UPDATE: Villarreal has drawn Belgian side Club Brugge K.V. (watch out for Croatian midfielder Ivan Perisic), Croatian champions NK Dinamo Zagreb, and Greek runners-up PAOK F.C. (who eliminated Fenerbahce) in Group D of the Europa League (h/t to capercat). I’m most concerned about PAOK from Thessaloniki, who have quality and experience in Pablo Garcia, Muslimovic, and Salpigidis, not to mention the rabid Greek home support. But we should aim to win the group and go through comfortably.

The B team gets underway today in Valladolid. As manager Javi Gracia says, the Segunda A is a very tight league, so the details make the difference.

Here is the squad for this season’s curtain-raiser:

GKs: Vicente Flor and Diego Mariño.
Ds: Mano, Héctor, Carlos Tomás, Dorian Dervite, Jaume Costa, Ángel Ortega and Diego Jiménez.
MFs: Marcos Gullón, Natxo Insa, Nico, Hernán Pérez, Facundo Coria and Torres.
Fs: Airam, Iago Falqué and Joselu.

Missing out are Kiko and Mario, who started yesterday’s Europa League match in Belarus. I wouldn’t expect them to play much for Javi Gracia. Injured are striker Gerard Bordas, Brazilian midfielder Tiago Dutra, and defender Joan Truyols. Endavant!

In call-up news, Santi Cazorla is the only non-World Cup winner selected by Vicente del Bosque for Spain’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Liechtenstein and friendly in Argentina. Well deserved. That also means Joan Capdevila and Carlos Marchena continue with La Furia Roja. But no Bruno Soriano, though he’ll get more chances.

Another year, another B teamer with his South American selection. Now it’s Hernán Pérez, traveling to Japan and China with the Paraguayan national team. Congrats.

Part 2/4 in our player personnel series. Part 1 was on goalkeepers; maddi really chose the tough one. I’m labeling Montero as a midfielder and Fuster a striker, based on where they have featured in the preseason. But that designation is subject to Garrido’s whims.

Likely starters:

Borja Valero: The club’s shiny new offseason signing, Borja is a natural for Villarreal’s patented doble pivote; he will be the distributor to Bruno’s ballwinner. It will take some time to adjust to Garrido’s system, especially with his preseason niggles, but a lot of the team’s success rides on Borja’s shoulders. Is he up for the challenge?

Bruno Soriano: The newest member of La Furia Roja, Bruno is a late bloomer at 26. He showed flashes in the past but finally put things together in 2009-10, showing Sebastián Eguren the door. His nonchalant back passes and turns always scare me, but my fear has diminished over time. Let’s see if 2010-11 is a breakout year or sophomore slump.

Rubén Cani: Perhaps the most vulnerable member of the expected starting XI, based on his streakiness. Fairly or not, Cani has earned a reputation as a small-game player; when Real Madrid or Barcelona takes the pitch, he shrinks from the challenge. Cani faces stiff competition from B teamers past and present. A big part of Villarreal’s runner-up finish in 2007-08, Cani could be on the move if this season does not pan out.

Santi Cazorla: The most unassuming star in Spanish football. Beloved by his teammates for his humility and ability, Santi is indisputably the club’s best player. Keeping him on the pitch in 2010-11 is essential to a title run or top-four finish in La Liga. Santi can do it all on the field and is becoming a leader off it. Having resisted Real Madrid’s advances in 2008, expect the 25-year-old to spearhead Villarreal for years.

Likely bench players:

Cristóbal Márquez: An intriguing player. Cristóbal is not as skilled as Cazorla, but he does possess a similar dynamism. Late in a match, he could make the difference. On the other hand, the club has not had success with this sort of player (see Matías Fernández, Damián Escudero). If all goes well, Cristóbal could challenge Cani for a starting spot; if not, he could be on his way out.

Javi Matilla: With Matilla, it’s a matter of when, not if. He’s a star in the making, possessing great field vision and game management skills. Senna’s age will provide an opening for him and fellow B teamer Marcos Gullón. Matilla was a man among boys in the Segunda, so a year of training with the A team and somewhat sporadic playing time still is best for his development.

