Catalonia national football team
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Nickname(s) | La Selecció (The Selection), La Segadora (The Reaper) | ||
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Association | Catalan Football Federation | ||
Confederation | None | ||
Head coach | Gerard López | ||
Captain | Carles Puyol | ||
Most caps | Sergio González (15) | ||
Top scorer | Sergio García (7) | ||
Home stadium | Camp Nou | ||
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First international | |||
![]() ![]() (Paris, France; February 21, 1912) | |||
Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (Barcelona, Spain; 22 December 2000) ![]() ![]() (Barcelona, Spain; 22 December 1998) | |||
Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (Paris, France; February 21, 1912) ![]() ![]() (Les Corts, Spain; March 13, 1924) |
The Catalonia national football team is the official football team of the Spanish autonomous community of Catalonia. It is organised by the Catalan Football Federation. The team has been referred to by various names including Selecció Catalana, Selecció de Barcelona and the Catalan XI. Catalonia is not affiliated with either FIFA or UEFA and is therefore not allowed to participate in either the FIFA World Cup or the European Championship because the Spanish region of Catalonia is not a state. Catalan players are full Spanish citizens who are eligible to play for Spain. However since 1904, the team has played nearly 200 games against various national, regional and club teams.[1] Since 1997 they have played international friendly games more regularly. Among the teams they have played are Nigeria, Brazil and Argentina. Recent friendly games include a 4–2 win over Argentina at Camp Nou in December 2009,[2] and a 4–0 win over Honduras in December 2010. Their most recent friendly game was played in Cornellà-El Prat against opponents Nigeria in January 2013. The game finished in a 1-1 draw and concluded Dutch great Johan Cruyff's stint as coach of the Catalonia national selection.
History
First games
Catalonia national football team made their debut in 1904. Initially they played against various club teams such as Club Espanyol, Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Irún Sporting Club. On February 2, 1912 they made their international friendly debut against France, losing 7–0 in Paris. The team was: Reñé, Irízar, Amecharruza, Alemany, Peris, Armet, Forns, Rodríguez, Comamala, Morales and Ramiro. On December 1, 1912 the two teams met again in Barcelona and this time the Catalans won 1–0. In 1914 the Catalan XI played the Basque Country XI for the first time, but there is no record of the result .[3] The first recorded game between the two teams took place on January 3, 1915 at San Mamés Stadium. The Catalan XI lost 6–1.
Copa Príncep d'Astúries
Between 1915 and 1926 the Catalan XI competed in an inter-regional competition. They finished as runners-up in 1915 and won the Copa Príncep d'Astúries for the first time in 1916, beating a Castile XI 8–5 over two games. They then retained the trophy in 1917 after beating the Castile XI 2–0. During the 1920s a team featuring Josep Samitier, Paulino Alcántara, Sagibarba and Ricardo Zamora helped the Catalan XI win the competition in 1922, 1924 and 1926. The last competition in 1926 was a play-off between the two teams who had won the competition the most. The Catalans beat an Asturias XI 6–3 over two games.
As well as playing other regional teams from throughout Spain and Europe, the 1920s also saw the Catalan XI play several internationals friendly matches. On March 13, 1924 at the Les Corts, the Catalan XI played Spain for the first time. The Spain XI included Josep Samitier and Ricardo Zamora, two of the best Catalan players of the era while the Catalan XI featured Paulino Alcántara and Sagibarba. Samiter scored twice as the Spain XI won 7–0. On December 13, 1925 Samitier, Zamora, Alcántara and Sagibarba were on the same side as the Catalan XI beat Czechoslovakia at the Sarria. After conceding a penalty and going down 1–0, Sagibarba then equalised with another penalty before Samitier clinched a 2–1 win. On July 7, 1926 the Catalan XI played Czechoslovakia in Prague. Despite Samitier putting the Catalans 1–0 ahead, they eventually lost 2–1.
Catalonia vs Brazil
During the 1930s Catalonia continued playing friendly games against an array of teams. However 1934 was a particularly good year. On February 2 they played Spain and lost 2–0 at Les Corts. However four months later they played Brazil twice. On June 17 the Catalan XI beat Brazil 2–1 at Les Corts and then on June 24 they held them to a 2–2 draw at the Vista Alegre in Girona. The Brazil team had been in Europe to play in the official 1934 FIFA World Cup and included the legendary Leônidas in their team. The Catalan XI completed a good month when on June 29 they beat the reigning official La Liga champions, Athletic Bilbao 5–1.
The Franco era
After the Spanish Civil War, the dictator Franco imposed several restrictions on Catalonia, abolishing the Generalitat de Catalunya and banning the official use of the Catalan language and the catalan flag. However the Catalan XI continued to play regularly during this period and even played Spain twice. On October 19, 1947 at the Sarrià, with a team featuring Velasco, Marià Gonzalvo, Joan Segarra and César, they beat Spain 3–1. However on August 9, 1953 Spain avenged this defeat with a 6–0 win.
