Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is very low-key by nature. That is why his press conference on Thursday was more about the players than about his decision.

Although the 23-man roster looks to be one of the most solid going to South Africa, there were doses of controversy in certain circles of the Spanish press.

If one begins to look at the roster, well over a third of the club come from two-time reigning champs Barcelona. Eight of the players come from the blaugrana, including new signing David Villa.

In addition to Villa, Spain will count with seven forwards: Future teammate Pedro, former teammates Juan Mata and David Silva as well as Fernando Llorente, Fernando Torres, and surprise callup Jesús Navas. The Sevilla man got the nod over Fenerbache striker and former Pichichi Dani Güiza where he scored 18 goals in 46 matches.

Zamora trophy winner Victor Valdés saw his dream of going to South Africa come true as Del Bosque made him, on paper, his third goalkeeper. Valdés was the Spanish goalkeeper with the least amount of goals conceded as Barcelona were en route to win their 20th league title.

Another big absentee will be Marcos Senna. The Villarreal midfielder will not take part in the World Cup although he was fundamental in La Furia's run to the Euro2008 title when it took place in Switzerland.

The Spanish national team will begin practicing on May 23rd and will have three friendly matches against the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Austria before their Group H debut against Switzerland in Durban on June 16th.


Spain list

Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool/ ENG), Víctor Valdés (Barcelona)

Defenders
Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders:

Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fábregas (Arsenal/ENG), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martínez (Athletic Club), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona)

Forwards:
David Silva (Valencia), Jesús Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodríguez (Barcelona),
Fernando Llorente (Athletic Club), Fernando Torres (Liverpool/ENG), David Villa (Valencia).

Uncapped players highlight Spain final list

Barcelona and Real Madrid are the dominant teams in Spain and they proved it by being the two teams that monopolized nearly half of the spots of La Furia's 30-man roster. Barcelona ended up on top as seven of their players earned call ups. There were some surprises in Vicente Del Bosque's list, but for the most part the players that were expected to be on, were.

The majority of the team that won the European championship two years ago and played in the Confederations Cup last summer will be back.

Barcelona's Victor Valdés will have at least a fighting chance to enter Del Bosque's 23-man roster as he was considered part of his 30-man list. Valdés will most likely win yet another Zamora trophy and was among the five goalkeepers called up by the Spanish coach. His level during the past two seasons have been worthy of recognition and should be on the fast track to be in South Africa.

None of Real Madrid's players were named Guti or Raúl as Albiol, Arbeloa, Ramos, Xabi Alonso will follow national team captain Iker Casillas to South Africa.

One of the big surprises was Atlético Madrid's young goalkeeper David De Gea who has become one of the revelations of the tournament. Another surprise call up was that of Osasuna defender César Azpilicueta. He has become a stalwart for the Rojillos. Sevilla's Jesús Navas also got some recognition from Del Bosque.

One player that was left off the squad was Getafe's Roberto Soldado. He was being considered to be a viable replacement for Fernando Torres. His 14 goals for the season have him in La Liga's top ten in scoring.

Some players that were left off the list were Sevilla goalkeeper Andrés Palop as well as Athletic counterpart Gorka Iraizoz. Barcelona forward Bojan Krkic, who decided to not go to Euro2008, was snubbed in favor of teammate Pedro Rodríguez who became one of the revelations of the tournament. Pedro was the first player in football history to score in all six competitions this season. He is also the team's third leading scorer behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic and soon-to-be Pichichi winner Lionel Messi.

Spain will be participating in Group H alongside Chile, Honduras, and Switzerland.


Goalkeepers:Iker Casillas(Real Madrid CF), David De Gea(Atlético Madrid),Diego López (Villarreal), Pepe Reina (Liverpool-ENG), Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona)

Defenders
: Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid)
, Alvaro Arbeloa(Real Madrid),
 César Azpilicueta (Osasuna)
 Joan Capdevila (Villarreal)
, Carlos Marchena (Valencia),
 Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona)
 Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona),
 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Midfielders:
 Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid)
 Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona)
 Francesc Fabregas (Arsenal FC-ENG)
 Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona)
 Javi Martínez (Athletic)
 Marcos Senna (Villarreal)
 David Silva (Valencia)
 Xavier Hernández (FC Barcelona)

