It’s Fernando Torres’ 29th birthday today and while he isn’t in the Dirty 30 Club, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. So break out the sangria, tapas, and all your favorite foods from the Basque Country because we’re about to jump into all things Fernando.

Here is Fernando training with Chelsea FC…well, he’s not really training and mostly posing. We forgive him since you know it does take a lot for a genius to plan how he is going to attack the pitch.

Fernando is on his knees and likely someone is getting a red card for fouling him – because Fernando is never in the wrong…never!

He’s thinking deep thoughts about his bff, Sergio Ramos here…don’t worry, I do the same thing.

Presented without comment and mostly because I am not entirely prepared for the next photo in this set…

Here is Fernando in his Spain kit and more than likely fouled by someone – you know this is becoming a theme but I’m totally focused on this bit of ab showing at the waist. Seriously someone give me a one way ticket to Spain.

This is by far the best and frankly what we here are all about. In fact, if he chose to walk around like this all the time (even in the snow), I would not complain at all. Take all the time you need scoring goals, really. I have all the time in the world.

Don’t you wish Sergio Ramos was your BFF? Well, too bad, because this is his one and only bestie, Fernando Torres. I know that I’m sad but I won’t be the Yoko here.

And finally…here is Sergio in a twitter photo today as he put it, “I want to congratulate a great friend who is not here, missing him lots… Happy birthday!!”

If you feel like wishing Fernando Torres a very happy birthday, you still have time to tweet him @Torres (he hasn’t updated since October 2011 but it is the thought that counts!)

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The biggest soccer game of the day was televised early in the US at 7:45am.  I was eager and happy to wake up for such an anticipated battle.

Chelsea made the short trip across town to the North London side to play Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.  Both teams went into this game undefeated for the season.  This match was said to be a true test to see if Arsenal’s excellent form of late would be good enough to consider them a title contender.

From the start, Chelsea was on the attack with a very quick pace and retained control and possession most of the  match.  Arsenal’s defending was tested often but the Gunners kept damages to a minimum, closing the half with a score of 1-1.  Goals by both Fernando Torres and an equalizer by Arsenal winger Gervinho made it a nail biter for those up early enough to watch it live.

The second Chelsea goal was scored on a free kick by David Luiz.  The ball took a deflection off Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny just outside the net.  Goalkeeper Vito Mannone misjudged the ball and allowed the go-ahead goal around the 60th minute.

Arsenal kept up the pressure, clearly believing and wanting an equalizer, but Chelsea’s defending was just too good.

Chelsea finished sixth in the league last year, but I predict they won’t repeat that again.  Manager Roberto Di Matteo has inherited a talented and threatening team.  With the likes of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and a very in-form Fernando Torres, Chelsea’s front line will give the Manchester sides a run for their money, pun intended.  Overall, a solid game for Chelsea and they wholeheartedly deserved the win.

If this was a test for the Gunners, they obviously failed, but they didn’t look completely weak or dominated by Chelsea.  As an Arsenal fan, I still believe my team can compete for the title but we have work to do.  It’s still early in the season and many new players have yet to live up to their potential.  Both teams will certainly be exciting to watch as the season unfolds.  COYG!

Monday marks the start of a new week for footy! And we’ve got all the headlines you need.  Check out your Monday Daily Kick Around!

La Liga

After weeks of speculation, the Croatian and former Tottenham Hotspur Luka Modric has signed a 5-year deal with the reigning Spanish champions, Real Madrid after a pending medical exam. How can the 26-year old fit in with Madrid? Being one of the most creative players in the Premier League, Modric is sure to bring creativity in the midfield while being a key player in assisting goals. He’ll be a positive influence on on the midfield which seems to lack in confidence from time to time.

“I chose Madrid because they are the best club in the world. They’ve won so many things, so many titles. It’s amazing for me to be here.”

Bienvenidos a Madrid Luka!

FC Barcelona captain Carles Puyol suffered a fractured right cheekbone in their match against Osasuna Sunday after a collision with Roland Lamah. Puyol is currently undergoing tests today and nothing has been confirmed if he’ll be playing in the second leg of Supercopa de Espana on Wednesday.

English Premier League

Things could be looking up for Chelsea FC after the signing of Eden Hazard this summer. On Saturday the Blues defeated Newcastle 2-nil after a goal by Hazard and Fernando Torres, who had one of the worst goal-scoring droughts last season. Alan Pardew, manager of Newcastle, said that Hazard could lead the Blues to a title this year.

