Gilberto Madail, left, and Angel Maria Villar, presidents of the Portuguese and Spanish soccer federations, pose following a news conference to unveil the two countries joint bid to host the 2018 and 2022 soccer World Cups, Thursday, Oct. 29 2009, at the federation headquarters in Lisbon.

Portuguese politicians have reacted angrily to the news their country will play second fiddle to Spain in a joint Iberian bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Last week Portuguese Football Association (FPF) president Gilberto Madail revealed his country would be a junior partner in the bid to co-host the 2018 finals with Spain. (more…)

FRom BBC News:

Catalonia has banned happy hour promotional gimmicks to help curb excessive drinking among young people, the regional government said. Violators in the region, which includes the city of Barcelona, could face fines of up to £6,000 ($9,000).

The measure is part of a new regional health bill approved on Wednesday. (more…)

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, right, kicks the ball next to Barcelona’s Carles Puyol, center, during the launching of the “1 Goal Education For All” international campaign in Madrid, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. In the background are former players of the Spanish national soccer team who posed for a family photo at the 100-year anniversary of the Spanish Soccer Federation.

75 million children are out of schoool, and millions more struggle to stay in school. This is a battle we can win - with the right political will and resources Education for All is possible.

A short film was produced for the Education for All: Class of 2015 that was launched at the UN in September 2008. The class brings together celebrities, world leaders and activists to ensure that Education for All becomes a reality. See the video after the jump… (more…)

After missing out on the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa because of a Hamstring Injury, Villareal defensive midfielder Marco Senna is back in the squad for Spain and is expected to start in their Group 5 World Cup Qualifier against Belgium at Deportivo La Coruna’s El Riazor stadium.

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Five runners have been gored, two severely, in Pamplona’s annual San Fermin bull running festival.  And yet, I still want to do this one day.

I remember my first day at work at my new job.. ..They just showed me to my cube and pointed to where the bathroom was. CRon’s reception was a little different. Over 80,000 fans came out in support of the Portuguese star

pics after the jump

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The United States beat the world’s #1 team, Spain, in an unbelievable semi-final in the Confederations Cup in South Africa.  The underdog US squad plays in the final on Sunday. 

More photos after the jump… 

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