FIFA World Cup 2010: Puyol Considers Retirement from International football
Spain qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup final on Wednesday after defeating Germany in the semi finals. Puyol scored the only goal of the match for the European champions from a corner kick which was taken by his teammate Xavi, who plays as a central defender for his national team.
Known familiarly as the “caveman” because of his hairstyle, Puyol is famous for his defensive qualities such as his heading capability and strong tackling skills. Puyol told the media that what is in front of Spain now in terms of football is beautiful and he stressed that any decisions regarding his international future can wait until the World Cup final has been played.
Puyol will be looking to put in a strong performance against Holland as it can very well be the last international appearance for the 32 year old defender. It will also be Puyol’s first ever appearance in the World cup final.
Talking about his brilliantly headed goal against Germany from a corner kick, Puyol added that he has not scored many goals for the national team, so his header against Germany was special. He also stated that he is very happy for the team because they deserve to be there.
Puyol is a part of the football club Barcelona in Cataluña, Spain. Cataluña has had a long history of striving for autonomy because of their differences with mainland Spain. Catalans derive their identity from their distinct traditions and culture. They also have a different language than the Spaniards in general, as most Catalans speak “Catalan” the language in Barcelona and surrounding areas.
Previously, Spain’s international under-achieving trend was attributed to divisions within the country. However, now it seems the players have come together and are now playing for a single national team i.e. Spain in a unifying manner.
Puyol, who captains his club side Barcelona, came to the world cup at the back of a very successful season with Barca, they won the Spanish football league as well as the Spanish league cup. Puyol told the media, that he will discuss his international future with Fernando Hierro, who is the sporting director right now. He also said that he will hold talks with Vicente Del Bosque, the Spanish national team manager.
He said that the corner kick routine was discussed with Xavi before the set piece was executed. He remarked that he had told the midfielder to play the ball near the German penalty spot. He also said that the goal was a moment to treasure.
Commenting on the match itself, Puyol said that everything went by very quickly for the Spaniards but he emphasized on the fact that they kept their shape. He also stated that this World Cup final is very important for Spanish football.
Spain and Holland who play each other in the World Cup final on Sunday, have never won the world cup itself. Explaining his thoughts about the pen-ultimate match, Puyol said that both teams like to play good football and both of the teams have very talented players.
He also said that Spain started the World Cup as the favorites but their defeat to Switzerland in opening round of matches was seen as a disaster by many. He elaborated that Spain played their best football against Germany on Wednesday, and that as the tournament has progressed Spain have grown in confidence.
He said that Spain are approaching the final in terms of desire and respect, he said that both the teams are capable of producing an attractive match. He also said that both teams deserve to be in the World Cup final.
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