What you need to know about Barca's Munir El Haddadi

FACT FILE

• Date of birth: September 1, 1995
• Place of birth: El Escorial, Spain
• Height: 5ft 9in
• Position: Forward
• Clubs: Barcelona B, Barcelona; 1 app, 1 goal
• National: Spain U19; 3 caps, 3 goals

The 60 second story

It's perhaps ironic that Barcelona’s newest star was born in San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a small town within the autonomous community of Madrid. Now, nearly 19 years later, Munir El Haddadi finds himself labelled as the next big thing at Real Madrid’s fiercest rivals. 

The 18-year-old’s rise to stardom is an interesting one. Aged 15, El Haddadi – of Moroccan heritage – was snapped up by Atletico Madrid after impressing on trial. Yet, for reasons unknown, he was shipped out on loan to fourth-tier Rayo Majadahonda – a stint which would play a pivotal role in his short career to date. 

During his time with the Madrid minnows, Munir scored 32 goals in 29 matches. Unsurprisingly, his form sent alarm bells ringing all over Europe; from England, the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal took interest in the starlet, while Paris Saint-Germain also showed interested.

However, it was when Barcelona found out that rivals Real Madrid were in the hot seat to sign the attacker that the Blaugrana came to the fore. Legend has it that, during negotiations, Real Madrid refused to provide him accommodation within their academy residencies. Barca, diplomatic as ever, offered him a place in their newly built €11 million facility. The choice was simple, and Munir inevitably headed north.

Why you need to know him

Since his arrival at La Masia, Munir has continued to impress and was given his chance to shine in the UEFA Youth League – the Under-19s version of the Champions League. On his debut he scored a brace against Ajax, before showcasing his striking prowess in several other impressive performances en route to the championship. He netted a brace in the final against Benfica, which included a magnificent strike from halfway in a comfortable 3-0 win.

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Earlier this year the 18-year-old made his professional debut for Barca B, and netted four goals in 11 appearances last term. 

Luis Enrique’s arrival as coach following the departure of Gerardo Martino was always going to be good for the youngster, and he was soon promoted to the first team. In addition, the suspension of Luis Suarez and Neymar’s injury meant the Spaniard has earned chances to prove his worth. By the end of pre-season, he was the Catalans' top scorer with four goals.

Strengths

Despite his young age, Munir exhibits maturity well beyond his years. At 5ft 9in, the teenager is a diminutive forward who exerts confidence and elegance on the ball. The left-footed attacker is pacey and, more often than not, has a trick or two up his sleeve.

It's his ability in front of goal which makes him most formidable, though – that aforementioned halfway wonder-strike is just one example of what he can do. Overall he is technically sound, and equally competent at taking set-pieces.

Weaknesses

Although brilliant with his left foot, Munir is less impressive with his weaker right. At times, despite finding himself in good goalscoring situations, his weaker peg lets him down. 

They said...

"I had no fear about playing him," claimed boss Enrique after Barcelona's opening day 3-0 win over Elche. "He trains like he plays, he gives us a lot of options and he has a lot of character. He never rests. But let's not get carried away, he still has a lot to do."

Did you know?

As a youngster, Munir often looked up to his team-mate “the excellent Messi” as an idol, and tries to base his game on that of the former Ballon d’Or winner. Perhaps even more surprising is the fact he still looks up to QPR player Adel Taarabt, with whom he could yet play with internationally after opening the door to the country of his parents' heritage. With the way things are going at the moment, it might be Taarabt who says the same of the youngster in a few years’ time.

What happens next?

Fortune is on Munir's side. With Suarez suspended until late October and Neymar still recovering from an ankle injury, the door is open for the young attacker to prove his worth. Should he keep his momentum going, the chances will keep on coming – and so will the goals. Expect him to take La Liga by storm in the seasons ahead. 

Why Falcao's Manchester United transfer raises more questions than answers

Radamel Falcao presented as a Manchester United player. Source: Getty Images

Following a lacklustre season in which Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League, Van Gaal entered the fray as Moyes’ successor with renewed hope of overhauling a depleted squad bereft of quality. Yet, months into his stint as manager, and it seems little has been done to restore pride to England's most successful club.

