WNews Feed - SoundSage

The Watford squad’s final full day in Spain was a fruitful one (Friday November 25), as they continued to build fitness, spend time together and prepare for the second half of the season at Algorfa’s La Finca Resort.

A session in the gym kickstarted the day for many Hornets, just a five minute walk from the main hotel. The extensive gym allowed players to do weight training, endurance and other means of exercise, but with the afternoon’s intense session on the pitch in mind.

Iran’s entertaining yet late win over Wales kicked off at 11am local time, watched first in the lobby before players headed in for lunch as the match heated up at the back end of the second half.

It was one of a few World Cup games the team would have their eye on, as teammate Ismaïla Sarr faced Qatar in the second match of the day, playing 74 minutes as the Lions of Teranga eliminated the hosts with a 3-1 win at the Al-Thumama Stadium.

With Christian Kabasele, Tom Cleverley and William Troost-Ekong filming World Cup-themed content for the club’s official YouTube channel after lunch, it wasn’t long before the squad headed out for their final session down the road, hopping on bicycles and cycling up the inclining street to the pitch.

A fast-paced warm-up kicked off the session, followed by a tense passing game in which two teams had to complete 10 passes in a rondo quicker than each other. The orange bibs won out in the end, but it was not without light-hearted scrutiny from non-bib players.

Goalkeepers Daniel Bachmann, Maduka Okoye and Ben Hamer participated in separate training with their coaches, put through their paces in a test of reflexes as they faced five shots each in quick succession from close range.

Gathered in the bar and lobby area for England’s game against the United States, the Golden Boys watched the Three Lions’ attempt to win back-to-back games come up short in Qatar, ending in a goalless draw, before turning in for an early night with a busy day ahead on Saturday.