The Roja coach will make a number of
changes for the clash against Nigeria,
knowing a point is all they need to
finish in top spot in Group A
Vicente del Bosque will revert back to
the team that faced Uruguay in Spain's
Confederations Cup opener for the
Nigeria clash, with the exception of
Victor Valdes in goal.
This means Fernando Torres and David
Villa return to the bench while Andres
Iniesta and Roberto Soldado are
included in the starting XI.
And despite grievances admitted from
players such as Xavi over the squad
rotation policy which Del Bosque has
implemented in the tournament
, the 62-year-old says everyone will get
their chance to impress.
“We have to finish the group well,” he
told AS. “We are not thinking about it,
but if we lose to Nigeria by more than
four goals, who knows what might
happen?
“We just want to focus on the game
against the Nigerians and then we'll
have time to think about Brazil or Italy.
“We haven't been frivolous with our
selections – I've made decisions that I
think are best for the team.
“It is impossible to please everyone,
but I try to keep a good relationship
with all the players.
“Yes, Victor Valdes will play. The plan
was that if we won against Uruguay,
then each goalkeeper would play in the
group games.
“We have three fantastic goalkeepers.”
Spain need a point to guarantee top
spot and progress to the semi-finals to
face Italy, who they beat 4-0 to lift Euro
2012 trophy.
La Roja team to face Nigeria:
Valdes; Arbeloa, Ramos, Pique, Jordi
Alba; Busquets; Xavi, Cesc, Iniesta,
Pedro; Soldado
www.goal.com/en/news/5327/confederations-cup-2013/2013/06/23/4068819/del-bosque-valdes-soldado-to-start-for-spain