Jefferson Montero: Ask a South American soccer fan, and they will tell you about Montero. He didn’t play in the Ecuadorean top flight only because teams were afraid to lose him when European clubs came calling. 9 goals in the Segunda last season was just a glimpse of his immense talent. He needs to curb the tendency to go it alone, but La Liga is in store for a treat. The most exciting Villarreal player since Diego Forlán.

Marcos Senna: Professional football is a cutthroat business. Senna went from starring in Euro 2008 to watching the 2010 World Cup at home. Injuries played a big part, but so did age and diminishing ability. He’s still the captain when on the pitch, but his presence isn’t guaranteed any longer. Enjoy his splendid free kicks this season while you can.

First off, VillarrealUSA is proud to join the NewsNow network. This partnership will give our readers access to Villarreal news in English from across the Web.

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Lots of news from the Ciudad Deportiva:

• For the first time ever, Villarreal CF has 4 players in a Spanish national team squad. That’s tied with Real Madrid. Incredible.
• Marchena and Capdevila were locks, having won the World Cup, and Cazorla was due. But Bruno Soriano, really?
• El Periódico Mediterráneo had hoped for 5, including Senna and Diego López. Sadly, their time may be done, though Diego is more reliable than Pepe Reina.
• Speaking of Bruno, he has signed for an additional 4 years. His contract now runs out in 2016, or when Barcelona pays his rescission clause.
• The B team has made its “last signing” of the offseason: wingback Jaume Costa, on loan from Valencia.
• And from the “Where are they Now?” files: Ernesto Valverde is being considered for manager of the Japanese national team.

An update on our Europa League opponent to come on Friday.

A few things have been popping around lately, and a couple of them fall on the Sickening Scale right up there with the Godin to Atletico rumors.

As capercat pointed out, Jozy could be on his way to Ajax. Apparently they have made an offer to take him on loan for the year, but Villarreal have determined that his future is not with the club and want an offer to purchase. It has been an up and down ride for him with the Yellow Submarine. I hope for his sake that this gets worked out one way or another.

Santi Cazorla has also been linked to Atletico Madrid. Stop it. Seriously, just stop it. These moves should never, ever happen. And I don’t think that the Cazorla thing has much of a chance. But even if we need the money, you can’t tell me that the club couldn’t find at least a similar offer for the likes of Godin or Cazorla elsewhere, where it won’t give firepower to the likes of Atletico. And, just to refresh my recollection, didn’t Cazorla turn down a move to Real Madrid recently?

There are also rumors out there that Barcelona could be looking the way of Bruno, as a couple of bigger-name defensive midfielders, such as Javier Mascherano, have become too expensive. This is the first rumor I have ever seen (I think) for pulling Bruno away from the club. I would be shocked if an offer came in. But if it did and the price offered was 10m euros, I would be even more shocked if both Villarreal and Bruno didn’t jump at it.

And lastly, the Rossi-to-Italy rumors continue, with Inter being the club mentioned this time. The idea is that he would be called in to replace Mario Balotelli. I do not know if the rumor is based in any sort of fact, but I would think that Rossi could not turn down an offer from Inter. Hopefully he’ll stay, but we will see.

Today is the big day. A quick recap of the medal round to date:

Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands: A five-goal thriller; who knew there would be another? The Dutch class shone through, along with the absences of Lodeiro, Lugano, and Suarez. Another all-European final, despite the South American quarterfinal quartet. Wonderful for tiny Uruguay (3.5 million people) to return to its place in world football.

Germany 0-1 Spain: Another dominating performance by La Furia Roja, despite only 51% possession. More credit is due to Paraguay and Switzerland based on the Spaniards’ other performances. Germany never got going and had but one good chance in this match, the tame volley by Toni Kroos saved by Casillas.

Uruguay 2-3 Germany: Another third-place finish for Die Mannschaft. Can you comprehend their disappointment? Just wait for the evolution of this team in Brazil 2014. Unbelievable that Uruguay scored 4 goals in the medal round and finished 4th. Forlan hitting the bar was a tough end to a great tournament for the celeste.

Villarreal watch: Diego Godin played all 90 minutes in both of Uruguay’s 3-2 defeats. He was at fault for a goal or two, not surprisingly based on his form. Joan Capdevila played all 90 minutes in Spain’s semifinal victory and should start in La Gran Final. First time that a Villarreal player has been on the biggest stage in world sport. Buena suerte, Joan.

