Walking home from the Metro the afternoon before the World Cup final, I spied some busy bees across the street working along the Puente del Rey setting up a stage and scurrying about with purpose. I was so preoccupied with the final, I didn’t really pay it any mind. It wasn’t until later that I discovered that the entire Selección Española was going to be in front of my house Monday night after parading through the streets of Madrid in an open-aired bus… if they were going to be returning to a heroes’ welcome or not was still not known.

behind those trees is my piso!

The night before’s celebration was still haunting me and my hangover made me question if it is actually possible to die from a hangover (sidebar: what is it about children and their 6th sense? They always seem to know when you are the most hungover and choose that day to scream more than they ever have before.) How was Monday not declared a national holiday? Nobody deserved to work.

I scurried home and changed into my Futbolita shirt, prepared the botellón, then made my way over to my local bar for a quick pick-me up coffee… and my server told me that my Iker Casillas Futbolita t-shirt is la mas guapa camiseta she has ever seen. Clearly she has good taste.

And then we waited. And waited. And waited and waited. The botellón was long gone and I was growing weary of all the cheesy popstars performing on stage and the chanting. However eventually a DJ came on stage and livened things up a bit. Who knew they had raves alongside dried up river banks in Madrid?

Then at about 5 minutes past 11pm, amid screams like I have never heard, la Selección Española had arrived. Campeones!

Highlight of the night: Pepe Reina’s drunken rambling. Low point: unknowingly being subjected to a David Bisbal concert. eesh.

With Iker Casillas across the street from my house, I was wont to invite him over for a slumber party. But alas it was not to be. I stayed out partying and chanting in my street until about midnight, but the party continued under my balcony until well after 4am.

Heroes abroad, heroes in Spain. Welcome home Campeones!

Sid Lowe of the Guardian doesn’t seem to think so. Frankly, I’m torn. When Spain is ON, it is a beautiful sight to see. But even after a 2-0 victory against Honduras, we have yet to see Spain ON this World Cup. As Lowe says, “Spain have had more shots and corners than any other side, Alonso and Xavi have completed more passes, and Navas has delivered more crosses than anyone.” But what good does that all mean if you can’t finish?

Sure Spain is animated and well aware of the need to win, but will it be enough?
Theoretically, Chile is a team that allows play, but seeing what we have seen this World Cup and following their two wins—Chile will be no easy rival. Our defense will be working over-time to prevent the Chilean offense from scoring.

Tonight I’ll be braving lightening storms to watch the match outside the Bernabéu. Here’s hoping my frizzy hair won’t be for naught!

¡Vamos España!

Switzerland n.  A landlocked federal republic in central Europe. Notable for its neutrality and being the world leader in several sectors, including watches and other luxury items, pharmaceuticals and chocolate…” Note fútbol is not something one normally associates with Switzerland.

But that all came to a crashing end Wednesday June 16th when the Swiss National team defeated the reigning European Champions Spain—a team many regard as highly favored to win the World Cup.

(At the Santiago Bernabeu)

I arrived at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid early, full of high hopes and expectations. I wanted to soak up the atmosphere in its entirety. There were giant blow-up foosball, two giant television screens and thousands of screaming fans all chanting, “¡a por ellos!” It felt like I had flashed back to the frenzy of the Eurocup final at Plaza Colon in Madrid two years prior.

Santos Sisters for Spain

The mood was festive and no one doubted Spain’s chances of winning. However when Gelson Fernandes‘s goal came at the 52nd minute, it was as if someone had punctured the giant blow up screen and the entire mood at the Bernabéu deflated. Even the Spanish lag i had jauntily tied around my shoulders seemed to wilt.

¡Futbolita España!

(via Gettyimages)

Did Del Bosque make the correct substitutions? I dunno. Navas did play with persistence, but his work did not bear the fruit of expectations. The same goes for Pedro, who found himself repeatedly blocked by the Swiss lateral.

I predicted a 2-0 victory for Spain

As paulocoelho reminds us, “Life is like football: all you need is ONE opportunity to change everything.”

what do you meeeeean we lost?!

We WILL bounce back, sin duda, but until then i call a boycott on Swiss chocolate. Although i could use some right about now to numb my pain. In search of an ice-cold tinto de verano I go!

post-game misery for España

Hasta la próxima Fútbolitas!

All week long it’s been wet and rainy in much of [allegedly always] Sunny Spain—perhaps one last ja! ja! from the weather gods before the unrelenting hot hot heat of a Madrileño summer—but that hasn’t stopped Madrid from becoming swept up in the storm of World Cup madness. Newspaper kiosks on every corner are selling la bandera Española for 1€ a pop and even Burger King has Spanish scarves on offer.