During this era several notable FC Barcelona players, including the Spanish players like Laszlo Kubala, Luis Suárez, Evaristo and later, Jesús María Pereda, all guested for the Catalan XI. On January 26, 1955 in a friendly game against Bologna at Les Corts, Kubala was also joined by another guest player, Alfredo Di Stéfano. The Catalan XI won 6–2 with two goals from Kubala and one from Di Stéfano. On September 1, 1956 Di Stéfano returned to Les Corts with Real Madrid, recent winners of the first official European Cup, and played a Selecció de Barcelona. Real won the game 7–3.
The Catalan XI marked the end of the Franco era with a friendly game against the USSR at the Camp Nou on June 6, 1976. The team included Carles Rexach and guest Netherlands players Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens. The game finished 1–1 with Neeskens scoring for the Catalan XI. Cruyff's son, Jordi, would subsequently play regularly for the Catalan XI.
Democratic era
Since the restoration of democracy in the 1970s, the Catalonia national team has regularly played international friendly matches. They subsequently put together a string of successful results against great economic countries like Bulgaria, Nigeria, Yugoslavia, Lithuania and Chile. On May 5, 2002 Catalonia hosted Brazil in a warm up friendly game before the official 2002 FIFA World Cup. Brazil, who went on to win the official competition, beat Catalonia 3–1. In 2004 Brazil returned for a second friendly game and this time won 5–2 in the Camp Nou, where some months later Argentina defeated Catalonia 3–0. The last friendly matches have been against Paraguay, Costa Rica, Basque Country, Argentina and Colombia.
Johan Cruyff's era
On 2 November 2009, it was announced that Dutch legend and former Barcelona manager Johan Cruyff will be the new coach of Catalonia.[4][4]
On 22 December 2009, they played a friendly against Argentina, which ended in a Catalonia win, 4–2 at Camp Nou.
On 28 December 2010, Catalonia played another friendly against Honduras winning 4–0 at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.[5]
On 30 December 2011, Catalonia played Tunisia in a goalless draw at Lluís Companys Stadium.[6]
In their last game under Cruyff on 2 January 2013, Catalonia drew with Nigeria at the Cornellà-El Prat with 1–1.[7]
Post-Cruyff era
Former player Gerard López was appointed new coach for the Catalan team for 2 years. His first match with the team takes place on 30 December against Cape Verde in the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.[8]
Historical matches
Date | Venue | Home Team | Visitor | Score |
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Dec. 30 2013 | Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona | ![]() |
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4–1 |
Jan. 2 2013 | Cornellà-El Prat, Cornellà de Llobregat | ![]() |
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1–1 |
Dec. 30 2011 | Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona | ![]() |
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0–0 |
Dec. 28 2010 | Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona | ![]() |
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4–0 |
Dec. 22 2009 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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4–2 |
Dec. 28 2008 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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2–1 |
May 24, 2008 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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0–1 |
Dec. 29 2007 | San Mamés, Bilbao | ![]() |
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1–1 |
Oct. 8 2006 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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2–2 |
May 24, 2006 | Olímpic de Terrassa, Terrassa | ![]() |
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2–0 |
Dec. 28 2005 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–1 |
Dec. 29 2004 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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0–3 |
May 25, 2004 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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2–5 |
Dec. 28 2003 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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4–0 |
Dec. 28 2002 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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2–0 |
May 18, 2002 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–3 |
Dec. 28 2001 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–0 |
Dec. 22 2000 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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5–0 |
Dec. 23 1999 | Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–0 |
Dec. 22 1998 | Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona | ![]() |
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5–0 |
Dec. 23 1997 | Olímpic Lluís Companys, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–1 |
June 6, 1976 | Camp Nou, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–1 |
Feb. 21 1971 | San Mamés, Bilbao | ![]() |
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1–2 |
Aug. 9 1953 | Galileu, Barcelona | ![]() |
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0–6 |
Oct. 19 1947 | Sarrià, Barcelona | ![]() |
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3–1 |
June 24, 1934 | Vista Alegre, Girona | ![]() |
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2–2 |
June 17, 1934 | Les Corts, Barcelona | ![]() |
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2–1 |
Feb. 2 1934 | Les Corts, Barcelona | ![]() |
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0–2 |
Jan. 1 1931 | San Mamés, Bilbao | ![]() |
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3–2 |
June 8, 1930 | Montjuïc, Barcelona | ![]() |
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0–1 |
July 7, 1926 | Sparta, Prague | ![]() |
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2–1 |
Dec. 13 1925 | Sarrià, Barcelona | ![]() |
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2–1 |
Mar. 13 1924 | Les Corts, Barcelona | ![]() |
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0–7 |
Apr. 4 1921 | Camp de la Indústria, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–0 |
Apr. 3 1921 | Camp de la Indústria, Barcelona | ![]() |