Forwards
: Santi Cazorla (Villarreal),
 Jesús Navas (Sevilla),
 Juan Mata (Valencia CF),
 Pedro (FC Barcelona)
, Dani Güiza (Fenerbache SK-TUR)
, Fernando Llorente (Athletic Club),
 Alvaro Negredo (Sevilla FC)
, Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC-ENG)
, David Villa (Valencia CF)


Callup by team
Barcelona- 7
Real Madrid- 5
Valencia- 4
Villarreal- 4
Athletic - 2
Liverpool- 2
Osasuna- 1
Atlético- 1
Arsenal- 1
Sevilla- 2
Fenerbahce-1

Del Bosque announces Spain's 30 players

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring a brace against Villarreal (AP)

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The biggest question coming into week 35 was how Barcelona would recover from their midweek shortcomings against Inter in the Champions League semis. They were also facing one of the hottest home teams in La Liga in Villarreal.

Well that answer came quickly and often as Barcelona showed everyone why they are the best road team in La Liga hands down.  They will also try to improve their home record (tops in La Liga as well) as they host Tenerife midweek.  The ball is now in Real Madrid's court as they will face a tough Osasuna side on Sunday and then head to the Ono Estadi in a match that could decide La Liga.

Lionel Messi continued with his trend of responding when needed.  He continued his trend of not being shut out in more than three consecutive matches.  The Argentine international earned yet another brace and saw his goal total reach 29 for the season.

Xavi scored one of the best goals of the weekend with his freekick and Bojan Krkic proved once again his worth in the starting lineup as he scored yet once again in La Liga.  His performance as of late has started to put Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench and possibly out of Catalunya as many speculators are starting to mention the Big Swede's exit as David Villa is in the cards for the Blaugrana.

David Villa was not a factor at Cornellà-El Prat against one of the toughest home teams around.  Instead the big man, Nikola Zigic was the difference maker as Los Che have almost assured themselves of a Champions League spot next season after their win in Catalunya 2-0.  With Sevilla playing on Sunday, Valencia could find themselves anywhere eight points clear of Sevilla with nine points left to dispute.    There should be a likely easy match for the Andalusians as Los Colchoneros will take a reprieve as they prepare for their Europa League final in Hamburg against Fulham. 
 
Relegation race

If the race for the title is red-hot, then what adjectives can be used to describe the race to stave off relegation.   Valladolid had a solid chance to make a serious move, but failed to do so as they played to a scoreless draw against Getafe.  Xerez is still dreaming with a chance to stay in the top flight after they beat Alméria 2-1 thanks to an dramatic injury time goal by Bermejo. 

Tenerife is now starting to give Málaga, Racing, and Zaragoza nightmares.   They were able to beat Racing at home 2-1 and put the Montañeses in the thick of the relagation race. The bad news for the boys from the Canary Islands is that they will head to the Camp Nou on Tuesday.  Zaragoza were able to maintain their distance as they got an important victory over a Deportivo side that has been in free fall since early March. 

Miguel Ángel Lotina's side is now winless in their last ten matches and haven't scored a goal in 449 minutes. 

Saturday 
Deportivo 0-1 Zaragoza
ZAR: Colunga (50')

Málaga 1-1 Sporting
MAL: Camacho (43')
SPO: Caicedo (79')


Tenerife 2-1 Racing
TEN: Martínez (45'), Ayoze (56')
RAC: Xisco (71')

Valladolid 0-0 Getafe

Xerez 2-1 Almería
XER: Armenteros (26'), Bermejo (90'+4')
ALM: Soriano (33')

Espanyol 0-2 Valencia

VAL: Zigic (61', 74')



Villareal 1-4 Barcelona 
VIL: Llorente (67')
BAR: Messi (18', 88'), Xavi (33'), Bojan (41')

Sunday 
Real Madrid - Osasuna


Athletic- Mallorca


Sevilla - Atlético

Barca bounce back from Champions League heartbreak

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates his goal against Valencia (AP)

---

It was a weekend for defenses in La Liga as only 17 goals were scored, making it one of the lowest scoring rounds of the season so far. 

