Raul: It Would Be Most Beautiful To Play For Spain Again

Real Madrid captain Raul says that he hopes that one day he will play for his country again following the appointment of the new Spain manager Vincente Del Bosque.

Raul played some of the best football of his career last season to spur Real Madrid on to the La Liga title. He was dropped from the Spanish squad by controversial manager Luis Aragones, who's decision to support the younger players was vindicated when they won the Euro 2008.

Despite the differences Raul wished Aragones all the best for his new job in Turkey and also to Vincente Del Bosque in Spain.

Raul said he would continue to play for Real, but it would be 'most beautiful' if he were to be called up for his country again.

Malaga CF Survive Bribery Scare

Allegations that Malaga CF 'bought' two games last season to win promotion, have been investigated by the Competition Committee following a complaint from a FIFA official who accused the club of 'buying two games' to ensure promotion to La Liga division one.

The investigation followed complaints from fourth placed Real Sociedad, who would have taken Malaga's place in the top league. They had claimed that Malaga 'bought' the victory against Sevilla Atletico during the final games of the season.

Malaga were in the top two of the second division for most of the season, but a bad run of form saw their points cushion disappear as they were overtaken and dropped to third. They eventually finished second on equal points with Sporting.

Real Sociedad finished the campaign in fourth place, four points behind.

The Competition Committee has fortunately kicked out the claims and Malaga will play in the Primera Division next season.

Spain At Last - Euro 2008

A fantastic two weeks of International football at Euro 2008, came to an end last night when Spain beat Germany 1-o in the final of the competition, to win the Euro trophy.

Spain began the tournament among the favourites, but still carrying the tag of 'under achievers' similar to England , after losing out during the final stages of recent International competitions.

The first group game against Russia was among the best of the competition, with Russia often matching the accurate passing game of Spain, if lacking the flair and quality. Spain's 4-1 victory was non the less well deserved and spelled out a clear message that Spain were taking the tournament very seriously.

Even when Aragones resorted to his second eleven for the last group game, Spain still looked outrageously good, and beat Sweden more comfortably than the 2-1 score suggests.

Holland, Croatia and Portugal also looked impressive during the group stages, the Dutch in particular played some excellent football. But against the odds each of them fell at the quarter finals leaving Spain to beat Russia a second time to progress to the final, and Germany seeing off a spirited Turkish team to join them.

Spain v Germany provided an excellent advert for football, with chances for both teams throughout the game. The quality and wonderful football of Spain deservedly winning the game and the tournament.

This Spanish team is up there with the best I have seen at International level and they still have some very exciting youngsters at under 17 &21 waiting in the wings.

Malaga Fall From Grace

Just back from La Rosaleda and what a shock it has been. Malaga were playing fifth place Hercules, who really have nothing to play before as they cannot reach the top three promotion spots.

Malaga started well and Hercules were struggling, they were all over the place as Malaga piled on the pressure. Malaga were two up inside half an hour and it looked like a walk in the park. Even when Hercules pulled one back, on a brief excursion into the home team half, they didnt look a threat and Malaga made it 3-1 at half time.

The second half and Hercules were a different team, they were in control and suddenly the chances came for them to draw level. The second from the penalty spot left Malaga with ten men as the offender was first yellow carded and then after continuing to abuse the ref was shown a red.

Hercules then ran rampant making it 6-3 before Malaga pulled one back on the final whistle.
Malaga started the day in 3rd, their lowest place all season, but it looks to me as though they could miss out on promotion, barring a minor miracle.

Bojan Out Of Euro2008

Young Barcelona player Bojan will not feature in Spains Football team in the Euro2008. The wonder striker has asked Spain boss Luis Aragones not to select him for the finals, saying he did not want to take part for 'personal reasons.'

Fans calling for Real Madrid veteran Raul to be recalled to the international squad after a scintilating season for the La Liga champions, will be disappointed to hear that the player will not be in the Spanish squad either.
Raul has been back to his best again this season, on form he is magical at times and I have enjoyed watching his performances this year.

I am sure there will be plenty of talent on show in the Euro's, but its a shame we won't see these two playing.

Nervy Times At Malaga CF

The last time I got to see Malaga play was April 13th, when they were sitting in second place in the league. They beat third placed Sporting 3-2 on that occassion, to open a gap of eight points between the two teams.

Since then, in four weeks, Malaga have lost three and drawn one game, while Sporting are now on equal points with them in joint second place.

Malaga traded places with Numancia at the top of league two, for half of the season before Numancia put some daylight between the clubs. However Malaga have sat pretty in second plave ever since and really should have secured a promotion place by now.

The season is far from over with five games still to be played. Things are looking ominous for Malaga who must re- find the form that they showed early season or risk throwing it all away.
Third place Real Sociedad could only draw in this weekends game, keeping them in fourth but only three points behind Malaga and Sporting.