“You can see why so many top clubs were chasing Hazard and he has certainly given Chelsea an extra dimension in the first few games of this season.”

Pardew also praised Torres:

“That was as good as I have seen Torres play in some time and I have seen a lot of him. He looks to have a little something back in his game and looked dangerous playing Hazard. It is still the old Chelsea in many ways, but Hazard and Torres are giving them a little extra up front and they will have a good season.”

Bundesliga

Bayern target Javi Martinez is still training with Athletic Bilbao despite reports he was to fly out to Munich today. The 23-year old has been linked with various clubs this summer yet Bayern are keen on signing him.

Controversy! Scandal! Accusations! We just love digging up some saucy headlines for you and today’s have their fair share. From Fernando Torres’s controversial game-winning goal against Reading to Juventus coach Antonio Conte’s suspension, and an accusation of San Jose playing dirty, we’ve got a wide range of hot topics today.

Serie A

Juventus coach Antonio Conte tried to appeal his 10-month ban by the Italian Football Federation for match-fixing, but yesterday the ban was upheld by an Italian soccer court:

Conte’s implication in the scandal involved match-fixing charges in two Serie B matches that took place in the 2010-11 season.

“It was decided to acquit Conte for his role in the Novara-Siena game, but the 10-month disqualification stands as a disciplinary commission sanction concerning Albinoleffe-Siena,” the statement said.

Ever wonder what music pumps your favorite players up before a game? AS Roma’s digital business division has extended its relationship with Apple by launching iTunes playlists curated by the club’s players:

Pablo Osvaldo is the first to let the world know his music tastes, as Roma update the music page on a weekly basis. Osvaldo’s musical tastes include everything from Leonard Cohen up to Metallica. Music has always been a huge part of the beautiful game - with terrace chants and anthems ever popular. Furthermore, in recent years the image of footballers equipped with headphones as part of their pre-match ritual has become standard.

English Premier League 

Chelsea didn’t have an easy time of it today against Reading, but managed to pull out a 4-2 win after trailing at the half, thanks to late heroics from – you guessed it, Fernando Torres. But should Torres’s 81st minute game-winner have counted? Reading head coach Brian McDermott was livid after the play, in which he thought Torres was clearly offside.

Chelsea now sits atop the EPL table with six points but are they good enough to challenge the Manchester duo?

Manchester United may have added a key veteran up top in Robin van Persie, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t relying on the team’s home-grown youth going forward. Young striker Danny Welbeck, a lifelong Red Devils fan, just signed new contract to keep him with the club through 2016, and Sir Alex Ferguson has high hopes for his future with the club:

“He has become an important player at international level as well, as the maturity of his performances at the European Championships showed.

“This year is another important one for him. He has a bright future ahead of him.”

Good news for Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero, who suffered a knee injury last weekend against Southampton. ESPN is reporting that Aguero could be back within a month, after an initial fear that the injury could be much worse and sideline him for a greater part of the season.

La Liga

The first clash of the La Liga titans will be upon us this weekend, and ESPN’s Graham Hunter reflects on the recent history, the magic and the importance of the Clasico, matches he described as “the most explosive, most technically brilliant, most consistently entertaining and most rewarding anywhere in the world.”

Major League Soccer

San Jose has impressed this season with late comebacks and a rise to the top of the MLS standings, but are they playing dirty to get there? Quakes coach Frank Yallop embraces their physical style of play, but was “mystified” by the red card on Steven Lenhart in last Saturday’s match against Montreal.

“Does [Lenhart] get into people’s heads? Sure,” Yallop said. “Is he a nightmare to play against? Yes. But he’s not elbowed, punched or head butted anybody. And he got that all Saturday night, and he got red-carded as well.”

There’s no question with Lenhart and Alan Gordon as a pair of target men to use up top, San Jose plays a physical brand of soccer. To Yallop, however, there’s an important difference between being hard-nosed and crossing the line into dirty.

Since the Olympics has started for soccer, I thought I’d choose someone who will be representing his country in London. This year, he’s won FA Cup and Champions League with Chelsea and Euro Cup with Spain. Now he has a chance to go for the gold at the Olympics as the overage player for Spain. Who am I talking about? None other than Juan Mata.