Barcelona's lead over Real Madrid eroded this weekend after they drew with Espanyol in the first-ever derby held at Cornellà- El Prat. Barca lost their rhythm and ended up playing with ten men after Dani Alves was sent off in the 60th minute. Mauricio Pochettino's side executed their strategy to near perfections as they limited the amount of touches Xavi had as well as the opportunities Barca had on goal.

Lionel Messi was a non-factor as the midfield and backline of Espanyol played as if their lives depended on it. They were able to generate the more dangerous options on goal and left the Blaugrana regretting the loss of two points.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid were able to defeat Valencia at home courtesy of a goal by their dynamic duo- Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuaín. Madrid pressured César Sánchez consistently and it took 25 minutes to break the deadlock as Higuaín

Sevilla came back from their loss to Tenerife as they defeated a sorry Sporting Gijón side 3-0. Sevilla defender Cala has become one of the new young stars that has emerged in the league in this tail-end scoring for a third consecutive week.  Add to that goals by Frédéric Kanouté and Luis Fabiano and they went into Champions League positions once again.  They will have to wait for Monday's Mallorca- Osasuna match where they will find out if they will stay there.

Tenerife are slowly able to see the surface and find themselves just a point behind Málaga as they seem to have the best chance to avoid relegation.  Their 3-2 win against Getafe was a shot of adrenaline that no team sandwiching them had.  Nino came up with an important hat-trick to propel team to the win.  What was most historic about the match was that Nino scored the 62,000th goal in La Liga history. 

Saturday
Villarreal 2-1 Atletico
Espanyol 0-0 Barcelona
Sevilla 3-0 Sporting

Sunday
Deportivo 0-0 Almería
Tenerife 3-2 Getafe
Málaga 0-0 Valladolid
Xerez 2-2 Racing
Athletic 0-0 Zaragoza
Real Madrid 2-0 Valencia

Monday
Mallorca - Osasuna

Standings

Positions
2010-11 Champions League:  x-Barcelona, x-Real Madrid
2010-11 Champions League qualifiers: Valencia, z-Sevilla
2010-11 Europa League: Mallorca, Athletic, z-Sevilla, y-Atlético
Relegation: Tenerife, Valladolid, Xerez

x- clinched berth
y- Copa del Rey finalist
z- Champions League qualifier and Copa del Rey finalist

Pichichi Race
Lionel Messi BAR             27
Gonzalo Higuaín RMA      25
David Villa VAL                 20
Cristiano Ronaldo RMA    20
Diego Forlán ATM            17
Zlatan Ibrahimovic BAR   15
Fernando Llorente ATB     13

La Liga week 33 wrap

The Copa del Rey returns to the Camp Nou (Concept Sports)

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The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced that the final of the Copa del Rey will take place at the Camp Nou in Barcelona.

According to Catalan daily La Vanguardia final is scheduled to be played on May 19th. There is also an alternate date of May 13th in the event Atlético Madrid do not reach the final of the Europa League to held in Hamburg on May 12th.

This will be the third time that the final of the Copa del Rey will take place at the Camp Nou for the third time since its was inaugurated back in 1957. It is also the first time in 40 years that it is held there. Barcelona won the title back in 1963 by beating Zaragoza 3-1. In 1970, Real Madrid would crown themselves champions as they defeated Valencia 3-0.

Related Articles

• USA TODAY: Camp Nou to host Copa del Rey
• THINK SPAIN: Final of Copa del Rey to be held at the Nou Camp
• LA LIGA WEEKLY: Week 32 Report 

Copa del Rey final to take place at the Camp Nou

Barcelona defeated Madrid not once, but twice. Blaugranas and Pericos defeated their rivals from the Spanish capital in week 31, thus benefiting their respective causes.

Barca were successful in making history defeating Real Madrid 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu. Lionel Messi and Pedro scored both goals as Xavi lit the way for a Culé side that at times looked overwhelmed, but when the chips were down they were able to find their way to Iker Casillas. Barca won four straight against los Merengues for the first time ever.

Meanwhile things start to heat up for the upcoming Catalan derby, barring a possible strike next weekend. Espanyol manhandled a toothless Atlético side that were still recovering from the grueling Europa League match against Valencia midweek.

Victor Ruiz, Pablo Osvaldo, and Ivan Alonso scored for an Espanyol side that are just a step away from salvation, while Atlético's European dreams are starting to depend on other teams- specifically Sevilla.

