Whats going on in the national side. (Spanish Football Clubs & Teams)

Member Name: Chandler

Product:	Spanish Football Clubs & Teams
Date:	07/12/00 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Loads of good players, several spanish born too

Disadvantages: National side is a joke

As proven last year, Spain have some of the strongest teams in Europe, so their performances at World Cup 98, and more recently Euro 2000 made me wonder whats up with the national side.

The Primera Liga isn't as jam packed with foreigners as our own premiership, and the top sides like Barca, Madrid, Valencia and Deportivo can all boast several top Spanish players. Yet the Spain national side is poor.

Last season the Champions League semi finals consisted of 3 Spanish sides, showing their strength, Barca, Madrid and Valencia played football to rival any in the world. Madrid were particularly brilliant (Unfortunately) on a certain night at Old Trafford, when they smashed us (United) out of the cup.

In Euro 200 however players like Raul and Mendiata, as well as old hands like Alfonso and Canizares were poor and looked way out of their league against most sides. Rauls penalty against the French, where he threatened the floodlights more than the goal, was a good summation of their tournament, good chances but lack of goals.

With the Spanish sides (Barca aside) progressing well in the Champions League this year, it will be interesting to keep an eye on Spain, especially as they play England next. The spanish side has some great players, full of talent and experience, their failure to be great is a mystery to me.

Summary: