First Training Of 2013, More Holiday Snaps & A Very Sad Ending

The first training session of 2013 took place today. 23 players took part including Real Madrid C’s  Molero, Suárez and Llorente. They’re getting ready for Sunday’s game against Real Sociedad.  Pepe and Sergio will miss the match because of yellow card accumulation. Cristiano is on his fourth.

So Long Netherlands

Trying to watch both the Germany/Denmark and Portugal/Netherlands game was next to impossible on Sunday.  Though the pub had both games on multiple screens, our view of Portugal/Netherlands was blocked by a tall couple who couldn’t stop making schmoopy faces at each other and kissing. They weren’t even watching either match! Argh! Sadly, they did not listen to the rather loud suggestions of watishista P and I, who helpfully reminded them that they might enjoy doing that at home, or you know, anywhere that wasn’t between us and the TV set. Suffice to say, it was annoying. The shouts of nearby Portugal fans and the groans of Dutch supporters pretty much told us all we needed to know.

Bits & Bobs: Vacation Snaps, Transfer Rumors, A Birthday, Drama & More

Hey y’all – I’m spending my 4th of July having a good long rest, so this post is going to be a quickie. I’m recovering nicely, but I’m going to work from home this week because I’m still not 100%. First up, a big feliz cumpleaños to Real Madrid (& football) legend Alfredo Di Stefano who is celebrating his 85th birthday today.

Lotsa Bits & Bobs: WWC, RCH, Transfer Rumors, Vacation Snaps Continue

So much going on today – I thought I’d do one big post instead of bombarding you with a ton of little ones.

Watishista! Maddy found this awesome shot of male fans cheering on Germany at the Women’s World Cup. The shirt says “Girls, make us proud! (Source)

Speaking of the Women’s World Cup, over the weekend Maddy sent me a note and said she had issues with how they using sex to promote the tournament as opposed to portraying the women as powerful athletes, as evidenced by these pictures…

The Daily Drool: Rafael van der Vaart

Attacking midfielder Rafa and former Madridista (2008-2010) currently plies his trade for Tottenham Hotspur (and had a great season). He also played for Ajax (2000-2005) and Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga (2005-2008). He’s been a mainstay on the Dutch National Team since 2001. His wife Sylvie is a breast cancer survivor and her stories about his love and support during her battle are truly beautiful. You are a classy man, Rafa. May you go from strength to strength. UPDATED: As if he wasn’t already awesome enough, Rafa tweeted today (it’s June 16th as I write this) that he and Sylvie renewed their wedding vows in Las Vegas. Pictures after the jump!

Put On Your Game Face: CLE Part 2

Barcelona’s 5-1 drubbing of Shakhtar Donetsk today means that we’re gonna get 4 frigging Clasicos this month (barring a miracle next week). DO. NOT. WANT.  So let’s ignore that and look at our beautiful boys some more, shall we? Post match, they were (for the most part) looking kinda cute!

Hands down that may be the most attractive picture I have ever seen of Fideo. I refuse to believe that a Real Madrid photographer took it!

Here We Go!

Are you ready for some football?!  I know I am.  Mou looks 8 kinds of adorable here, doesn’t he?

Other people looked adorbs…