Mata started off with Real Oviedo then moved to Real Madrid’s youth theam when he was 15. After that it was Valencia and then to his current team, Chelsea.

w/ Real Oviedo

w/ Real Madrid’s youth team

w/ Valencia

Not only is he a great soccer player, he also has a good sense of style, something you don’t see too often with other footballers.

one of the few guys who can pull off a bow tie

When I was looking for pictures of Mata, I noticed that there were a lot of pictures of him with his Spain NT and Chelsea teammate, Fernando Torres. These two are adorable together, take a look!

You can follow him on twitter @juanmata10

Spanish captain Iker Casillas lifts the trophy after playing his 100th international match; the first player to accomplish that.

WE DID IT.

Spain is the first national team to ever win three international tournaments in a row. IN.A.ROW.

La Roja won the 2008 Euro Championship after  a 1-nil victory against Germany with a goal by Fernando Torres. They also won the 2010 World Cup after a lone goal by Andres Iniesta in the 116′ of extra time against the Netherlands.

And today, well, Spain pulled a three-peat after scoring four goals against their Group C counterparts, Italy. In an intense match-up between Spain and Italy, all eyes were on La Roja as they set out to lift their third international trophy, as the best soccer dynasty ever.

Fourteen minutes in David Silva scored a beautiful header from a pass from Cesc Fabregas, putting the Spaniards up early.  Italy faced some setbacks as Giorgio Chielinni was subbed out in the 21′ for Federico Balzaretti.

The Italians had a strong backline who fought hard with Spain’s three forwards Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Andres Iniesta. But it wasn’t strong enough for Jordi Alba who found the back of the net in the 41′. When the ref blew the whistle, Spain were already up 2-nil.

The second half turned out to be devastating for Italy, who fell behind Spain’s passing and pace. Antonio Di Natale came on for Cassano, bringing the much needed fire for Italy. But another hard hit would come for the Italians after a hamstring injury caused sub Thiago Motta to be pulled off the pitch, leaving opportunities for Spain against an Italian team with 10 men.

Vicente Del Bosque, who now holds Euro, World Cup, Champions League and La Liga championships, decided to bring on a true striker as Fernando Torres took Cesc Fabregas’ place. Nine minutes later, El Nino scored Spain’s third goal. But it didn’t stop there folks! Juan Mata made his first appearance in the tournament in the 87′ only to score the final goal a minute after entering the pitch. The assist Torres provided made him the Golden Boot winner ahead of Germany’s Mario Gomez.

Italy had an amazing tournament but in the end, they couldn’t cope with La Roja’s incisive attacking play and beautiful passing, who also set the record of being the first team to win a Euro final by a four-goal margin.

Needless to say, Spain is one of the best national teams in the world. Not just by their accomplishments but by how they make them. People might say they are “boring” or “dull,” well they are far from that. They have set a standard to how beautiful football should be played by being innovators of meticulous passing.

No doubt this is the just the beginning of what promises to be a very accomplished Spanish national team.

Photo courtesy of UEFA

With no Euros to occupy our attention today, the English Premier League grabbed the headlines with the news of a big move for Chelsea hero Didier Drogba. What does that mean for Fernando Torres? Hot-blooded Italian rumors! MLS is back and in a big way with six matches tonight, including four of the top five teams in this week’s MLS Power Rankings. We’ll catch you up with where everyone stands. Plus, some off the beat highlights from the U.S. Women’s National Team’s short trip to Sweden.

English Premier League

The biggest news coming today is that former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has officially signed with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua:

One month after sealing Chelsea’s victory in the European Champions League final, Didier Drogba signed with Shanghai Shenhua on a two-year contract that reportedly will make him China’s highest-paid player.

Shanghai confirmed the signing on Wednesday, and Drogba said on his website he will join the Chinese Super League team in the country’s financial hub next month.

No details were given on Shanghai’s offer, although local media reported the club was willing to pay as much as $15 million per year.

Does this mean that Fernando Torres has a spot in the starting XI? Not if Juventus has anything to do with it:

According to Goal.com it appears that Italian Champions, Juventus are chasing the out of favor Spaniard with an offer of £24 million having been directed towards Chelsea.

Despite having shelled out £50 million for the former Liverpool hitman in January of 2011, the club could be set to cut their losses and move on with Torres getting a new lease on life in Italy where his talents would be more apt to shine due to the nature of the Italian game.

