Raul Goes the Way of Beckham

Reuters reports that Spanish captain Raul was dropped from the national squad today. Sad.

"I have chosen the players who I think are in the best form at this moment in time," coach Luis Aragones (we all know how I feel about him) told a news conference. 'This is a decision for this match alone and I'm not going to deny any player the right to play for Spain in the future...I haven't spoken to Raul about it. I don't usually talk to the players unless they are injured."

I know that Raul wasn't always in the starting lineup for Spain during the World Cup, which of course begs the question -- why make him captain? I wonder who will be captain for this game. Assume not my favorite, Xabi Alonso.

Raul, 29, said he respected Aragones's decision and would work hard to regain his place. More grace -- ol' Zlatan could learn a thing or two from Raul and Beckham.