The Andalusians are at 51 points after a tough win at La Rosaleda against Málaga. The same thing goes for Mallorca who defeated a Valencia side that is slowly starting to fall apart. Unai Emery's side were not match for Mallorca at the Ono Estadi and the islanders were able to snap a three-match winless streak.

Scores
Osasuna 2-0 Zaragoza
Real Madrid 0-2 Barcelona
Tenerife 0-0 Valldolid
Málaga 1-2 Sevilla
Deportivo 1-1 Racing
Villarreal 1-0 Sporting
Athletic 4-1 Almería
Espanyol 3-0 Atlético
Mallorca 3-2 Valencia
Xerez 0-1 Getafe

Standings

Positions
2010-11 Champions League:  x-Barcelona, x-Real Madrid
2010-11 Champions League qualifiers: Valencia, z-Sevilla
2010-11 Europa League: Mallorca, Athletic, z-Sevilla, y-Atlético
Relegation: Tenerife, Valladolid, Xerez

x- clinched berth
y- Copa del Rey finalist
z- Champions League qualifier and Copa del Rey finalist

Pichichi Race
Lionel Messi BAR             27
Gonzalo Higuaín RMA      24
David Villa VAL                 20
Cristiano Ronaldo RMA    18
Zlatan Ibrahimovic BAR   15
Fernando Llorente ATB     13

La Liga week 31 wrap

Lionel Messi celebrates with Dmytro Chygrynskiy against Athletic (AP)

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Barcelona and Real Madrid did what they had to do in order to remain equal in points prior to next week's clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Blaugrana steamrolled over Athletic in a match that was a testament to the muscle that the club's youth system has. Of the 14 players that Barcelona fielded on Saturday, 11 came from the La Masia.

There was a negative to the Blaugrana's performance as Zlatan Ibrahimovic suffered a muscle tear in his calf and will be out for the midweek Champions League clash against Arsenal.

When a door closes a window cracks open and Bojan Krkic was able to take advantage of the situation by scoring a brace for the first time this season.   Lio Messi and Jeffren Suárez also scored for Barca while Susaeta would score the lone goal for the Basques. 

Meanwhile Real Madrid were very effective as they defeated a struggling Racing Santander 2-0.  Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonzalo Higuaín scored yet once again for Los Merengues as they will rest and wait for the Blaugrana to visit the Spanish capital at the weekend.

Valencia asserted themselves in third place as they defeated Osasuna 3-0 in a match that was closer than the final score indicated.  David Villa scored a brace and Joaquin would add another tally for Los Ches.

Sevilla ended their six-match winless streak beating Tenerife at hime 3-0.  Frédéric Kanouté and Luis Fabiano scored for the Andalusians in the first half and José Castro scored his first goal of the season as the Nervionenses entered Champions League spots after Mallorca were tripped up as they earned only one point on the road against Almería. 

Saturday
Sevilla 3-0 Tenerife
Barcelona 4-1 Athletic
Zaragoza 2-0 Málaga


Sunday 
Valladolid 0-2 Villarreal
Getafe 1-1 Espanyol
Almería 1-1 Mallorca
Sporting 2-2 Xerez
Racing Santander 0-2 Real Madrid
Valencia 3-0 Osasuna
Atlético 3-0 Deportivo


Standings

La Liga Week 30 wrap

Barcelona were able to avenge their midweek Copa del Rey elimination by trouncing a hapless Sevilla side 4-0 at the Nou Camp. The Blaugrana were able to dominate with 72% possession and not allowing the visitors one shot on goal the entire match. Although Barca were not able to score in the second half, the domination from midweek continued against an even weaker Sevilla defense; yet their weakness was compensated by their bravery as they hunkered down against the culé attack.

The first goal of the match came in the 49th minute when Rafa Márquez crosses ball into the middle and Gerard Piqué's volley was deflected into the net by Julien Escudé. Supersub Pedro came in and connected with Xavi with a brilliant run and pass. Then Messi was simply Messi in his two scores.

