Fresh from their joyous celebrations in the streets of Madrid, some members of Spain’s Euro 2012 winning squad have been named in the squad for the London Olympics.
While England players who travelled in Poland and the Ukraine were not considered, the Spanish see no issue in picking some of their title winning side for the games, later this month. The Europeans are a 9/4 option for the gold in the online betting.
Chelsea winger, Juan Mata, and Athletic Bilbao midfielder, Javi Martinez, 23, are two of the three permitted over-age picks in the squad.
Their playing time at the Euros was admittedly limited, both making just one substitute appearance (Mata’s in the final, scoring the fourth goal late on), so they are unlikely to be fatigued in London.
However, another Euro winner– the Barcelona bound Jordi Alba – played in every match, so it seems bizarre that he is expected to roll straight into an Olympic campaign. Expect Barça to treat Alba with care in his early months of the new season.
If any football fans were hoping to see an end to the seemingly endless trail of Spanish talent, then be prepared for disappointment, as looking beyond that trio is an outrageously talented squad.
The likes of Xavi and Iniesta could soon be joined – or even replaced - by a new generation of stars, many of whom will be present in London.
Martin Montoya, Cristian Tello, and Thiago Alcantara are all products of Barça’s famous La Masia Academy. David De Gea is an £18million goalkeeper playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs, while Adrian Lopez lifted the Europa League last season with Atletico Madrid.
The Olympic squad will join up on Friday, and will face Senegal and Mexico in friendlies, before heading to London for the Games, where they have been drawn in Group D along with Japan, Honduras, and Morocco.
After the senior side’s glory in Kiev, I wouldn’t rule out further success from Luis Milla’s young team in England, later this month.
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