Perhaps their latest league outing is a prime example of how far United have fallen.

Slow and overburdened in defence and uninspired in attack, Van Gaal's troops slumped to a 0-0 draw against a recently promoted Burnley outfit which, on paper, is vastly inferior.

While it seems every department is in desperate need for change, forwards, though, should be the least of Van Gaal's worries. Indeed, Rooney and Van Persie still aren't at their explosive best. Slowly but surely, the duo are beginning to regain their form.

Surely, a buying another defender, or midfielder, for that matter, would be more worthwhile?

Instead, Falcao's signing on a loan deal represents another instant of Manchester United's panic buy strategy to appease fans. As for the player himself, it's another example of an illogical transfer.

For much of this summer, the Old Trafford outfit have given their followers much hope of reinforcing the side in the areas they need most. True to form, though, nothing has materialised and for Woodward, it has been another farcical window with no clear transfer policy.

The likes of Arturo Vidal and World Cup winner Mats Hummels have constantly been linked with moves to Manchester. Both are players of the highest calibre and their signings would go a long way to fixing the club's issues. Nothing, though, has been done to back up such interest.

For all it is worth, though, Woodward has shown that he can smell a bargain from a mile away. But he doesn't seem to understand how football works. Their latest signing, in many ways, is similar to their signing of Juan Mata earlier this year, a player who clearly doesn't fit the bill. In addition, Falcao is only starting to find his feet again following a cruciate injury which ruled him out of the World Cup.

The transfer itself also raises questions of Falcao's ambitions. For the second consecutive season, the Colombian has arrived at a club which will not feature in a European competition. I'm fact, he has only featured in the Champions League once - for Porto back in 2011. The fact that such a player with humongous potential sees no need to play against the best in Europe's premier club competition is a incomprehensible.

How Falcao fits into the 3-5-2 set-up is another worry. With the aforementioned duo already occupying the front two offensive spots, it seems as if pushing one of them out of the squad to make way for the 28-year-old could be a dangerous move? One which leads to more unrest in the
dressing room.

All that in conjunction with the recent departures of Patrice Evra, who in many ways was a defensive rock, Shinji Kagawa and Chicharito, or seems that Mancheater United are transferring themselves to destruction.

€200 million spent and numerous signings later, Manchester United are no closer to addressing their issues in defence and midfield. Indeed, the signing of Falcao raises me questions than answers for both the club and player. For United, it seems mediocrity is the way to go.

Follow @Cronan_Yu

Munir El-Haddadi: Profile of Barcelona's newest star

For many, there was only one star in Barcelona’s win over Elche in their first league outing of the season: Lionel Messi. With Enrique opting to play an inexperienced side, which saw six La Masia graduates start alongside each other, the Argentine led by example, scoring a brace as the Blaugrana ran away with a comfortable 3-0 win at home.

Following a disappointing 2013/14 season, it was hailed as the 27-year-old’s return to form, a pure master class which evoked the memories of the past. However, it would be foolish to neglect the exploits of a certain Munir El-Haddadi, whose performance has finally put him under the spotlight.

Luis Enrique’s return to Barcelona, following previous spells as a player then later coach for Barcelona “B” team, was met with jubilation; his arrival was always going to be beneficial for youth players. With their proud history of youth development, the promotion of promising talents into the first team is, essentially, what separates this club from the rest.

With Alexis sold to Arsenal, Luis Suarez banned until late October after biting yet again and Neymar recovering from both a back and ankle injury, it seemed the next chapter in Munir’s career could not have been written any better. And the young attacker has proved his worth.

Read the rest of this piece on The Independent

Follow @Cronan_Yu

Barcelona: Why La Blaugrana Still Have Work to Do During the Transfer Window

I'm completely dissatisfied with the year that has passed and I'm always thinking that I'm the man responsible. For sure, there were justices and injustices. It's hard for me to tell which were which. But I can say, as I said when I left Barca, that I feel responsible for their really bad year.

Thus far, Enrique has instigated the changes that were needed. Not only has he bravely promoted La Masia graduates Rafinha, Munir El Haddadi and Jordi Masip to the first team, he has also spent the cash n shoring up deficiencies his side may have, most notably in defence.