But with every World Cup that comes, we are reminded that Spain has suffered its share of heartbreak and disappointment—Michels’ “gol fantasma” in Mexico ’86, pobrecito Enrique’s broken nose in USA ’94 and the disallowed goals in Japan-South Korea ’02. For years Spain has been synonymous with underachievement and disappoint on the global playing field. However for the first time in recent memory, it seems the whole world is finally looking to Spain to win the World Cup—but ask anyone here what they think of la Selección Española’s chances are of finally bringing the Copa Mundial home after it has eluded us for years, and chances are it will be answered with typical Spanish circumspect character:

Says Juan of Madrid, quoting Deus Dixit of Manifiesto Futurista, ¡En pie sobre la cima del mundo lanzamos una vez más el reto a las estrellas! [Roughly translating to, Spain is at the top of their game at the moment, but once again we face the challenge of the other Soccer Superstars of the world.] Juan went on to say that he believes Spain to have the best team they have ever had, but hesitates when asked if Spain are the favorites—”nobody can say it’s going to be easy, nor has it already been decided.”

Jesús, also of Madrid, counters with: “I see Spain as weak—in the Selección Española there are very good players, but together as a team? I do not know how they’ll work together…” It goes without saying that Jesús later confided that he is not much of fútbol fan. Duh.

So how has Spain shaken this so-called perennial underachiever tag? Besides winning the Eurocup in 2008—our first major award in over 40 years—many point to the “Generation Barça”—players who currently play for Barcelona or have gone through the ranks of FC Barcelona’s cantera

Being the staunch Real Madrid fan I am, my cule primo cheekily asked, “Is your joy going to be ruined at all knowing it’s FC Barcelona winning for Spain?” To which I think I can speak for all of Spain when I say, “Barcelona, Madrid, wherever—we are all united during the World Cup.” Even Xavi agrees, proclaiming he is not just of Barcelona and will dye his hair the resplendent colors of the Spanish flag if Spain does indeed go on to win the World Cup. While I feeeeel Spain, I’ll stick to showing my love with my freshly painted yellow manicure.

In other Spain news, the prodigal son El Niño Torres has returned! Cannot wait to see the yin-yang of the strike force of Torres and David Vill, tempered by the ebb and flow of passes from Xavi and the infamous Spanish midfield. The rumored XI to start:

Villa-Torres
Busquets-Xabi Alonso-Xavi-Silva
Ramos-Piqué-Puyol-Capdevila
Casillas

How, pray tell fellow futbolitas, does that rank up in your ideal La Roja line-up?

So where do I plan on watching this first game? Good question. Will the match be broadcast on a giant screen at Plaza Colon in Madrid as it was done during the Eurocup 2008? I’ve called the city councils, I’ve called the television channels and I’ve called the press offices, only to be answered with the irresolute “I dunno.” Thanks for nothing.

Well one thing I DO KNOW for sure is, come Wednesday June 16th, you’ll find me wearing my CultZeros Fútbolita camiseta, waiting with baited breath at 15:59, ready to cheer on La Roja as they finally put to rest the underachiever tag with éclat.

¡A por ellos!

(Photo via AP)

While you were busy arguing that a 600,000€ bonus for winning the World Cup 2010 is no big thang, Iker, the rest of your team has been busy preparing for tonight’s Spain vs. Poland friendly to be played at Nuevo Condomina Stadium, in Murcia, Spain at 22:00 CET.

There’s been some rumblings the pitch at Nuevo Condomina Stadium is of inferior quality. How will that affect the play? And more importantly, will it aggravate the erstwhile injured players such as Torres, Fabergas or Pique?

Allegedly the starting line-up  of tonight’s match may give a hint as to who we can expect to see starting on June 16th when Spain plays Switzerland in their first World Cup 2010 match. Whispered to start:

Casillas
Arbeloa-Puyol-Pique-Capdevila
Xabi Alonso–Busquets– Xavi
Silva– Iniesta
Villa

pero, dónde está Sergio Ramos?

Poland may not be competing in the Copa Mundial and they may be a mere blip on the World Radar of Football, but Spain shouldn’t underestimate the Bia?o-czerwoni and expect they won’t provide much challenge—uhh, Spain vs USA in the Confederation’s Cup anyone? This is still a decisive match for us if we want to keep the momentum going as we approach the commencement of the World Cup. La Furia Roja should expect that Poland will attack aggressively and play hard—what have they got to lose?

And I’m off in search of bar in Madrid playing the match. Always more fun to cheer on your country with your fellow countrymen—and a nice cold tinto de verano, wouldn’t you say? ¡Vamos España!