Euro 2012

FIFA President Sepp Blatter finally admitted that goal-line technology is a “necessity,” after a major blown that knocked Ukraine out of the Euros:

The most powerful man in soccer called goal-line technology a “necessity” Wednesday, only hours after Ukraine was denied what appeared to be a legitimate goal in its must-win match against England at the European Championship.

“After last night’s match GLT is no longer an alternative but a necessity,” FIFA President Sepp Blatter wrote on Twitter.

Want a good laugh? Search “Sepp Blatter GLT” on Twitter.

Major League Soccer

Though we’ve been quite content with Euros and international friendlies in the last couple weeks, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I missed MLS. Well, it’s back to your regularly scheduled programming and we’ve got tons of matches with the cream of the crop to look forward to. In case you’ve forgotten where everyone stands, here’s MLS’s Week 15 Power Rankings to catch you up. Real Salt Lake remain firmly at the top, but the New York Red Bulls are down after a 3-1 loss on Sunday to Chicago Fire, breaking their six-game unbeaten streak.

After stumbling in Chicago, can the Red Bulls get past Eastern Conference rivals D.C. United this Sunday? If they want to, they’ll have to figure out how to stop D.C.’s “forward thinking” attack. MLS’s Armchair Analyst breaks their attacking mentality down.

Houston Dynamo defender Geoff Cameron just returned his club after interational duty with the national team, but he may not be there for long. Cameron is drawing interest from European clubs in the Bundesliga and Premier League:

Reports during this past Saturday’s broadcast of the Texas Derby – a 2-1 win over FC Dallas – claimed that three clubs, Schalke 04 of the German Bundesliga and English Premier league clubs Everton and Stoke City, were at BBVA Compass Stadium for the game to scout the multi-talented defender.

[snip]

While Cameron is distancing himself from the process, it is no surprise teams are interested in the 6-foot-3 center back. The 26-year-old’s unique skill set – especially on the ball – is sure to attract more interest along the lines of what he got on Saturday night.

“Geoff’s a top player and we’ve heard through the grapevine that some clubs in Europe are interested,” Dynamo executive Chris Canetti told MLSsoccer.com. “We certainly wouldn’t be surprised if some teams knocked on our door about him but, at this point, no formal offers or inquiries have been made.”

U.S. Women’s National Team

The USWNT took care of business in Sweden this past weekend, defeating Sweden 3-1 and Japan 4-1 in the three-nation Volvo Winners Cup, a friendly tournament in preparation for the Olympics. But it wasn’t all business. On a day off from training, midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Lori Lindsey took a trip to the Liseberg Amusement Park in Gothenburg and documented their adventures. More Pinoe and Lori, please, U.S. Soccer.

The Irish will be jigging their way out of the European tournament after a 4-nil loss to Spain.

The defending champs made a bold statement in their lineup by starting Fernando Torres. Yes, that’s right. They started an actual striker. History proves that when Nando starts a match with Spain, he’s likely to score a goal. Today was no different.

The Chelsea player scored two goals, one in each half starting the in the 4′ after an angled shot over Irish keeper Shay Given.

Throughout the match, La Furia Roja controlled the tempo through their big combinations with much help by midfielders Xavi and Xabi Alonso who were taking advantage of every inch of space they could find. It also helped that Ireland lost the ball quickly.

David Silva scored again in the tournament in the 49′ by rolling a left-footed shot around the keeper. Coming right off the bench, Cesc Fabregas knocked one in for Spain as well.

With this win, Spain are first in the Group C standings but tied in points with Croatia, who they will play on Monday. You can watch that match at 12:45 ET on ESPN, ESPN 3 or ESPN Deportes.

Stay tuned for all your Euros news!

Photo courtesy of UEFA

It’s the day I’ve been waiting for since the Euro draw last year, being that I’m a HUGE Spanish supporter. The opening match for Group C was between Spain and Italy. Both are the last two World Cup Champions with Italy winning in 2006 and Spain grabbing their first in 2010. The match was the most anticipated of the group stage but no one know exactly how it would turn out.

When it comes to Spain, you need a striker. La Roja faced the Italians in their first match of the Euros yet both countries left viewers confused when their starting 11 rosters were announced.

Reigning European Champions, Spain kept the lineup heavy in the midfield without any designated striker, while Italy kept strong in the backline. With chances coming from David Silva, the men in red had no one to finish. Italy had some great shots on goal (from Cassano and De Rossi,) however Iker Casillas wasn’t ready to concede a goal or two, stopping every shot coming his way.