There is an old adage which states that competition amongst players only serves to push each other to greater heights. This could not be any more appropriate when describing La Blaugrana's summer additions.

In order to address Victor Valdes' departure, via the Daily Mirror, in came Claudio Bravo and Marc Andre ter-Stegen, per the Daily Mail—two established goalkeepers who will now fight for the No. 1 jersey.

The above statement also holds true for Barca's defensive acquisitions—Thomas Vermaelen, per BBC Sport, and Jeremy Mathieu, as noted by the Guardian—who are replacements for the recently retired Carles Puyol.

Both acquisitions have come under intense scrutiny, though, with many arguing that Mathieu, a natural left-back and Vermaelen, who has endured a terrible record of injuries over the past few years, having only managed to make 14 Premier League appearance last term, per Squawka, are not adequate signings to deal with the side's defensive frailties.

Nevertheless, both players are leaders of men in their own right and should be good enough fill in the void left behind by the former Barcelona captain in the short term.

In midfield, the signing of Ivan Rakitic, per the FC Barcelona website, has been a masterpiece as the 26-year-old Croatian has seamlessly slotted in to the side, while the signing of Luis Suarez, via Sky Sports, will undoubtedly add firepower to an attack which, at times, seemed sterile and uninspired.

Questions, though, have been raised with regard to the departures of Alexis Sanchez and Cesc Fabregas, players who were both held in high esteem at the club.

However, £130 million and eight summer signings later, La Blaugrana undoubtedly still have work to do before the transfer window slams shut. And their recent transfer ban should provide added incentive to bring in the signings they desperately need.

Indeed, Enrique has done well to reinforce a side which desperately needed a revamp. They should be fine this season. The thought of relying on their current crop of players in the long run, though, is absurd and could prove to be a risky move.

The transfer ban will only be effective come January, so with that in mind, Barcelona have another week or so to ring in the changes to the squad.

Concerns remain over a long-term successor of Xavi who, throughout the whole of the summer, has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou, with claims that he would leave for MLS side New York Red Bulls, per AS (h/t ESPN).

Either way, at 34 years of age and arguably in the twilight of his career, Xavi is no longer the key to Barca's midfield and buying a younger replacement would be an ideal solution.

Then there's obviously the Catalans' aging defence. With Mathieu about to turn 31, the injury-prone Vermaelen at 28 and the out-of-sorts Pique aged 27, a younger, more reliable defender of similar calibre is needed to ensure that Barcelona don't find themselves struggling in defence, as has been the case for the past few seasons.

There's also the question of how rivals Real Madrid will react to Barca's ban. Real always spend big—this summer is no exception. Thus far, Los Blancos have managed to sign players such as James Rodriguez, as per the Guardian, Toni Kroos, via the Daily Mail and Keylor Navas, as noted by BBC Sport.

Atletico Madrid, too, have made some shrewd transfers this summer, with Mario Mandzukic, per the Daily Mail and Antoine Griezmann, noted by the Daily Mail, joining Diego Simeone's La Liga-winning side. Any sort of advantage both clubs can gain could potentially see them pull away from Barcelona in years to come.

So far, Barcelona have done well to recruit and overhaul a side in decline. Yet, as evidenced above, more needs to be done by Enrique in what's remaining of this transfer window in order to guarantee success in the long run.

Real Madrid: How Summer Transfers Have Changed the European Champions

When Carlo Ancelotti entered the fray as Real Madrid's head coach last season, it was clear that there was one objective in mind: to win the 10th Champions League title that had so often eluded his Galaticos.

Now, 12 months later, with the European and domestic cup double in the bag, Ancelotti can boast of a side which, arguably, is stronger than that of last season. But all may not be as rosy as it seems.

Indeed, part of last season's success story came down to the enviable fact that Ancelotti had inherited—and improved upon for that matter—a Madrid side that had strength in depth.

So much so that the departures of Mesut Ozil (to Arsenal to £42.5m as per The Guardian) and Gonzalo Higuain (to Napoli as per BBC Sport)—two of the club's most integral players who had played crucial roles under Jose Mourinho—were quickly forgotten.

