Spain Euro 2008 squad penpix
(Reuters) - Spain squad penpix ahead of the Euro 2008 final against Germany in Vienna on Sunday:
1-Iker Casillas (Real Madrid). Goalkeeper. Born 20.5.81. Caps 81. Goals 0.
Tournament appearances: 4. Goals conceded: 2. Yellow cards 0.
The undisputed first choice, Casillas is the Spain captain and one of the squad's truly world-class players.
The hero of the quarter-final penalty shootout over Italy, he pulled off a great reflex block to deny substitute Mauro Camoranesi in the 61st minute and produced two superb saves to stop spot kicks from Daniele De Rossi and Antonio Di Natale.
He was rarely pressed into action in the semi-final against Russia.
23-Pepe Reina (Liverpool). Goalkeeper. Born 31.8.82. Caps 10. Goals 0.
Tournament appearances: 1. Goals conceded: 1. Yellow cards 0
Second-choice keeper who was given a game in the dead rubber against Greece after failing to get a run out at the last World Cup.
He could do little about the Greek goal but turned in an otherwise efficient performance. Does not inspire as much confidence as Casillas.
13-Andres Palop (Sevilla). Goalkeeper. Born 22.10.73 Caps 0. Goals 0.
Tournament appearances: 0. Goals conceded: 0. Yellow cards 0
A solid and economical keeper he is a third-choice here and has yet to win a cap for Spain.
2-Raul Albiol (Valencia). Defender. Born 4.9.85. Caps 6. Goals 0.
Tournament appearances: 2. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 0
Big, strong centre-back who came on when Carles Puyol got injured in the Sweden match. He looked a little nervous at the start but settled and produced a steady performance which was repeated when the reserves were given a run-out against Greece.
3-Fernando Navarro (Sevilla). Defender. 25.6.82. Caps 2. Goals 0.
Tournament appearances: 1. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 0
A busy fullback who is here to provide cover for first choice Joan Capdevila on the left. Likes to push forward and gave a decent account of himself against Greece in the final group match. Has just agreed a move to Sevilla.
18-Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool). Defender. Born 17.1.83. Caps 3. Goals 0.
Tournament appearances: 1. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 1
A versatile fullback who first got noticed when playing in the Real Madrid youth teams.
Efficient, if unspectacular, he has yet to establish himself in the national side. Although he played against Greece, he is only here as a back-up option for Sergio Ramos.
5-Carles Puyol (Barcelona). Defender. Born 13.4.78. Caps 65. Goals 1.
Tournament appearances: 4. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 0
The shaggy-haired defender is a highly influential figure in the centre of defense.
Spain looked shaky when he went off injured against Sweden, conceding a goal just 10 minutes later. But he recovered from his foot injury and gave accomplished and confident performances against both Italy and in the semi-final against Russia.
4-Carlos Marchena (Valencia). Defender. Born 31.7.79. Caps 46. Goals 2.
Tournament appearances: 4. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 1
A favorite of coach Luis Aragones, Marchena is a determined defender and a good ball player, but does have a tendency to give away costly fouls in and around the area.
He was outstanding against Italy, successfully snuffing out any aerial threat from Luca Toni, and did another good job in the semi-final.
20-Juanito (Real Betis). Defender. Born 23.7.76. Caps 24. Goals 2.
Tournament appearances: 1. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 0
Strong, confident and good in the air, Juanito is a reliable option who has always performed well for the national side. He played against Greece but is otherwise having to content himself with a place on the bench.
15-Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid). Defender. Born 30.3.86. Caps 38. Goals 4.
Tournament appearances: 4. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 0
He looked nervous in the opening match against Russia, was caught out on the Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal in the Sweden match and looked a little vulnerable against Italy.
But the Real Madrid defender bounced back with a superb performance in the semi-final. He caused no end of problems with his surging runs down the right and was confident and committed in defense.
11-Joan Capdevila (Villarreal). Defender. Born 3.2.78. Caps 22. Goals 3.
Tournament appearances: 4. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 0
The self-effacing Villarreal left back has had an impressive tournament so far.
He started the moves that led to two of the goals in the opening 4-1 victory over Russia and the late winner against Sweden. Looks confident going forward and pretty solid in defense.
14-Xabi Alonso (Liverpool). Midfielder. Born 25.11.81. Caps 46. Goals 1.
Tournament appearances: 3. Goals: 0. Yellow cards 0
The creative, but gritty central midfielder has had to content himself with a bit-part role at Euro 2008 as cover for Marcos Senna.
Came on and looked comfortable in the Russia match and was the best player in the 2-1 comeback victory over Greece. Rattled the woodwork with a thundering drive and went close with two other powerful shots. Tightened up the midfield in the closing stages of the semi-final.
