Football
The Girls’ Guide to Watching Euro 2012
Group C
Group C has the current world champions, Spain, together with the 2006 world champions, Italy, as well as Ireland and Croatia. Both the world champions have advanced, and between these two squads, there is a lot to go around for the ladies.
Of chorizos and hombres calientes
Spain is currently ranked No. 1 by FIFA, and there is no question that this team also ranks first in the hotness factor. In fact, choosing three representative fine specimens is quite a challenge. However, after much consulting with the fieles a La Roja (faithful to La Roja, the Spanish squad’s nickname), here are three men representative of the varying shades of hotness in the Spanish armada.
Iker Casillas of Spain. Reuters
Iker Casillas is Spain’s first-choice goalkeeper and is one his way to become one of his country’s most capped internationals. The 30-year-old has earned the nickname “San Iker” for his miraculous saves for both club and country, displaying an accurate reading of his opponents and their games. One other thing this saint has got going? He has got the perfect profile.
Fernando Llorente of Spain. Reuters
Fernando Llorente is one of three strikers in the Spanish squad for Euro 2012. While his playing time has been limited to date, look for this “lion” with piercing blue eyes to be unleashed in critical games. Case in point: look up Spain’s clash with Portugal in the 2010 World Cup — Llorente came on as a super substitute, with matching shirt ripping to boot. And if Michelangelo patterned his David after a person, he probably had Llorente in mind.
Cesc Fabregas of Spain. Reuters
Cesc Fabregas has a boyish charm and Moorish looks to boot — too cute, in fact, that his first name has been mispronounced repeatedly, including by the coaches. This former Arsenal captain may not get the usual starting spot in the Spanish squad, but he plays a key role in Spain’s passing game and is an effective option in attack.
Dolce & Gabbana and then some
Italian men have been known to dress immaculately, and if Forza Azzurri’s previous campaigns with Dolce & Gabbana are any indication, these football players do come in the most interesting of packages.
Claudio Marchisio of Italy. Reuters
Midfielder Claudio Marchisio is predominantly right-footed, but has been known to have a strong shot with either foot. Also, he does have gorgeous ice-blue eyes.
Federico Balzaretty of Italy. Reuters
If long-haired men are more your type, Federico Balzaretti is one option. The left back from Palermo and the Italian national team just made his debut in the national team in late 2010.