Up stepped Angel Di Maria who showed why he is one of the world's most underrated attackers. A winger by trade, the arrival of Gareth Bale for a world-record of €100m (per The Guardian) seemed to have forced the Argentine to make do with a spot on the bench.

In a twist of fortune, however, Di Maria became arguably the side's most important player.

As Isco struggled with Ancelotti's style of play, the 26-year-old exhibited versatility which saw him coolly slot in as a central midfielder.

Read the rest of this Real Madrid piece on Bleacher Report

FourFourTwo A-League Review Portfolio

Cronan's analysis work features extensively on FourFourTwo magazine. Here are come shots from his latest work.

 

Socceroos Valiant in Defeat

There was a collective groan amongst Australian football supporters early December last year when the World Cup groups were drawn. The collective dismay was understandable given that the Socceroos were drawn in what was billed as the ‘Group of Death’.

With world champions Spain, 2010 runners-up the Netherlands and South American dark horses Chile all in their group, the Australians faced the near impossible task of proving their quality and progressing into the knockout stages. And while they were unable to claim a single point, their performances against the world’s best were, admittedly, admirable.

In the lead-up to the opening matches, Coach Ange Postecoglou often spoke of his side’s fearless mentality. After all, the mastermind controversially opted to select a vastly inexperienced 23-man squad, 10 of whom plied their trade in the A-League. And fearless they were.

Unforeseen and unscripted, the underdogs proved their credentials, and although they were unable to replicate their brilliant run back in 2006, the future of Australian football is bright.

Their opening encounter against Chile was just the start of better things to come. Understandably, the Socceroos got off to a nervy start and an aggressive Chile forward-pack attacked the Australians in a stampede-like manner, Australia’s defence was seemingly tatters. Two goals in as many minutes says it all.

And yet, unlike the previous sides under the tutelages of Holger Osieck and Pim Verbeek, Australia took the match to their opponents, attacking and exploiting their gaps. A draw was seemingly on the cards and if it were another night, it’s arguable that Ange’s men would’ve come away with at least a point.

Their exploits did not end there. The Netherlands were under the pump from the off in their second match, creating numerous chances. Yet again, when they fell behind, the Socceroos epitomised the Australian ‘never say die’ attitude, and hit back seconds later, with a Marco van Basten-esque volley courtesy of Tim Cahill. And while the score-line reads as a loss, for many, it felt just like a win.

And while they were unable to salvage a point against a Spain side that finally looked like they were at their imperial best, the Socceroos exited their tournament with heads held high.

Indeed, amateur errors were made time and time again, but that can be left for another time. What has been impressive about Australia’s campaign is the quality that, contrary to popular belief, showed they can match it with the best - a far cry from 6-0 consecutive losses to Brazil and France months ago.

Most importantly, though, they earned the respect of the wider footballing community, and instead of negative defensive tactics which are so often used nowadays, the Australians took it to the best in the world. For Australia, the only way is up, and an exciting future lies before them.

The Coach - Ange Postecoglou

Having previously never featured in a World Cup, Ange Postecoglou was given the task of preparing his team to take on the best countries in the world. His job was only made the more difficult by the reluctance of his predecessors to regenerate an ageing squad - their tactics too were conservative at best. And yet, the former A-League Coach was able to deliver the goods, getting his side to play attractive football and he instilled a mentality which allowed them to perform beyond public expectations.

Player of the Tournament - Tim Cahill

With such an inexperienced squad heading into a World Cup for the first time, Tim Cahill, who had previously featured in the 2006 and 2010 editions, was tasked with leading Australia’s attack. And he showed why he is now regarded as Australia’s most accomplished player. The former Everton man scored two goals, both of which gave the team hope. And his leadership qualities aided Australia’s cause.

Memorable moment - Tim Cahill’s volley

It’s not every day that a player scores from a volley, let alone in a manner which evoked memories of the past. Cahill’s Marco van Basten-esque volley against the Netherlands is one for the ages - his technique was impeccable. And the situation of the match itself only makes the goal more memorable.