A positional breakdown of Netherlands – Spain:

Goalkeeper: Edge, Spain. Saint Iker is an experienced keeper and seems back on form per his performance against Paraguay. Stekelenburg is solid but lacks big-match experience, along with exhibiting a little uncertainty against Forlan due to the Jabulani.

Defense: Slight edge, Netherlands. I still have questions about the Spanish central defense pairing. Familiarity is nice, but they are short and give up a lot of corners. The Dutch are a solid unit, but the edge is minimal. And Capdevila is the man.

Midfield: Slight edge, Netherlands. Incredibly, the Dutch have more depth and quality at this position. Xavi and Iniesta are countered by Sneijder and Van der Vaart, while Van Bommel is a better hard man than Busquets and Robben out wide is unmatched. Fabregas on the bench is nice, but del Bosque wishes that he had Cazorla.

Strikers: Edge, Spain. As a nominal Liverpool supporter, I have a lot of admiration for Dirk Kuijt. Not so much for Robin van Persie, but they are adequate. Problem is that David Villa and a half-strength Fernando Torres are much better. El Guaje is on a roll, and I am convinced that he will score. And Llorente is a nice option to milk the clock.

Prediction: 2-1 to Spain. Either way, one side wins its first World Cup. Enjoy the match!

Friday’s matches were fantastic. Saturday’s were good, but in a more understated way. A recap of the 1/4 finals:

Netherlands 2-1 Brazil: The shock heard round the world. I thought Brazil played the most sublime opening 45 minutes in this year’s World Cup. If not for a wonderful save by Villarreal target Martin Stekelenburg on Kaka, the Orange Machine’s comeback would not have been possible. But Julio Cesar made a grievous mistake early in the 2nd half, and the match unbelievably was level. Holland then was in the ascendancy and deservedly took the lead on two headers in the box. A Felipe Melo red card and no super-sub later (anyone else think of Ronaldinho?), and the favorites were out. The best team never to win a World Cup moves on– to the drumbeat of destiny?

Uruguay 1-1 Ghana (4-2 PK): If Holland is the best team never to win it all, Uruguay is the worst to have won (no offense). But Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez have led the Charruas back to the 1/2 finals for the first time in a half-century. Sulley Muntari, given a chance to start, fired a rocket that tricked Muslera to give the Africans a lead on the stroke of halftime. Unsurprisingly, a sublime Forlan free kick tied the score and led to the final drama. They are calling it a controversy here in America, but as otf noted, Ghana should have to earn it rather than being awarded a goal. Gyan hit the bar, then courageously buried his chance in penalties, but two Muslera saves and an Abreu penalty a la Panenka later, and the Charruas are in the last 4.

Argentina 0-4 Germany: Cue the Maradona vitriol. I thought the Maradona experiment would fail, and finally Argentina met its match. Nigeria, South Korea, Greece, and Mexico was a comfortable road to the 1/4 finals, but Die Mannschaft exposed Argentina’s 4 center backs as slow, out of position, and lacking width. Wingers Maxi Rodriguez and Angel di Maria refused to track back, turning the scoreline into a bloodbath. Wait another 4 years to see the best of Lionel Messi on the international stage.

Paraguay 0-1 Spain: Jose Luis Chilavert was right about Guatemalan referee Carlos Batres, but the two missed penalties canceled each other out. The better team won, barely. David Villa is a menace; Fernando Torres, not so much. La Furia Roja better settle on its best XI before Germany comes calling on Wednesday. This game cried out for Santi Cazorla and Salvador Cabanas; alas for Paraguay, its loss was more acute. Unfortunate result for the Guaranies, who should have tied it late but for Saint Iker.

Villarreal watch: 2 winners and 1 loser this round. Diego Godin advanced without featuring in his side’s thrilling win in penalties; he may be available against the Netherlands on Tuesday. Joan Capdevila played 90 minutes in his side’s workmanlike victory and sent in a few dangerous crosses, though the Spanish attack goes through the opposite flank. Nilmar entered as a late sub with Brazil trailing and down to 10 men; he barely touched the ball. No goals in 4 appearances did little to help his transfer stock.

