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 Promoted To La Liga Primera Division

It has been a long season following Malaga, especially over the last few months while their once healthy lead over the next club has diminished to nothing.

Unbelievably within a month of playing rivals Sporting, beating them and re opening an eight point lead, they were back to square one.

Over the last three games Malaga have managed to keep in touch with Sporting and they went into todays game on equal points, with Real Sociedad hovering two points behind, and above them all Numancia the champions.

Both Malaga and Sporting finished a nervy afternoon with wins and so join Numancia in La Liga next season.

Malaga can thank a good run in the first half of the season when they were unbeatable, for the promotion, as the second half, up until today has been disappointing.

Still it's great to see them back in La Liga, lets hope that they can build a team capable of staying in the top flight.

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.

Spanish Property Prices Fall By 30%

House prices in some parts of Spain have falling by 30% in the last twelve months says a report from Union de Creditos Inmobilarios (UCI) president Juan Carlos Sandoval.

His statement comes as real estate group Don Piso announce the closure of 120 of its offices with the loss of 350 jobs. Most of the closures are in the Cataluna area, but the problem is more widespread and affects the whole of the country.

Many large promoters and developers are using promotions and offers to try to move some of their stock as supply outstrips demand by a long chalk.

On the Costa del Sol developers have continued to develop into the less commercial areas and empty blocks of apartments are to be seen all along this stretch of Spain.

With the credit crunch affecting foreign buyers it will be interesting to see how much the property prices drop before they are of interest to the Spanish nationals.

While the UCI says the price drop makes for a good time to buy property, I would disagree as prices have some way to fall before they are realistically priced, as in the UK.

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.

Bob Dylan At Rockinrio Madrid

Bob Dylan has been confirmed to headline at Madrids Rockinrio festival. The 66 year old veteran of the music festival scene will play on the World Stage on July 5th.

Dylan joins an already impressive line up for the five day festival, with Amy Winehouse, The Police, Neil Young and Shakira amongst the many artistes performing.

The festival is preceded by the Lisbon Rockinrio segment that takes place at the end of May and beginning of June, with Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi and Joss Stone already lined up. Amy Winehouse will also appear in Lisbon.