Results

13-Jun-14	Chile	3-1	Australia	Group B
18-Jun-14	Australia	2-3	Netherlands	Group B
23-Jun-14	Australia	0-3	Spain	Group B

Group B	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Netherlands	3	3	0	0	10	3	9
Chile	3	2	0	1	5	3	6
Spain	3	1	0	2	4	7	3
Australia	3	0	0	3	3	9	0

Squad

No	Pos	Player	Apps	Goals	Assists
1	GK	Mat Ryan	3	-	-
12	GK	Mitchell Langerak	-	-	-
18	GK	Eugene Galekovic	-	-	-
3	D	Jason Davidson	3	-	-
2	D	Ivan Franjic	1	-	-
19	D	Ryan McGowan	3	-	-
6	D	Matthew Spiranovic	3	-	-
22	D	Alex Wilkinson	3	-	-
8	D	Bailey Wright	-	-	-
13	M	Oliver Bozanic	2	-	-
23	M	Marco Bresciano	3	-	-
16	M	James Holland	-	-	-
15	M	Mile Jedinak	3	1	-
21	M	Massimo Luongo	-	-	-
17	M	Matt McKay	2	-	-
5	M	Mark Milligan	1	-	-
11	M	Tommy Oat	3	-	-
14	M	James Troisi	2	-	-
20	M	Dario Vidosic	-	-	-
4	A	Tim Cahill	2	2	-
9	A	Adam Taggart	1	-	-
10	A	Ben Halloran	3	-	-
7	A	Matthew Leckie	3	-	1

La Roja ratings: Spain 0 - 2 Chile

La Roja's 2-0 loss to Chile means that, mathematically, they are unable to qualify from their group. Cronan Yu runs through the ratings.

Iker Casillas: 4

The captain was nervy throughout the whole match, perhaps the result of the previous Netherlands match. Although unable to prevent the first goal, he gifted the second with a punch right into the danger area after an Alexis Sanchez free kick.

Jordi Alba: 4

Tried to get forward as much as possible in attack to hit those first time crosses, but didn't display enough quality to do so. Aranguiz's goal could've been avoidable had he had done more to percent Vidal from passing.

Sergio Ramos: 5

Was poor in defence yet again as he failed to strike up a sustainable partnership with Javi Martinez. Also lacked discipline and at one stage, looked like losing his head.

Javi Martinez: 4

Enjoyed a decent start to the game whereby he exhibited his midfielder qualities by attempting to play out from the back and initiate attacks. After the first goal, however, he went into his shell, failed to communicate with his partner and was slow and sluggish.

Read the rest of La Roja player ratings on Football Espana

La Roja must adapt or die

As Spain prepare to take on Chile, Cronan Yu believes that Vicente del Bosque has to adapt or face an early exit.

In early December, there was a collective groan within Spain when it was announced the world champions were drawn against 2010 World Cup runners up Netherlands, dark horse Chile and Australia. And despite the group being pessimistically touted as the ‘Group of Death’, expectations were high that Vicente del Bosque’s men could produce a positive result.

However, their mauling at the hands of the Netherlands in the Group B opener by a score line of 5-1 should come as no surprise. If their 3-1 loss a year earlier in the Confederations Cup final at the hands of Brazil was the death of Spain’s golden generation, then Friday’s result was their belated burial. And the fans and media alike had had enough.


Marca ran an all-black front page following La Roja’s worst result in years. The headline, written in bold white text read: “Arreglad esto” – fix this, it demanded.

Read the rest of this piece on Football Espana

Cameroon head coach Volker Finke calls for his team to step up their performance against Croatia

Cameroon coach Volker Finke has called for his team to step up to the tough task at hand as they prepare for their do-or-die clash against Croatia in Manaus on Wednesday.

Despite a series of refereeing blunders which favoured the Africans, a goal by Mexico striker Oribe Peralta in the 61st minute saw the Indomitable Lions slump to a defeat in their opening Group A encounter in Natal.

The loss leaves them in third place ahead of their opponents, Croatia, who sit on the bottom of the ladder on goal difference.

Nevertheless, Finke is wary of the threat that Niko Kovac's men pose, and has rallied his troops to bounce back from a disappointing result.

"We must be ready to face the challenge," the German told fifa.com.

"There were positives (in the last match); we were able to create chances and played some good football.

