International Break - Spain, Argentina, and La Rojita

[flywoman]

A surprise draw

Spain, the top-ranked national team in the world, faced Finland, which is... 83rd?, and all they got was a lousy point. This match was almost a caricature of the sort of upset that Spain (and Barcelona) risk when playing less skilled teams who park the bus in front of goal. With something upwards of 80% possession, Spain's forwards could not break through the wall of ten tall Finns to score, and their long range shots were mostly off-target. Only Sergio Ramos, wearing the captain's armband in his 100th match with the national team, was able to put Spain on the scoresheet by heading in a corner kick in the 49th minute.


The Ramos celebrates his goal

But once one up, the Spaniards couldn't secure the win with a second goal. Del Bosque used all three substitutions, and Alvaro Negredo did provide some extra height, energy, and determination as a 9, but he failed to make the most of his chances. And then heartbreak: in the only Finnish shot on target, Teemu Pukki put it past Victor Valdes at the end of a fast counterattack to tie the match with ten minutes to go. The Spaniards became more and more desperate, with little David Silva booked for a fight after trying to kick the ball out from under the Finnish keeper, but to no avail. Final score: Spain 1- Finland 1.

Spain will face France on Tuesday and must win in order to secure automatic qualification for World Cup 2014 as leader of their group. With leftback Jordi Alba now injured, David Silva suspended, and Xavi Hernandez still questionable as he recovers from a hamstring injury, it won't be easy.


A deserved win

Argentina, on the other hand, enjoyed a much more open match at home against Venezuela. They are looking better and better, with excellent ball control and possession play approaching that of Spain, but more directness in attack. Leo Messi partnered beautifully with Gonzalo Higuain, setting him up for two goals and scoring a powerful penalty shot of his own between them. And Argentina didn't falter in defense either, with Javier Mascherano in particular playing with the fierceness of Puyol to regain the ball whenever Venezuela attempted to mount an attack. Final score: Argentina 3 - Venezuela 0.

Argentina are at the top of their group and will face Bolivia on Tuesday.


Javier Mascherano, Pocho Lavezzi, and Leo Messi after the match


Hope for the future

La Rojita, the Spain U-21 team, played Norway in a friendly. With six Barcelona players, including Cristian Tello, who scored two goals in the first 16 minutes, they secured a 5-2 win.The U-21 championships will be played in Israel in June.


Barca bbs Marc Muniesa, Cristian Tello, and Marc Bartra