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4–0 |
June 4, 1916 | San Mamés, Bilbao | ![]() |
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5–0 |
May 22, 1916 | Camp de la Indústria, Barcelona | ![]() |
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0–0 |
May 21, 1916 | Camp de la Indústria, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–3 |
May 13, 1915 | Athletic, Madrid | ![]() |
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1–0 |
Feb. 7 1915 | Camp de la Indústria, Barcelona | ![]() |
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2–2 |
Jan. 3 1915 | San Mamés, Bilbao | ![]() |
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6–1 |
Dec. 1 1912 | Camp de la Indústria, Barcelona | ![]() |
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1–0 |
Feb. 20 1912 | Colombes, Paris | ![]() |
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7–0 |
Results and fixtures
2 January 2013 | Catalonia ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Barcelona |
19:00 CET | Sergio González (penalty) ![]() |
Bright Dike ![]() |
Stadium: Cornellà-El Prat Referee: Estrada Fernández |
30 December 2013 | Catalonia ![]() | 4–1 | ![]() | Barcelona |
19:00 CET | Sergio García ![]() Bojan Krkić ![]() Oriol Riera ![]() |
Djaniny ![]() |
Stadium: Olímpic Lluís Companys Attendance: 20,700 Referee: Álvarez Izquierdo |
Current squad
The following players were called up for the match against Cape Verde on 30 December 2013.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | Jordi Codina | 27 April 1982 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | GK | Kiko Casilla | 2 January 1986 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
11 | DF | Joan Capdevila | 3 February 1978 | 10 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Gerard Piqué | 2 February 1987 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | DF | Marc Bartra | 15 January 1991 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
2 | DF | Martín Montoya | 14 April 1991 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | DF | Jordi Alba | 21 March 1989 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Marc Valiente | 20 March 1987 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | DF | Víctor Álvarez | 14 March 1993 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
12 | DF | Oriol Rosell | 7 July 1992 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | MF | Sergio Busquets | 16 July 1988 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
10 | MF | Cesc Fàbregas | 4 May 1987 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | MF | Sergi Roberto | 21 August 1992 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
6 | MF | Víctor Sánchez | 8 September 1987 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
5 | MF | Jordi Xumetra | 24 October 1985 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
14 | MF | David López | 9 October 1989 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
7 | FW | Sergio García | 9 June 1983 | 11 | 7 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Bojan Krkić | 28 August 1990 | 7 | 6 | ![]() |
20 | FW | Piti | 26 May 1981 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
22 | FW | Cristian Tello | 11 August 1991 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | FW | Oriol Riera | 3 July 1986 | 1 | 1 | ![]() |
8 | FW | Aleix Vidal | 21 August 1989 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
Recent callups
The following players have been called up for the team in the last two years.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Víctor Valdés | 14 January 1982 | 12 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Carles Puyol | 12 April 1978 | 6 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Andreu Fontàs | 14 November 1989 | 2 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Jordi Amat | 21 March 1992 | 2 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Raúl Rodríguez | 22 September 1987 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Dídac Vilà | 9 June 1989 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Sergio Juste | 12 January 1992 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Xavi Hernández | 25 January 1980 | 10 | 2 | ![]() | |
MF | Joan Verdú | 5 May 1983 | 9 | 2 | ![]() | |
MF | Javi Márquez | 11 May 1986 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Sergio Tejera | 28 May 1990 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Albert Puigdollers | 30 October 1980 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
FW | Ferran Corominas | 5 January 1983 | 8 | 1 | ![]() | |
FW | Jonathan Soriano | 24 September 1985 | 4 | 1 | ![]() | |
FW | Álvaro Vázquez | 27 April 1991 | 3 | 0 | ![]() | |
FW | Isaac Cuenca | 27 April 1991 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
Notable players
Catalan-born players
Guest players
Because Catalonia is not a member of either UEFA or FIFA due to it being a region of Spain, obvious eligibility rules based on birthplace do not apply. As a result of unofficial friendly team, a number of players who were not born in Catalonia have guested for the Catalan XI. With the notable exception of Alfredo Di Stéfano, most were playing for FC Barcelona at the time. Notice that some players, as Andrés Iniesta or Jordi Cruyff had lived most of their lives (and childhood) in Catalonia. Some others, as Sagibarba or Paulino Alcántara had Catalan ancestors (for example: Alcántara was the son of a Catalan military officer in the Spanish Philippines and moved to Barcelona after the Spanish–American War as a child).
Selected coaches
Pichi Alonso, 1995–2005
Pere Gratacós, 2005–2009
Johan Cruyff, 2009–2013
Gerard López, 2013–
Honours
- Copa Príncep d'Astúries
- Winners 1916. 1917, 1922, 1924, 1926: 5
- Runners-Up 1915: 1
See also
Notes
- ^ esportcatala.com[dead link]
- ^ "4–2: Catalunya suma un triunfo de prestigio frente a Argentina" (in Spanish). El Mundo Deportivo. 22 December 2009.
- ^ fcbarcelona.com[dead link]
- ^ a b "Cruyff will coach Catalonia team". BBC News. 2 November 2009.
- ^ "Catalonia defeats Honduras". La Prensa.hn (Honduran national newspaper). 29/12/2010.
- ^ "Catalonia draws with Tunisia". El Periódico de Catalunya (Catalionian newspaper) 31/12/2011.
- ^ "Catalunya empata con Nigeria en la despedida de Cruyff". ElPeriodico.com. 2 January 2013. Retrieved 2 January 2013.
- ^ "Catalunya jugará contra Cabo Verde el 30 de diciembre". Lavanguardia.com. 15 November 2013.