Read the rest of this preview piece on Sky Sports Football via Press Association

A-League active support’s double edged sword

Forget the play-acting of Sergio Busquets, the bullish unrestrained antics of Pepe or even the arrogance of a certain Cristiano Ronaldo – the general consensus amongst football fans in Australia indicates that Damien de Bohun, the A-League boss who often prides himself in exhibiting strategic, forward thinking qualities, is perhaps the most hated man at the moment.

The A-League’s head honchos announced Monday that new protocols will be in place at the beginning of next season with regards to active support. The purpose is, erm, to protect the unique atmosphere which is generated by dedicated, club active supporters. They claim that it is a long term strategic move which will help in increasing the number of club memberships and also deepen fan engagement.

From the outset, it doesn’t sound at all that bad. But then again, Communism, from the outset, isn’t a bad idea either.

At first glance, it may seem justified that the FFA would bring in certain regulations. The fact is, nowadays, mainstream sports reportage on the beautiful game is much more fan orientated than football focused – the media seemingly set aside journalists to pounce on any sort of unruly fan behaviour.

Read the rest of my piece on From The Stands - an Australian football blog

Del Bosque's Spanish inquisition

Saturday's Marca headline said it all. As if speaking on the nation's behalf, the Madrid-based outlet only had enough strength to utter two words following Spain's 5-1 thrashing at the hands of the Netherlands.

"Arreglad esto" it read – fix this – the text in white juxtaposed by an unorthodox all black front page background. And if Spain are to have any chance of defending their crown, Vicente del Bosque should take notice of Marca's imperative.

La Roja's dire performance should come as no surprise. And while most optimists will unashamedly run around reminding everyone that the last time Spain lost their first group match, they went on to win the World Cup itself, things just aren't as seamless they used to be.

Following their utterly awful performance, the prospect of their World Cup campaign ending in disappointment is a real possibility.

Their loss prompted Diego Maradona to comment: “Del Bosque should have kept in mind that clubs in Europe have found an answer to Barcelona's style, which is very similar to what their national team plays.

Read the rest of this piece on FourFourTwo

Capello back at the World Cup with Russia

Fabio Capello returns to World Cup action on Tuesday as his Russia side take on South Korea.

The Italian's last taste of the big stage ended badly as England limped out in 2010 and he will be looking to amend that.

Here, Press Association's MatchStory looks at his chances.

Out of the blocks early

The Russians will be looking for a quick start for they scored a fifth of their goals in the opening 15 minutes of matches in qualifying. That was a higher proportion than all but three other finalists (Ivory Coast, Costa Rica & Holland), none of which have managed the feat in their opening matches so far.

On the flip side, the Koreans were often vulnerable early on, conceding three of their five first-half goals against inside the first quarter of an hour. This was more than any other team.

Read the rest of my piece for Press Association's MatchStory on ITV Football 

World Cup 2014 Preview: Belgium vs Algeria

Belgium will need Eden Hazard to be at the peak of his powers

Belgium arrive in Brazil with a hearty reputation to live up to.

They open up against Algeria on Tuesday having been glowingly spoken of for some months owing to the battery of stars they have around Europe.

Here, Press Association's MatchStory looks at if they can live up to the hype.

Winging it

This Group H clash could well be decided by what goes on down the flanks. Despite an mean defensive record, when the Belgians did slip up it was out wide where they were caught napping - three quarters of their goals conceded from the wings. And their opponents proved just as susceptible, conceding 71 per cent of their goals from out wide.

But, while both teams have demonstrated weaknesses in defending wide areas, they found joy in attacking them. Algeria scored half of their goals from the wings, while Belgium's 61 per cent of goals from wide is the second highest of teams in the finals, ironically behind the team they edged out into second-place in qualifying - Croatia.

Read the rest of my piece for Press Association's MatchStory on ITV Football

Russia ready to show their strength

Russia defender Vasili Berezutski believes his side have a point to prove as they continue preparations for their opening World Cup Group H match against South Korea in Cuiaba.

The last time the Russians featured in a World Cup was back in 2002, where they were dumped out of the tournament in the group stages having only accumulated three points.

