Spain
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque springs surprises in European champions’ World Cup squad.
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| Victor Valdes (left) and Carles Puyol (right) were among those named in the squad [EPA] |
European champions Spain come into the World Cup in ominous form, looking to add a first world title to the maiden continental trophy they won in 2008.
Xavi Hernandez has proved a playmaker of deadly incision in Barcelona’s triumphant Spanish campaign, while Fernando Torres is one of the most feared strikers in the world despite Liverpool’s awful season in England.
With experienced campaigners like goalkeeper Iker Casillas and centre back Carles Puyol throughout the side, perennial underachievers Spain should have the confidence to go all the way to the final in South Africa.
Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
| Group H fixtures |
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Defenders:
Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).
Midfielders:
Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javi Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona).
Forwards:
Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juan Mata (Valencia), Pedro (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).