Un beso!
Christina

Yes dear amigas, we had the honour of speaking to a Futbolita Favourite : Senor David Villa himself last Friday! And he knows about all you passionate chicos & chicas and spoke about everything about La Seleccion to his two adorable daughters Zaida and Oyala. Here are excerpts from our interview with him including bits on his love for Valencia and Nando Torres. As usual, we’ll post the full version later. Esperamos que os guste!

On Futbolitas 

“I think it’s wonderful to see more women attending matches every time. Football is a universal sport for both men and women. I think women are very passionate when they are encouraged (to play) on the pitch so it’s also positive for us.”

On his Family & La Seleccion

“I would love for my daughters to come along and see me at the World Cup but that is not possible. Olaya only turns one in the summer and I don’t think it’s good for them to travel so far just to watch me. But I still dedicate every goal I score to them and my parents might come and watch me in South Africa.”

“I think Spain (is in) a tough group as all other groups. When you go to the World Cup final phase, there is no easy group and no easy opponents. We’re playing a few games within a short time and will have to do very well to beat any team. Hopefully, we can win and achieve something important!” 

 On his David Villa Camp

“It’s one of my personal projects. To me, education is very important to children. So from day one, I wanted to build a campus, where we can educate children on the values of coexistence, respect and solidarity. This year marks the third year and we have many people from all around Spain and even abroad,” he explained.

On Loving Valencia

“I only have good things to say about Valencia and its people. I have been here in this city for five years and from day one, I was received with open arms and the fans have shown me their affection every day,” he said. “So yes, they make me feel at home and it is true that this is my second home. I just want to show my appreciation by putting in my best efforts.”

Photos via Reuters & AP / Interview © Futbolita

NOTHING excites us more than meeting a fellow chica who plies her trade in the truly madcap world of the football media.

So when Futbolita encountered Kay Murray, the fresh face of Real Madrid TV (which telecasts on Sky TV and Digital in Spain), it was a bit like talking to a long lost hermana. From running halfway across Osasuna’s home ground for an interview with Arjen Robben to being drenched in the rain and jostling in the mixed zone area for her sound bytes (or perhaps not), the 29-year-old broadcast journalist from Middlesbrough has done it all… And yes, it does all seem very, very familiar!

“On a normal day we are usually at the studios, writing, cutting and producing news pieces or reports for our programmes. I record Real Madrid Life, the show that I present, every Thursday. It’s a nice day, as I get pampered by my make-up artists and stylists before I go on set!” Murray enthused.

And although she doesn’t get to share a lunch table with Florentino Perez (“He is a very busy man!”), Murray’s job with Real Madrid TV means that she boards the same plane as the Madrid boys when they travel to away games and also enjoys exclusive sit-down interviews with them.  And in case you were wondering, that list includes Kaka and Ronaldo.

It’s evidently a fantastic gig – and Murray loves every minute of it. So when we asked if Iker Casillas was really as disobliging as we  found him to be when we interviewed him earlier this year, Murray was happy to count her lucky stars.

“Working for a football club’s official channel puts you in a very privileged position, in the sense that, you are trusted by the players, who know that you are working in the best interests of the club, and therefore are not likely to ask them anything too controversial or that makes them feel uncomfortable,” she said.

“It used to be difficult to get David Beckham after a Champions League game, because he knew that if he stopped for one person, suddenly from nowhere, about 26 more microphones would appear with eager journalists waiting to pounce and sabotage the interview!”

“In the current team, I love speaking to Ruud Van Nistelrooy, because he is always honest and articulate and you can even have a bit of a joke with him. Unfortunately, he has spent the last year injured, so our paths have not crossed quite as much in the mixed zone. But he is now fit again and I am looking forward to interviewing him again soon,” she added

So it’s no wonder than that van Nistelrooy is also Murray’s favourite Los Blancos player!

She added: “Xabi Alonso is also fast becoming a favourite with both the Spanish and the English versions of the channel, as he takes it all in his stride and is very generous with his time. He gives us interviews in both languages and never complains (Kaká is the same).  He is very intelligent and speaks very well.

“Royston Drenthe is a real character too and if it’s honesty you want, then this guy is your man!”

Still, many futbolitas may be wondering what exactly Murray gets up to on match-days, where it is arguably the busiest day of the week for football scribes.

“On a match day, things are pretty different. I usually speak to the fans ahead of the game about current topics surrounding the team, before making my way inside the stadium, where my cameraman and myself are pitch side for the whole game. Afterwards, we have to hotfoot it to the mixed zone to secure our interviews with the players who were key during the game,” she explained.

