When the FIBA World Championships officially begins next week, Team USA will be in an unfamiliar position: the underdog.
Well maybe not underdog, but definitely not the clear cut favorite. Today Team USA barely snuck away with a 1 point victory over Spain.
Source:
http://thehoopdoctors.com/online2/2010/08/team-usa-rides-kevin-durant-to-1-point-win-over-spain/
Spain is back in action, Brazil has introduced new talent and Fabio Capello abruptly ended David Beckhams international career.
Source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/13/sports/soccer/13iht-soccer.html
Andrs Iniesta scored with four minutes left of extra-time to help Spain beat the Netherlands 1-0 in a fractious World Cup final at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg
Source:
http://www.insideworldsoccer.com/2010/07/netherlands-0-spain-1.html
It is a great feeling for any soccer player to be playing in the finals of a World Cup, unless you are Spain's Xabi Alonso, who was on the receiving end of this devastating kick from the Netherlands' Nigel De Jong.
Thankfully, it did neither to the Spanish midfielder, who stayed the game.
Source:
http://www.totalprosports.com/2010/07/11/nigel-de-jong-vs-xabi-alonso-kung-fu-fighting-gif/
For all of Spain's brilliant passing in their World Cup semi-final against Germany, it was a Carles Puyol header from a corner that put them into the final.
Puyol rose highest in the second-half to seal Spain's first ever appearance in the final, against Netherlands.
Source:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=264121&league=FIFA.WORLD&cc=5739&ver=global
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque sees something special ahead _ _ _ like a World Cup title.
Source:
http://www.fanhouse.com/news/main/spain-goes-for-semifinal-breakthrough/1111695
European champions Spain advanced to their first ever World Cup semi-finals after a late 1-0 victory over Paraguay at Ellis Park
Source:
http://www.insideworldsoccer.com/2010/07/paraguay-0-spain-1.html
Spain ensured they finished top of Group H and avoided the threat of an early exit from the World Cup after securing a 2-1 success over Chile in a fiery contest in Pretoria
Source:
http://www.insideworldsoccer.com/2010/06/chile-1-spain-2.html
One match which kept me biting my nails was the Spain Vs Switzerland match on June 16th 2010.
This match was clearly dominated by the Spanish team, but they could not give a polished finishing touch to any of the opportunities they created.O
