Squad for Frankfurt

By: Corey | August 11th, 2008

With France kicking its league program off this past weekend and England and Germany ready to this upcoming weekend, I am getting the itch finally. I was pretty peaceful all summer with not football because my weekends were occuppied with the beach, drinking and back yard sports. But I fear that these favored past times will be replaced by days of football, which I guess is fine because thats what is most important. But we still have to wait another three weeks for Real to start the league campaign off, although the Supercopa will come soon enogh.

Until competitive football returns to the Iberian, we have lame friendlies to enjoy, like this Tuesdays date with Eintracht Frankfurt, a replay of the infamous 1960 final in Hampden that finished 7-3 to Real, for their fifth straight European Cup. What a magnificent night that was, I have watched it on DVD before, as it is part of the learning curve for any Real fan. Dont expect the same sort of match on Tuesday though, but thats fine.

Here is the squad list, which is basically all players except the injured Canna and Wesley and the Olympics boys:

Goalkeepers
Casillas, Dudek, Codina

Defenders
Salgado, Heinze, Torres, Pepe, Ramos, Metzelder

Midfielders
Diarra, Guti, Baptista, Robinho, Robben, Van der Vaart, Javi García, De la Red

Forwards
Raúl, Van Nistelrooy, Saviola, Higuaín

You will notice the Felipe Ramos and Chema Anton have returned to the Castilla team, as they will be with their peers for another year. The lack of movement from Codina and Dudek meant Ramos would not have a spot in the team. I found it curious as to why Anton is moved back down, given the injuries and two missing left backs we have right now. Of course Javi Garcia is preferred in the center with Heinze and Torres can play left back, but we still find ourselves short. Maybe he will get the call again with another injury? Metzelder, you have been warned…

As for the friendly in Frankfurt, I am not expecting to much. A runout for our Euro Champions looks likely, and I hope Metz plays as well. Wouldnt hurt him would it? VdV will play his second match for us, while Roninho could use some more fitness and Higuain is returning from a slight knock. Of course the almost rigid discipline Schuster has to his formation and tactics will again be on display, so I am already burned out of the incredibly predicable lineups.

Any one else want the season to start yet?