“When all the fans and the players have left the stadium, our team are back at the studios, cutting the images and interviews we have, so that they can be broadcasted as soon as possible to the viewers.”

MEMORIES

Certainly, jet-setting around the world with the world’s most expensive football team to date may seem like the ultimate Dream Job.

Nevertheless, Murray has seen her fair share of unpleasant days – although she admits that it has all been in good fun!

Photo via AS

“My unrivalled best memory so far in this job was having to invade the pitch up at the Reyno de Navarra in Pamplona after we won our 31st league title in sensational style. Real Madrid were just one win away from securing the silverware, but it seemed that they would not be celebrating it against Osasuna, after they had conceded a penalty in the 83rd minute and were already one man down after Fabio Cannavaro was sent off for a second yellow. To top things off, the stadium is one of the most hostile grounds in Spain and we were sat in torrential ran without an umbrella. I looked like a drowned rat!” she said.

“But then on the 87th minute, Arjen Robben levelled things out and we were just one goal away from a league win. In added time, Gonzalo Higuain fired home to make it 1-2 and euphoria ensued! We had to get onto the pitch to interview the players, but my cameraman and I were at the opposite corner of the stadium to where they were all celebrating. The security guards had formed a human wall to stop anyone invading the pitch.

“Me and my cameraman ran with all our equipment until we found a gap in the wall. He then shouted to me: “Kay, corre!” (Kay, run!) A security guard was chasing me, but I just kept on running. The adrenaline rush was amazing! Even when I managed to grab Wesley Sneijder, I was being pulled at by a security guard, but I shrugged them off and continued. After all, I had a job to do!”

Murray’s other fond memory involved her post-match interview with Arjen Robben, which followed immediately after the squad’s league triumph.

She said: “On that same night that I invaded the pitch after their 31st league win, I stopped goal scorer Arjen Robben for an interview on the pitch and his first excited response to my question about how he was feeling cannot be printed in a family publication!

“With live TV, this can often happen! Needless to say, the Dutch winger apologised for his language almost instantly after the moment that the words left his mouth!”

| Photo via Reuters

And yes, like the loco folks at Panico TV and CQC, Murray has also seen herself on Spanish TV shows that often broadcast humour segments.

“As a blonde girl out here, I stand out, and the Spanish sports shows are not adverse to having me feature in some of their funny reports! Just last week, some little boys were trying their luck up in Gijon ahead of our game with Sporting! They were a little too young for me but the channel had filmed their efforts to woo me and broadcasted it the following day,” she said.

“It was all in good humour and I think in a high pressure job like mine, you have to be able to laugh at these things!”

Murray has also been privileged to enjoy the glitz and glamour of her job, and as a self-professed “Football Barbie” and fashionista, Madrid is working out to be the perfect city for her.

“I am very lucky to have an amazing stylist that I get on with very well. Working with him has allowed me to truly find my own style and I love trying new things out with him. I love the high-street and am a big fan of Zara (especially their Basics Collection), which is very popular here in Spain!” she said.

“I love to splurge on heels, the higher the better, I will always sacrifice comfort for height and elegance! I wear perfume like it is going out of fashion and my signature scent is Dolce and Gabbana’s The One (I get through a 50ml bottle a month). If I could afford a pair of Christian Laboutin shoes, I would probably sleep in them! Lucky for me, Zara do very good copies!”

Ah, Zara. Tell us about it.

CHILDHOOD

Looking back at Murray’s journey, it is one that has undoubtedly stemmed from an unwavering passion for the beautiful game.

“My Dad wasn’t and still isn’t really a big football fan, which surprises a lot of people who know me, considering how much of a fan I am,” said Murray. “It was my Grandad (Granpop) who encouraged my passion for the game, and if we weren’t going to matches together, then we would sit and watch them on the TV. Italia 90 came along at the right time for my nine-year old self. That tournament captured my imagination and football stole my heart and is yet to return it!”

Nicknamed the “The Gazza Girl” by the boys in her school (“I used to wear a T-shirt with his picture on!”), Murray even wore an England tracksuit for her school photo in 1990 and went to a fancy-dress party as Peter Shilton, the country’s most-capped player to date.

“I will always be a Middlesbrough supporter, because they are my hometown club. People often ask me if I also support Real Madrid and I cannot lie when I say that I do. I adore them. When you work so closely with a team, it is very difficult not to develop a connection with them and I think that now, I will always be a Madridista too! I think it’s okay for me to support both a Spanish club and an English club.

“The way things are going at the moment for Boro, these two sides will never meet, but if they did, it would be a dream come true, because it would probably mean that my hometown club would have made it into the Champions League! If Madrid ever did play Boro, it would be tough, but I have to admit that I would be hoping for Middlesbrough to win. At the end of the day, you can’t deny your roots!”

