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Former Reds Defender Blasts Critics Ahead of French Tie – Agree?

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FORMER Liverpool FC defender Alvaro Arbeloa has blasted Spain’s critics who have labelled his team ‘boring’ ahead of tonight’s crunch quarter-final tie against France.

The defending champions and World Cup holders have progressed through to the knock-out stages after an opening match draw with group rivals Italy, who they topped to win the group, by scoring more and conceding fewer goals.

Not only that, they have had more possession of the football than any other team in the tournament – or any other European Championships tournament for that matter – whilst racking up the greatest number of shots. Yet they still have their critics, both home and abroad, which Arbeloa states, is “a bit mad – surreal”.

“I’ve played in England, I know what kind of games they like: open, loads of chances. Maybe when they see our type of game, a game defined by control, they find that boring. That’s normal. I can understand that,” Arbeloa says. “But all that speaks volumes about the demands made on Spain. People don’t seem to realise that in a competition like this the difficulty is huge. You can’t win every game 3-0, you can’t be brilliant every time. The opposition play too but it is as if they don’t exist.

“Those debates reach us,” continued the fullback, “But we try to isolate ourselves a bit from all the noise. Besides, the people that put the most pressure on us are us.”

Arbeloa also admitted he was fully expecting to face his former Liverpool colleagues in the quarter-final: “I was watching England-Ukraine, not France, because I thought we’d play England. I was surprised France didn’t beat Sweden because they weren’t playing for anything.

“It is a pity,” he added, “I quite fancied England. Because of what it means for me…But it’s still a big game. It’s going to be very hard.”

There’s no doubt that Spain v France are huge international heavyweights, and both nations have had a massive influence on Liverpool FC in modern times – Houllier and Benitez anyone?

But who would you like to see progress? Do you side with Arbeloa, or are you a critic of the Spanish ‘tiki-taka’?

Whoever you’re backing, Bet-At-Home.com are providing some eye-catching bets:

Xabi Alonso first goal 12,00
France to lead at Half Time 4,60
France to win 3-2 35,00
Fernando Torres to win Player of the Tournament 20,00

Just click on the Bet At Home banner above, register and your deposit will be matched up to €50!
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Jimmy Areabi (Editor) - @fantasista1077: Huyton raised like Steven Gerrard, football has been my passion since the time I received a Kenny Dalglish badge as a toddler, and I've followed the Reds ever since – something that was easier during the 80s, when I worshipped John Barnes! I've produced work for many football media outlets & am now happy to run a major site on the club I love - providing our fans with a voice, and to bring as much information and news on the club as possible.
Having played football all my life, I aim to continue longer than Stanley Matthews...
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1 comment

  • Bekim says:

    I agree with Alvaro. Whoever calls them boring is mad. Is joy to watch Spain play football. I watched the game 2nite and Spain games r the only ones I look forward to watch. I watch England games cos I want England to win the Euro 12 but Spain r in different planet to the rest.

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