Historic Messi

The legend of Lio Messi continues to grow as he became Pichichi of the league after he scored a brace against the Nervionenes. Messi scored goals 100 and 101 of his Blaugrana career on Saturday, thus becoming the youngest Barcelona player to ever score that amount of goals (22 years, 6 months). Messi also becomes the 16th player in Barcelona history to score 100 goals, joining and elite list of scorers that include players like Rivaldo, Romário, Patrick Kliuvert, Carles Rexach, Samuel Eto'o, as well as icons like Ladislao Kubala and César Rodríguez.

Top scorers in Barca history

1. César 235

2. Ladislao Kubala 196

3 Samuel Eto'o 130

4 Rivaldo 130

5 Mariano Martín 124

6 Patrick Kluivert 122

7 Carles Rexach 122

8 Josep Escola 118

9 Hristo Stoichkov 117

10. Estanislao Basor 112

16. Lionel Messi 101

The league leaders were able to go five clear of their eternal rivals as Los Merengues lost unexpectedly 1-0 at San Mamés to Athletic Bilbao. The Basques scored in the third minute of the match when a corner was not deflected properly and Fernando Llorente headed the ball past Iker Casillas. Los Leones came out of the gate with an impressive flurry of threats that were denied by the woodwork on two separate occasions.

The absence of Gonzalo Higuaín was felt greatly as Madrid were not able to concrete any type of consistent attack. When they did, Spanish international goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz came to the rescue and gave the Basques two valuable points at home in their aspirations to earn a European cup spot.

Barca avenge loss, Madrid slip at The Cathedral

He might have been the one that led Sevilla to various trophies domestically and at the international level, but don't expect fans at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan to applaud him when he steps onto the pitch this coming weekend when Real Madrid face Sevilla.

Loyalty is a double-edge sword in sports today. It's a confusing bit of double-talk, drivel, and rhetoric that players as well as club presidents adhere to when it is most convenient to them. Loyalty at the professional level can be the equivalent of a high school crush. It is there for a few days until it all wears away or until one finds a new crush that makes the adrenaline flow.

Sevilla can still remember the trophies the won (two UEFA Cups, a European Super Cup, a Spanish Super Cup, and a Copa del Rey) and they will be forever grateful of those moments that the Nervionenses lived through. What they will never forget were the circumstances in which he did. Sevilla were ready to prove to Spain and all of Europe that they were worthy of being mentioned in the same breath as some of the continent's elite. They had just won the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid and the season was starting out fine until tragedy struck.

The player that was going to be the future of the club, and part of the nucleus of the Spanish national team for the next decade fell victim to multiple heart attacks and died on the pitch one fateful August night against Getafe.

The team was devastated and played with heavy hearts against an AC Milan side that was clinical and cold in their execution. As much as they wanted to, Sevilla put up a valiant fight, but it was not enough. Milan would win 3-1, but it wold be Sevilla receiving all of the praise for being so brave in the memory of a fallen teammate.

There were rumors of him leaving sooner rather than later, and Sevilla fans knew that based on the team's spending habits, they would not have a hot coach like Juande within their ranks for much longer. But no one thought that he would leave that soon. By the time October rolled around, Spurs was taking out their checkbook looking for their savior and instead they got a coach that outside of a Carling Cup, didn't give the club much of anything.

Players go around kissing crests as they do changing underwear. Robinho would kiss Real Madrid's jersey at the end of the season and it seemed like their love affair was back on track. That was only the case for a few months as he packed his bags and went to England. One of the first things he did was- you guessed it- kissed the Manchester City crest.

This is why they will be hurling the "Juan Dollar" bills out on the pitch that evening. I doubt it will hurt as much as the bottle that hit him in the head a few years back during a Copa del Rey match against Sevilla's arch-rivals Real Betis.


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Old Wounds Open Up As Sevilla Get Ready For Juande's Return

Week 22 saw Barca and Real Madrid slip away even more from the other 18 teams with contrasting styles of play. Barcelona played with total style and Madrid played a bit more aggressively and had the game mucked up in the middle. Samuel Eto'o scored his 21st goal of the season and Dani Alves stated his case as one of the early front runners that will have to be next to Herculean in order to catch up to Lionel Messi. The Barca right back could be in that pack right now that might be looked at as the second best player in the world right now.

Meanwhile the latest edition of Andalucian derby saw Manuel Chaparro save his job after the Verdes beat Sevilla at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuan. Ricardo Oliveira paid dividends in his debut with the club as he equalized in the 83rd minute en route their 2-1 victory.

