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El dia mas largo could be the motif for June 17th in Spain as one dynasty heralds in change after 39 years in power as the sun sets in Madrid. And another readying for war in the southern hemisphere thousands of miles away in territories discovered by Amerigo Vespucci . In battle of a sporting kind – but probably carrying the real hopes of the nation more so than the monarchy.
In the Palacio Real King Juan Carlos has confirmed his abdication in the palace that has held a key place in Spanish history, both of the Royal kind and that of the Franco years. With his son Felipe VI taking on those symbolic powers of State ahead of the more formal coronation ceremony on Thursday. Even if a more austere and humble nature. Ironically on the feast of Corpus Christi and a public holiday.
The backdrop of one reign at an end is perhaps lower on the Richter scale of concerns for the average Spaniard. Many of whom oscillate closer to the idea of a Republic, yet have a high regard for King Juan Carlos thanks to his role in the Spanish political transition in the mid-1970’s. Particularly after the failed military coup by General Tejereo in 1981 when the King stood steadfast behind the democratic process. Albeit fragile at the time.
His more recent years though have dragged the Bourbon monarchy into the tabloids with the elephant hunting accident in Botswana the greatest perceived misdemeanour. Not forgetting the travails of his son in law – married to the former Princess Cristina = all currently winding their way through the judicial system.
However on the eve of a possible long weekend, heralding the summer officially, the other king of the people Vicente del Bosque is to name the squad that will do battle with Chile in the Maracana Stadium. And of battle is the reality after the failure against Holland in the opening match with a loss by 5-1. The first defeat in about 33 competitive games and ending the run of this triple trophy winning team – after securing the Euro’s in 2008 and 2012. With the World Cup win thrown in 2010. Only losing out to Brasil last year in Confederations Cup final to stop the setting even more records.
Such was the catastrophe last week that it raised many questions. Ranging from the Del Bosque’s position or the validity of some of Spain’s stalwarts on the field of play. Indeed a bit of an inquisition as Monty Python might say.
Amidst the haste and negativity the national coach assumed relative calm and so did his team, openly admitting that Holland were deserved victors on the night. With only three points dropped after all, despite the five goal thrashing. But for fans the evening kick off against Chile will dictate whether this sporting dynasty is also about to fall. With sacred names like Fernando Torres, Xavi Fernandez, Iker Casillas and Piquet maybe reaching their zenith.
Del Bosque will decide on those matters hours before kick off.
Already though it seems there will be some team changes with Pedro in; maybe Juan Mata too and even Reina getting run in Rio de Janeiro. However most know that Del Bosque is not a man of radical changes. Unless it is a last resort. Rio might be that adios for some.
What remains clear is that the Diego Costa selection was wrong. Especially after the Champion League injury was a major risk. The reliance on some of regulars was also misplaced in a season where tika-taka of Barcelona and Bayern Munch found little success this year. So the departure of Xavi Hernandez too on the national team maybe nigh. A thought once unheard off.
Ironically this week the same player has also not renewed for Barca, which shows that his future now lies elsewhere. If Xavi id dropped then it begs the question why some of those left behind were not right given their form. Or the use of Koke given his good season for Atletico Madrid. What is true is that the four days since Friday 13th’s stunning defeat has been a long wait. The only statistic in favour that from South Africa where Spain lost to Switzerland in their opening game. And then went on to win.
The similarities end there as Spain only lost by one goal.
Clearly Louis van Gaal did his homework and with two of his disciples buying into his new strategy. Arjen Robben was like a demon, revitalised and rewired beyond recognition to his effective best. With Robin van Persie doing those things he once did for pleasure at The Emirates. Indeed also for Sir Alex Ferguson. But was unable to all last season. The energy that the win has garnered a Dutch side that are not bereft of their internal dynamics. As all Dutch teams have been over the decades at major tournaments.
It might be enough though to make them finalists. Or it could be another one off as before.
Regardless the Day of Judgment is upon the Spanish team. One that has given much joy to the Spanish people since the former manager Luis Aragones first broke the mould in Austria and Switzerland in 2008. Although now gone from this life, his legacy looms large and will never be forgotten. Nor will the critics in 2008 when Spain were struggling in their early games.
Vicente del Bosque carries a CV that equals many of the greatest in the game, and a winner of every title domestic and international as a manager.
The match against Chile will dictate whether his reign is now closer to an end.
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