Spain: Pedro 20’, Soldado 32’.

Uruguay: Suarez 88’.

Spain kicked off their Confederations Cup campaign with a convincing 2-1 victory over Uruguay at Stadio Pernambuco.

Vicente del Bosque’s side were at their imperious best and went into the break two goals to the good thanks to goals from Pedro and Roberto Soldado midway through the first half.

Spain failed to continue their attacking potency in the second half and allowed Uruguay a consolation strike when Luis Suarez’s well placed free-kick beat Iker Casillas with two minutes remaining.

The reigning world and European champions immediately took control of possession and almost took the lead on the ten minute mark through Cesc Fabregas.

Jordi Alba’s diagonal ball was cleverly dummied by Andres Iniesta which engineered time and space for Barcelona midfielder Fabregas to fire a shot against the post from the edge of the box.

La Roja continued to pressurise the Uruguayan defence and had goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to thank after the Galatasaray stopper denied Iniesta twice in quick succession.

However, Spain weren’t to be denied for long as del Bosque’s side took the lead on the 20 minute mark.

Xavi’s corner was only cleared as far as Pedro whose half-volley – which seemed destined for the far corner – ricocheted off of Diego Lugano and into the opposite corner, leaving Muslera stranded.

La Celeste struggled to create opportunities with their limited possession, but almost equalised when Edinson Cavani’s glancing header from a deep free-kick brought a save from Casillas.

Spain responded almost immediately and doubled their lead just past the half hour mark through Soldado.

Neat build-up play concluded with Fabregas’ clever reverse through ball finding Soldado, which the Valencia striker emphatically fired into the top corner to double Spain’s lead.

Spain’s dominance almost brought a third goal before the break as Gerard Pique’s header from Xavi’s corner was saved cleverly by the legs of Muslera.

Although the possession statistics continued to lean heavily towards Spain after the break, la Roja displayed far less attacking intent in the second period.

However, Iniesta almost put the game beyond doubt when he expertly wriggled away from two Uruguay defenders before firing a left-footed effort narrowly wide of the target.

As Spain looked to play out the final few minutes Uruguay netted a late consolation through Suarez, with the Liverpool striker terrifically curling a 25-yard free-kick past Casillas to setup a nervy final few minutes, which del Bosque’s side survived.

Spain’s convincing victory puts them top of Group B after one game, with Nigeria and Tahiti to play this evening.

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Spain U21: Rodrigo 45+1’, Isco 87’, Morata 90+3’.

Isco was on target for Spain

Spain emphatically booked their place in the European Under-21 Championship final with a 3-0 win over Norway.

La Roja dominated the first period and took the lead with virtually the last act of the first half as striker Rodrigo Moreno poked home from close range.

The Spanish youth continued to dominate possession after the break and ensured their place in the final late on thanks to a brilliant Isco strike, before substitute Alvaro Morata added a third in injury time.

Spain, who are reigning champions, looked assured from the start with Malaga starlet Isco and captain Thiago Alcantara engineering Spain’s dominance.

However, Julen Lopetegui’s side were continually thwarted by Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, who was first called into action after a quarter of an hour to excellently deny Cristian Tello after Isco’s superb through ball.

Molde keeper Nyland continued to keep Norway in the game in the opening 45 minutes denying Rodrigo twice in quick succession, showing quick reflexes.

The Spaniard’s dominance looked like it was to bear no fruits, but in first half stoppage time Spain broke the deadlock.

Spain’s short corner wasn’t dealt with by Norway and Marc Bartra’s header found Rodrigo who instantly prodded the ball past Nyland for his first goal of the tournament.

The breakthrough seemed to demoralise Norway who would have been pleased to have taken the deadlock into half time considering their lacklustre performance prior to the break.

Tor Ole Skullerud would have been pleased with Norway’s start to the second half as Markus Henriksen notched their first meaningful attempt on goal, although the AZ Alkmaar midfielder’s effort flew over David De Gea’s crossbar.

Although Spain continued to dominate possession their attacking flair seemed to wane, and it almost allowed Norway back into the semi-final.

Stefan Standberg had his header saved well by De Gea before only being able to blaze over the bar from the rebound.

That was as good as it got for Norway as Spain ensured their progression through to the final thanks to Isco’s goal with three minutes of normal time remaining.

The diminutive forward jinked past his marker in the box before firing a pinpoint effort into the roof of the net past a hapless Nyland.

Morata emerged from the bench late on to score his fourth goal in as many games three minutes into injury time as Spain cruised into the final, still yet to concede a single goal.

Lopetegui’s side will now face either Italy or Holland – who they beat 3-0 in the group stages – in the final.

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The Spain international confirmed earlier this year that he will not be renewing his contract with the Blaugrana, sparking links with various Premier League and Bundesliga clubs including Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich.

Barca announced on Thursday that the 31-year-old had decided to see out the remainder of his contract with the reigning La Liga champions, which Valdes himself has now confirmed.

Valdes said at a press conference ahead of Spain’s Confederations Cup opener against Uruguay: “My situation at Barcelona has not changed.

“I have one year left on my contract, which I’m going to complete, and I’m not going to renew.