Saved is also Osasuna who emerged out of the relegation zone after beating Valencia at the Reyno de Navarra in one of the tighter games you would have seen this weekend. With their win and Mallorca and Espanyol's draw as well as Numancia's defeat; they leapfrogged out of relegation on goal difference.

Saturday

Real Madrid 1

Higuaín (48')


Racing 0


------


Sevilla 1

Kanouté (90'+2')


Betis 2

Sergio García (70'), Oliveira (83')


------


Sunday
Villarreal 2

Rossi (15', 67')


Numancia 1

Aranda (39')


------


Getafe 1

Soldado (7')

Espanyol 1

Iván Alonso (25')


------


Mallorca 1

Aduriz (56')


Deportivo 1

Verdú (77')


------


Valladolid 2

Victor (38', 58')


Athletic 1

Orbaiz (65')


------


Recreativo 0


Atlético 3

Agüero (2'), Forlán (27', 34')


------


Málaga 3


Luque (48'), Salva (64', 72')


Almería 2


Uche (25'), Negredo (44')


------


Barcelona 3

Eto'o (22', 39') , Dani Alves (65')


Sporting 1

Kike Mateo (68')


------

Osasuna 1

Flaño (57')


Valencia 0

La Liga Week 22 Roundup

Wednesday

Sevilla 2

Athletic 1
SEV: Duscher (61'), Acosta (90'+2')
ATB: Llorente (42')

--------------------------------

Barcelona 2

Mallorca 0
BAR: Henry (34'), Márquez (73')

Copa Del Rey Semis- Away Leg

Wednesday

Betis 0-0 Mallorca

(MLL adv. on 0-1 agg.)
Sporting 1-2 Athletic

SPO: Carmelo (1')

ATB: Gabilondo (41'), David López (51')

(ATB adv. on 1-2 agg.)

Thursday

Sevilla 2-1 Valencia

SEV: Kanoute(35'), Squillaci (90')

VAL: Marchena (7')

(SEV adv. on away goals)

Barcelona 3-2 Espanyol

BAR: Krkic (34', 48'), Piqué (57')

ESP: Coro (58'), Callejón(69')

(BAR adv. on 3-2 agg.)

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Semifinals

Sevilla-Athletic

Mallorca- Barcelona

Copa Del Rey Quarters- Return Leg

There are certian things that never go together. If they are placed together, they could cause an explosion.

Aluminum and microwaves. Water and grease on fire.

Politics and football. These last two are redundant as they generate the same amount of passion and violence when the right ingredients are mixed.

Frederic Kanouté was excited after scored the first goal of the game in Wednedsday´s Copa del Rey matchup against Deportivo. There was a great deal of excitement in the air as Sevilla put themselves on the scoreboard. What came was the biggest sociopolitical that news that emerged so far this season in Spain.

When he lifted his jersey, a shirt expressing his support for Palestine emerged from under it. For many it riled up several political leanings, biases, and other predispositions regardless of which side of the conflict your allegiances stand on.

According to Spanish media he is supposed to receive a heavy fine from both the league and UEFA for making such a political statement, on top the booking he received. ¨This is a very important step. (Kanouté) showed a great deal of courage for supporting our cause in a public function,¨ said Palestinian Embassy counselor Mahmud Aluanen. Forums from all of the biggest dailies in Spain and in Andalucia express their support for the Mali international.

As far as Kanouté everyone knows where his allegiances stand. The Mali international is a French-born muslim that has been active with his religion in a positive fashion. Kanouté built a home for orphans in Mali and was able to help keep open a mosque in Sevilla by offering half a million dollars. His actions brought praise and criticism from both sides but for their own reasons and benefits.

Look this is not a political blog or a religious one, but Kanouté is one that understands his position as a person in the limelight. Based on his track record he is not a man that is trying to incite violence or to start an uprising. That is not what he is about. We can all be sure that the Sevilla star was not giving his thumbs-up to Hamas. He did show support for the people that have nothing to do with this tragic series of events that have seen thousands of innocent people caught in the middle of the crossfire. Kanouté is just showing those people support, God only knows those people (the innocent ones) need it.

Kanouté Mixes Sports With Politics