All of Spain’s players entering the match came from Real Madrid or Barcelona except for two: David Silva and Jordi Alba, meaning the Spaniards would rely heavily on their superb passing skills. Honestly, the first half bored me to the point where I started poking fun at my own side.

Mario Balotelli was subbed off for Di Natale after a terrible first half where Balotelli reacted a little too dramatic after a call wasn’t made by the ref. Not to mention a run where he had a chance to give Italy one up on the Spaniards, but it was poorly executed.

Within five minutes of being subbed on, Di Natale found the back of the net, flipping the ball past Spain keeper Iker Casillas to put Italy up 1-nil. But the scoreline wouldn’t stay that way for long. Cesc Fabregas scored a beautiful goal in the 65th minute giving La Roja the equalizer they wanted. David Silva was subbed off for Jesus Navas, who is a fantastic right winger, but the question remained: Who will be Spain’s striker?

The answer? Fernando Torres.

Now I know what you’re thinking. Why Torres? Let’s face it, Nando is better now at the international level than he is at the club level. Why that’s the case, I’m not sure but for some reason, he can finish in the Spanish kit. Or so we thought. I even came up with a little jingle to explain Nando’s drought.  Imagine the music of Lady Gaga’s ‘Alejandro’ but with these lyrics:

Can’t score a goal, can’t score a goal. Fernando!

Without a doubt, after subs were made for both sides, the match suddenly became the match everyone hoped for. A fast, intense example of how football should be played. Italy was fierce and Spain was determined. In the end, both countries left with one point, some happy and some disappointed.

Spain will play the Republic of Ireland on Thursday while Italy face Croatia.

Stay tuned to Aerys Soccer for all your Euro 2012 coverage!!!

Photo courtesy of UEFA

 The newest writer to Aerys Soccer Kendall Schoendienst will break down the groups for this year’s Euros and give you her thoughts on who to watch out for. Group C has two top favorites, Spain and Italy. But Croatia and Ireland are forces to be reckoned with. Read on to find out Kendall’s thoughts of the group! 

Now that the Group of Death is finished for the day, let’s get to the breakdown of Group C!

Group C: Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Spain

Spain and Italy are favorites to go through out of this group, but don’t write-off Croatia and Ireland. This is a tough group to call because the pressure is all on Spain and Italy, and they are dealing with internal problems — players missing and match-fixing to name a few.

Croatia has had some growing pains but they have quality players and a passionate coach in Slaven Bilic. Bilic is rumored to leave the job after the tournament and end his 6-year tenure at Tottenham. Captain Darijo Srna and Nikica Jelavic are both vital in Croatia’s attack and the team will look to them for goals. Croatia could upset Italy or Spain, but probably not both.

The most tenacious and gritty of the group, Ireland, will rely on experience to push them through the group stage. A familiar squad of veterans will take to the pitch and in turn will be stacked with leadership and confidence. Robbie Keane is the game changer for the Irish. He is the scoring machine for the team and if he fails to find the back of the net, then it could be an ugly campaign for the Irish. This team can grind out results and the entire country will travel over and make it feel like the Irish are playing at home. My concern is they could be one dimensional and that in turn doesn’t give Coach Giovanni Trapattoni many options.

Italy have been resurrected and re-invented since their disheveled and embarrassing display in South Africa two years ago. Italy has always been known for their superb defense and rather conservative attack. Coach Cesare Prandelli has been using a very innovative and surprising 4-3-1-2 formation. It enables the midfield to play a role in the attack and still stick to the Italian way of playing. Goalkeeper Buffon and the backline are very solid, but Italy lacks in finishing power. Prandelli will look to youngster Mario Balotelli (a.k.a. Bibotelli. Youtube it, it will change your life) for goals. But Balotelli is a huge liability and is likely to fly off the handle at a whim’s notice.

Spain certainly needs no introduction. The 2008 European Champions and 2010 World Cup title holders are on the hunt to be the first country to win back-to-back-to-back titles. Critics question whether the desire and hunger are still present. Espana has to overcome the absence of goal scoring phenomenon David Villa. Fernando Torres could be the point man but is the image of warming a bench in South Africa still haunting him? Also, Puyol will be missing in the backline and the likely option to replace him is Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos. Spain has a very deep bench and whoever boss Vicente del Bosque chooses to play up top will be supported by the most talented midfield in the tournament.

Predictions: 1. Spain 2. Italy 3. Ireland 4. Croatia