“I am grateful for the club’s offer but nothing has changed. I have always been honest with the club.”

The Barcelona youth product has made over 360 appearances for the Catalan club.

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The 53-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Andalusians, replacing Manuel Pellegrini who departed La Rosaleda to take charge of English club Manchester City.

German Schuster has been out of management since resigning as manager of Besiktas in March 2011, but has previously managed in the Primera Division taking charge of Levante, Getafe and los Blancos between 2004 and 2008.

The former West Germany international also enjoyed time at Barcelona, Real and Atlético Madrid during his playing career, making over 300 appearances in the Spanish top flight.

Malaga finished sixth in La Liga and reached the Champions League quarter-finals under the guidance of Pellegrini during the 2012-13 season.

However, Schuster will only be able to concentrate on domestic football with Malaga’s European ban being upheld by the CAS earlier this week after UEFA ruled the club breached Financial Fair Play rules.

Malaga will officially announce Schuster as their new manager at a press conference next week.

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He is the undisputed King of Deportivo La Coruna. A player that has, through sheer determination, forged a career with a club which perhaps hasn’t been rewarded with the success or recognition they’ve deserved over the last decade in Spain’s top division.

Image courtesy of Wikimedia/Creative Commons – Author: DeportivoCarlos – Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

After being dubbed as Deportivo’s shining light for the past thirteen years, making 328 appearances in all competitions and scoring 24 goals along the way, Juan Carlos Valeron announced he is to leave the Galicia based side following their dramatic relegation on the final day of the La Liga season at the hands of Real Sociedad. Many have seen this as a slow and inevitable fall from grace for a club whose glory days are well and truly in ashes. Add to plot the departure of their beloved 37 year old veteran, who won 46 caps for his country; this is the final nail in the coffin.

Let’s remind ourselves of just how significant a collapse this has been. It was not long ago that Deportivo were up there with the Real Madrid’s and Barcelona’s of this world. They defied the odds in 2000; incidentally the year Valeron joined the club from Athletico Madrid, by becoming the smallest Spanish city to win the league with an inspired side that included the likes Roy Makaay, Mauro Silva and Fran. This side was also a regular fixture in the Champions League, convincingly beating super clubs like Manchester United and AC Milan at Old Trafford and the San Siro respectively as well as finishing in the quarter finals twice in consecutive years and then the semi-finals in 2004. So with a drop as dramatic as Deportivo’s and a career that has also been blighted by persistent injury, not to mention being the wrong side of thirty, is this the last we will see of the great Valeron?

While uncertainty remains regarding the remainder of Valeron’s playing days, if this is to be his final season in football let’s remember him for the player he was. One of the most popular footballers amongst all La Liga followers, Valeron has always been regarded as the spear head of any side he turned out for, whether it be domestic or international. The hugely gifted midfield was once the centre of Spain’s numerous attempts to achieve on the world stage under managerial guidance of Vicente Del Bosque and Luis Aragones before that. Hard to imagine now, given the current crop of talented midfielders at Del Bosque’s disposal. Yet Valeron could count himself as unlucky in terms of his international career. Before Spain heralded the start of a new era of dominance for European football, for so long they labelled as the “chokers” when it came to global competitions, all the talent in the world but unable to deliver under pressure.

That does not take away, however, the talent Valeron possessed. The classic attacking midfield who’s poise, precision and accuracy provided the perfect link to his forwards. Had injuries not interfered, we could be talking about one of the greatest players to play at one of the top clubs of world football. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. Yet Valeron continue to fight through returning time and again to his beloved Depor to aid them in their all to regular battles with relegation. Now that reality has come true, this is hardly the curtain call Valeron would have wanted. Should this be his final season though we will be saying goodbye to not only to a hugely talented playmaker but an idol of La Liga, who’s artistry bought success and happiness wherever we went, particularly with one club – a true legend of Spanish football.

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Lionel Messi has denied any wrongdoing after it was revealed the Argentinean is under investigation for tax evasion.

Messi, along with father Jorge Horacio, is under investigation by the Spanish tax authorities with regard to filing fraudulent tax returns between 2007 and 2009.

The 25-year-old has issued a statement to deny any wrongdoing, with the state claiming the four-time World Player of the Year has defrauded the state of £3.4 million.

The statement read: “We have just known through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities.

“We are surprised about the news, because we have never committed any infringement.

“We have always fulfilled all our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation.”

However, no official announcement has been made by the tax authorities regarding the suggested investigation into the Barcelona attacker’s tax payments.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has denied reports suggesting the Portuguese has agreed a new deal with Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old’s future has been of intense speculation since the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, with some reports suggesting the attacker has agreed a new deal to keep him at the Bernabéu until 2018.

However, Ronaldo used his personal Twitter account to dispel the reports suggesting he will sign a new contract with Real.

“All the news about my renewal is false,” he Tweeted.

Ronaldo has been linked with a move to big spenders AS Monaco, who were said to be readying a €100 million offer.

In a bid to retain their prized asset, Madrid’s president Florentino Perez has announced he intends to make the Portuguese the highest paid player in the world at the cost of €166 million to the club over five seasons.