As a teenager – and inspired by her grandfather – Murray was adamant about her passion for the sports media. And indeed, that spurred the die-hard England supporter to chase her dreams.

“I landed myself a job working for Middlesbrough FC’s dedicated channel, Boro TV Extra. During my time there, I decided I wanted to study Journalism to give me more career options, so I left the channel to go and study in London,” she said.

“After graduating, I secured a job on a popular local paper in north London and was there for less than a year when Real Madrid TV came calling. I had a couple of friends who were already working for the channel and so when a position became available, they both put a good word in for me, stating I was definitely the right girl for the job! I sent my show reel and some examples of my written work and in October 2006, I found myself relocating from the capital of rainy England to the capital of sunny Spain!”

FEMALE JOURNALISTS

For now, Murray’s other wish is to see more girls in the football media industry. And we can’t help but echo her sentiments.

“I am constantly disappointed by the lack of women working in football media, though better that, then a female who is working in the profession and has little or no knowledge whatsoever of the game,” she said.

“It’s a bug to bear when companies give girls with no serious interest in the game, jobs in this field, particularly when they are in it for all the wrong reasons. Don’t get me wrong, there are some fantastic established female sports journalists in Europe, and some really good up-and-coming ones, but it is a sad fact that knowledge of the game is not always a pre-requisite for many companies when they are recruiting.”

Murray also has important advice for budding futbolitas who want to get their foot past the door.

“For anyone hoping to get into the football media, I think the best advice I can give you is to get as much work experience as you can. It’s a great way to learn the ins and outs of the profession and a great way to make contacts. I was the only person, let alone female, on my Journalism course who undertook the compulsory work experience on a sports desk!” she said.

Indeed, it takes great courage to run around a football field in heels and make-up, but Murray is truly a testament to the challenges women face in the crazy – albeit highly rewarding – football world.

While she has seen her fair share of flirty men during the course of her job, Murray always laughs when she recalls one particular story from her childhood, while she was watching the Euro 96 quarterfinal clash between England and Spain.

A young man named Ian had arrived to take Murray for a ride in his new car and he politely asked to see her at the door.

“I shouted: ‘As if I am getting up for anyone when England are playing! I don’t even care to know why he is missing this game! Tell him to go away, he’s clearly not my type!’ He heard every word, said a polite goodbye to my mum and chuntered off!” she recalled.

Ah, the sweet sound of fanaticism. Haven’t we all heard it before?

Photos are All Rights Reserved to Kay Murray unless otherwise stated.  | Visit Kay’s blog at footballbarbie.futd.com

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Aaaaand Raul Albiol appears to be impressed with Nando’s penchant for descriptive storytelling! A proud papá moment, indeed and you know rapaz asked everyone (including Raver Ramos) to be Nora’s godfather.

Anyway, la seleccion have lost David Villa to injury and Madrid’s youngster Alvaro Negredo has been called up to replace him. “This is the happiest day of my life. The chance to go with the national team doesn’t come around often. It’s been a long time coming. I am so happy, and for any player this is the ultimate,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the Spanish football Association celebrated their 100th anniversary yesterday and Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero finally received a jersey of his own. It’s about time… seeing that Lula probably has a dozen stored away! He also launched the “1 Goal Education For All” international campaign with Puyolita yesterday, which promotes education for everyone and Titipo Henry also supports the cause. The prime minister also scored a penalty against Iker Casillas yesterday – and obviously, Wedgie let the ball through… duh!

Goldilocks and co’ have arrived in Rustenburg, South Africa for the Confederations Cup which kicks off this weekend! And in the photo above, hombre looks pretty sly. Did Pujjjjol spot a hair salon by the corner? Oh, and it accepts international credit cards too!

Anyway, Spain will be playing New Zealand on Sunday (yes, they have a football team) and Grandpa Del Bosque would rather sit back and enjoy himself.

“We’re here as reigning European champions, but we have the utmost respect for our opponents. We’re taking on the role of favourites, and we will give our all, but the main thing is that the fans enjoy the tournament,” he said.

Techno raver Sergio Ramos looks genuinely excited about that mobile phone and Olala’s husband, Stable Boy Torres‘ facial expression just screams B-O-R-E-D.

We’re trying to grasp the concept of “Spaniards Gone Tribal”. At the moment, it has proven to be a difficult task. Oh, there’s a tinge of Spanish Sporting Pride towards the end. You can’t get any cheesier than adding Fernando Alonso and Rafael Nadal to a video about the Confederations Cup.

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