Real Madrid run revives Raul recall debate

Real Madrid's Raul Gonzalez gave another convincing demonstration of why many Spaniards believe he should be recalled to the national side in the Spanish giants' 3-1 win over Lazio on Tuesday.

The Real captain, as described by the Spanish sports daily Marca on Wednesday: "scored one goal, had another disallowed, and also hit the post with a header. He had a great first half and, in the second, he showed his class."

Despite their 3-2 loss at Werder Bremen two weeks ago, Real Madrid remain among the favourites to win this season's Champions League, partly thanks to Raul's efforts.

Raul himself knew after the game that the case is starting to become compelling for him to be recalled by Spanish coach Luis Aragones ahead of Euro 2008, especially with the falling form and injuries of Valencia's David Villa.

"I've still got dreams about the European Championships and I'm still working hard towards it," said Raul, after helping to secure Real's place among the first seeds in the Champions League last 16 draw on December 21.

"I'm looking ahead to Euro 2008 but so are also some other players who are doing well. I really don't know what lies ahead in the coming year but, day-to-day, things could hardly be better at the moment," he added.

The 30-year-old striker has eight goals in La Liga this season, only behind the tally of 10 notched up by Sevilla's Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano, and he has been a key factor in Real once again leading the league.

Raul has also another three goals in the Champions League and he leads the all-time scorers in the competition.

His goal on Tuesday against the Italians was the 59th of his career in Europe's top club show case.

With Spain having lined up high-profile friendly fixtures at home against France and Italy early next year, if Raul can keep finding the net and avoid injury, the stage seems to be set for him to add to his 102 caps.

He ranks only second to the goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta, who played 126 times for Spain, in appearances for the national side.

"I don't think a debate (about my recall) is good for Spanish football though. The work should be done by Aragones and he takes the decisions. I think that would be best for everyone," said Raul on Tuesday, diplomatically not forcing the issue.

His last game for Spain came 15 months ago in their embarrassing 3-2 loss in Northern Ireland.

In the wake of Spain's unimpressive display at the 2006 World Cup, he was made the scapegoat for Spain's poor start to their Euro 2008 qualification campaign as Aragones desperately searched for radical solutions.

The subsequent revival of Spain and their qualification for next summer's finals gave Aragones the excuse to continue ignoring Raul but many pundits feel that the cracks are only being papered over.

In front of a world-class midfield replete with outstanding playmakers like Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, only Liverpool's Fernando Torres has consistently impressed.

Aragones has used Villa regularly and recently experimented with the likes of Espanyol's Raul Tamudo and Real Mallorca's Daniel Guiza but none have transferred their club form to the international arena.

"He (Raul) has been to three World Cups and two European Championships and won nothing," mocked Aragones in October but he changed his tune earlier this month, perhaps fearing another Spanish fiasco at a major championship final.

"If I think Raul should go, then he'll go. And why not? After the World Cup, I decided to shake up the side, and not only Raul but three or four other players were dropped and any of them can return," commented Aragones.

And why not, indeed was the reaction of most pundits on Wednesday after Raul's latest five star performance.