Following 12 years in the abyss, the team - led by former England manager Fabio Capello - managed to finish first ahead of Portugal in qualifying by playing an exciting brand of attacking football.

The 31-year-old Berezutski, who has 78 caps to his name, has paid tribute to the impact Capello has made since taking over back in July 2012.


"We have things to prove in this World Cup," Berezutski told FIFA.com.

Read the rest of my Russia vs South Korea match preview on Eurosport (via Press Association)

Player Ratings: Spain 1-5 Netherlands

Spain's World Cup defence got off to the worst possible start, having been thrashed 5-1 against Netherlands. Cronan Yu runs through the ratings.

Starting XI

Iker Casillas – 4

San Iker had the chance to establish his name in folklore of the World Cup, having not conceded a goal in the tournament for over 400 consecutive minutes. However, against Van Gaal’s troops, the 33-year-old was helpless. Although far from his best, he showed glimpses of his past, with a few smart saves.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 4

Had very little impact on the match - both offensively and defensively. Admittedly, the Chelsea man tried to initiate attacks on the right wing, but was largely ineffective as the Oranje continued to deny him any space forward.

Sergio Ramos – 1

Vastly disappointing from the off – was slow and was poor in his marking. Was lucky the Netherlands didn’t score more as chances were aplenty for the Dutch.

Read the rest of my Spain player ratings for Football Espana

Slater: No-fear youth Socceroos' secret weapon

Former Socceroo turned football pundit Robbie Slater believes the lack of fear within Australia’s youthful line-up will prove an advantage as the squad undergoes final preparations for their World Cup campaign.

The Socceroos face an uphill battle to qualify from the ‘Group of Death,’ having been drawn alongside World Champions Spain, the Netherlands and Chile.

Slater, who is hosting the Hyundai VIP Fan Park Experience at The Star Sydney during the tournament, conceded there are weaknesses in the current crop of players.

But the 49-year-old is adamant coach Ange Postecoglou’s decision to put his faith in generation next will pay dividends in the near future.

“I think one of the strengths with young players is that you don't get fear,” Slater told FourFourTwo. “You have a lot of self-belief when you're young.

Read more of this exclusive interview from FourFourTwo

The Maracanazo: The game that changed a jersey

Brazil 1950 World Cup team. Getty images.

Such was the confidence of a maiden Brazilian World Cup victory on home soil in 1950, that the nation’s fans and media started celebrations well before a ball was kicked.

Prior to the final, the Selecao looked to be in impeccable form.

The hosts pulled off a 7-1 rout against Sweden before replicating their form in the penultimate stages of the World Cup with a 6-1 thrashing of Spain. And with that, Flavio Costa’s men entered the match as undoubted favourites to take home their first Copa do Mundo.

For Uruguay, well, things looked bleak.

A lacklustre draw against Spain in Estadio do Pacaembu was followed by a tight 3-2 win against Sweden - things weren’t looking great.

Sure, progressing to a World Cup final was and still is an achievement in itself, but the prospect of losing in an undignified manner against a rampant Brazilian side in front an additional 200,000 Brazilian citizens in a packed Maracana stadium was the stuff of nightmares.

Read the rest of this article on FourFourTwo

World Cup Squad Comparison

With the commencement of the 2014 World Cup in the offing, Campo Del Juego are giving you the chance to compare your nation's squad against the others. From average ages of the squads to the number of difference clubs that are being represented by each nation, we have your World Cup statistical needs covered.

(Courtesy of Match Story by Press Association)

Villa deal throws spotlight on A-League's growth

After just one season at Atletico Madrid it came as a shock when David Villa announced he would leave the club - which gave him another chance following his leg-break - for pastures new.

Perhaps even more surprising was the news that he would join Melbourne City, a little-known franchise in the A-League, on a 10-match loan deal before linking up with sister club New York City.

Citing the existence of an "irresistible project" that would provide the all-conquering striker with a "new challenge" at a club that dubs itself as the heart of Australia’s sporting capital, seemed a rash decision for the 32-year-old.

He had just played a crucial role as Los Rojiblancos broke the Spanish duopoly, and had helped his side to a Champions League runners up medal - why then would he leave when there was silverware to defend?

Read the rest of this piece at FourFourTwo