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Spain U21 3-0 Holland U21

Spain U21: Morata 26’, Isco 32’, Alvaro 90.

Isco was on target for Spain

Spain cruised past Holland 3-0 to finish top of Group B and book a spot in the European Under-21 Championship semi-final.

Two goals in quick succession midway through the first half put la Roja well in charge as Alvaro Morata and Isco netted twice within six minutes.

The Netherlands, who also progress from the group, failed to find a way back into the match and Getafe striker Alvaro Vazquez made sure of victory in the 90^th minute.

Advancement from the group stage was already ready ensured for the Spanish youth who won their first two matches against Germany and Russia.

However, coach Julen Lopetegui resisted temptation to rest players and fielded star trio Isco, Thiago Alcantara and Morata.

Spain’s Dutch opposition did opt to make changes which included resting captain Kevin Strootman, which Lopetegui’s side capitalised on after 26 minutes.

Pablo Sarabia’s forward run was rewarded when the midfielder pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire across goal for Morata to stroke home from close range for his third goal in as many games.

Holland almost hit back through a long range free-kick which Memphis Depay almost smuggled past David De Gea, before Spain doubled their lead.

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Muniain’s pinpoint through ball found Isco who confidently lifted the ball over Marco Bizot just six minutes after Morata’s opener.

After the break Holland threatened to get back into the match and almost grabbed a goal back from a stunning 40-yard free-kick.

Depay’s thunderous effort was tipped onto the crossbar by De Gea, who once again denied the PSV attacker.

Substitute Adam Maher was the next Dutchman to go close with his effort flying just wide of the target with 20 minutes remaining, before Spain ruled out any late heroics by adding a third.

Sarabia picked up his second assist of the match to slide the ball across goal for Alvaro to tap in and ensure la Roja finished top of Group B.

The Spanish youth, who are yet to concede a goal at this year’s tournament, will now face Norway in the semi-final, whilst defeated Holland will play Italy in the other semi-final.

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If somebody had said to you and the start of the season that Real Sociedad would be in next year’s Champions League, you wouldn’t have believed it. Having been in the Segunda Division as recently as 2010, and finishing lower-mid table since their promotion, nobody would have thought the Basque club would be competing against Europe’s elite this early. But with a combination of talented youngsters and great team-spirit, Sociedad finished 4^th in La Liga with a 1-0 win over Deportivo on the last day of the season. And one player who has stood out for them this season is club captain Xabi Prieto.

Having risen through the ranks at Sociedad, Prieto has been at the club all his life, and has blossomed into one of La Liga’s most consistent performers. On his promotion to the first team in 2005, Prieto went on to play in every single league game for the Basque side, and scored nine times. He was also everpresent the next season, however he couldn’t prevent Sociedad from relegation. Being the loyal player that he is, he stayed with the club to help them bounce back into La Liga in 2010, and began to create interest from abroad. It is rumoured Liverpool made a £10million bid in the summer of 2011, however Prieto verbally played down the rumours, stating that he was “very happy here.”

Normally a right-midfielder, the 29-year-old was deployed more centrally this campaign by Philippe Montanier, a campaign which saw him equal his best season tally of nine goals. His standard performance came at the Bernabeu, in which he scored a hat-trick in Sociedad’s 4-3 loss against the mighty Real Madrid. To score a hat-trick in that stadium takes some doing. This has given Vicente Del Bosque a potential problem, with calls for an international call up for the uncapped Prieto getting louder. For a player to have the kind of season Prieto has had, it seems only logical to get the call from the national team. However such is the strength of this current Spain squad, and with midfield being a particularly competitive position, all Prieto can do is keep playing to the standard of last season if he has any hope of going to Brazil in 2014.

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Barcelona forward and World Player of the Year Lionel Messi is under investigation by Spanish tax authorities for allegedly defrauding the state of more than €4m.

The Argentina international and his father Jorge have reportedly filed fraudulent tax returns for 2007, 2008 and 2009, according to a spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office for tax crimes in Catalonia.

Messi, who turns 26 this month, is one of the world’s highest-paid sportspeople with a salary of just under €16 million a season, according to Forbes, where he is currently ranked 10^th on their latest list of top-earning athletes. In addition to his wages from Barcelona, Messi collects an additional similar figure in endorsements from sponsors including Adidas and Pepsi.

The 25-year-old Ballon D’Or winner has made no comment on the allegation and a Barcelona spokesman has not immediately responded to the allegations made towards Messi and his father.

It is believed that today (Wednesday), a complaint was signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado which was filed at a courthouse in Gava, a district of Barcelona where Messi currently lives.

Reports suggest that the judges at the courthouse must accept the complaint before the suspects can be charged.

Messi is currently in South America for the World Cup 2014 qualifiers and on Tuesday came on for the final half-hour of Argentina’s tie against Ecuador in Quito which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The La Masia academy graduate and his father are suspected of using companies in South America to sell the footballer’s image rights.

The prosecutor has accused both individuals of avoiding paying more than €4m in tax by using the companies outside Spain, where Messi lives and plays his club football.

According to Spain’s EFE news agency, if convicted, Messi could face six years in prison and a huge fine.

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