For a great comeback, maybe you have to defend poorly first. Cazorla took over the match after the opening half-hour (hope Vicente del Bosque was watching), while Godin was the most culpable for the deficit. And what a pass by Ibagaza on the first goal! Villarreal goal of the year, in my book.

As Garrido said, the match was a microcosm of the season. If Sevilla do us a favor on Wednesday, I will be content with the year.

News and notes:

• As noted, a Sevilla win in Wednesday’s Copa del Rey final gets us into Europe.
• The players’ final day of training is Thursday, but our 9 internationals are gone.
• A team recaps from the club website, Marca, and AS.
• And the B team pulled another point out of the fire, drawing 2-2 in Murcia. A Marco Ruben PK and late Joan Tomas header earned them a share of the points.

Now all that’s left is to watch the battle for relegation and the La Liga title. Can Xerez somehow beat the drop? I say yes.

Great win for the A team. Cazorla made a huge impact– now that he seems to be fit. And Godin is scoring striker-quality goals consistently now: what has gotten into him? Good to see the depth of our squad: Cazorla, Escudero, and Fuster were the 3 substitutes.

Great win for the B team as well. Playing with a man less for 85 minutes, due to the very strange sending-off of Catala, they avenged the A team’s Copa del Rey exit with a double over the Galicians. Jefferson Montero was the difference, as always.

I’ll keep this one short and sweet, since I will be at work during the match. Any last vestiges of hope we have for Europe will be extinguished without 3 points today.

Tenerife is a difficult team to play at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez, notwithstanding their position in the table. Of the islanders’ 23 points, 21 have come at home. Contrast that with Villarreal’s grand total of 6 away points all year, and you have a bad dynamic. And Villarreal never has won in Tenerife. So what’s the good news, you ask? The return of Santi Cazorla.

The squad for today’s match:

GKs: Diego López and Oliva.
Ds: Javi Venta, Capdevila, Gonzalo, Marcano, Godin, and Musacchio.
MFs: Senna, Bruno, Ibagaza, Cani, Santi Cazorla, Fuster, and Matilla.
Fs: Rossi, Llorente, and Nilmar.

Marcano, Matilla, and Santi Cazorla are new to the squad from Sunday’s defeat in Malaga. Angel, Pires, and Escudero are left out, the former two due to injury. I predict a hard-fought 0-1 victory, with Santi making the difference late. Endavant Villarreal!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! There is a bit going on in the world of Villarreal, as the club waits patiently for its first Monday evening match.

Injury news first up. In an excellent development, Santi Cazorla participated in a full training on Wednesday. No word yet on his return timeframe, but this is a definite positive step. Perhaps he can be available for the last eight or so matches of the season. I kind of doubt that is enough to get him back into the national side, but perhaps it will give him a chance.

On the other side of the equation, Gonzalo Rodriguez has suffered a strained rectus muscle in the back of his left leg, and is doubtful for the match against Malaga. This is especially disappointing considering the improvement that the defense has shown as of late. Musacchio is the expected replacement.

Worth noting, Manuel Pellegrini is getting closer and closer (allegedly) to the door at the Bernabeu, despite a quite admiral performance so far. If he does leave, surely the question must be where he goes, and more specifically, is Villarreal a possibility? I do not know whether it would be good for the club or not to see him back at El Madrigal on a regular basis, but I think this is something that is going to be fairly big news. Phil Ball recently commented (in passing) that his return to Villarreal is a possibility. He is usually pretty knowledgeable about things futbol.

Despite Villarreal’s reported financial troubles, they have been linked with a fairly large summer swoop for disgruntled Liverpool midfielder and Spanish national team member Albert Riera. The rumored price tag is €6.5, which is very big by Villarreal standards, but it has been reported in a few different spots, suggesting a little weight to the story.

Villarreal have also been linked to a couple of other players, including Stuttgart defender and Mexican international Ricardo Osorio, and Banfield (Argentina) midfielder Vergara.

Talked about earlier in the comments, Hernan Perez has been officially called up to the Paraguay national side. This is his first call up to the first team national side, and it could lead to action in South Africa for the midfielder. Endavant, Hernan!

Marcos Senna will enjoy his 200th cap for Villarreal when the club takes on Malaga on Monday. Surely someone around here knows – has anyone been capped more for the club since promotion?