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- The future is bright for La Rojita
How many players have an opportunity to score four goals in a major final? Virtually none, you would say. Thiago Alcantara, already in the history books with an amazing first-half hat trick for Spain against Italy in the Under-21 European Championship final, was given that extraordinary chance when Martin Montoya was brought down in the area. The Barcelona prodigy, crowned the best player at the previous edition of the tournament in Denmark two years ago, decided not to take it, and gave the ball to Isco, the man who completely outshone him in Spain's previous games in Israel. Read »
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- Spain's reign is in gifted hands
- ESPN FC United
At times against Uruguay in Recife, Brazil, on Sunday, Spain’s senior team looked as good as ever. After Israel, the next generation’s future looks brighter yet. Spain’s under-21 team has emulated its big brother by being crowned European champions in consecutive tournaments. For Kiev 2012, read Jerusalem 2013. At least the young Italians managed goals where their dumbfounded elders did not. Perhaps Xavi and Iniesta are irreplaceable, but their golden generation’s successors exhibit similar DNA. Read »
- Sturridge handed chance to shine at Liverpool
- ESPN FC United
May 2006. On a warm evening at the home of Manchester City, Liverpool's Under-18 side celebrated winning the FA Youth Cup. Perhaps, as they passed the trophy around and posed happily for photographs, these young players allowed themselves a dream or two of a Premier League future; of one day following Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher down the path from the club's academy to Anfield stardom. That path, though, is fraught with obstacles. To make it requires not only ability, but also commitment, the right coaching and maybe a touch of good fortune. Read »
- The madness of Newcastle's Mike Ashley
- ESPN FC United
Mike Ashley’s voice has only ever been heard once in public. It is the 2008 instalment of the BBC TV Comic Relief telethon. The nation is watching the Celebrity Apprentice, and Louise Redknapp is seeking charitable donations from pals. - Duffy: Joe Kinnear? You're having a laugh She puts a call in from the back of a London taxi. "So, Mike, could I tempt you into buying some tickets and giving us some money, please? There are some people who have given us GBP;200 for a ticket and other people have given us over GBP;30,000 for some tickets," she says over the speaker phone. Read »