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ESPNsoccernet: World Cup 2010 |
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Thursday, August 14, 2008
Del Bosque shuffles pack of Euro champions
MADRID, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Vicente del Bosque, naming his
first squad for European champions Spain on Thursday, made few
changes for Wednesday's friendly in Denmark.
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The former Real Madrid coach, who replaced Luis Aragones
after Spain's Euro 2008 victory in June, had said he would seek
continuity but still sprang a couple of surprises.
With Valencia centre back Carlos Marchena injured and
Liverpool full back Alvaro Arbeloa left out, Del Bosque called
up Athletic Bilbao duo Fernando Amorebieta, 23, and Andoni
Iraola, 26.
Injury to Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas opened the door
for Sevilla's 20-year-old winger Diego Capel while up front
relegated Real Zaragoza's Sergio Garcia made way for Barcelona's
17-year-old prodigy Bojan Krkic.
Krkic ruled himself out of Euro 2008 saying he needed a
rest.
'In relation to the previous coach we all have certain
principles with regards to football that are the same but if we
can bring something different of course we are going to do so,'
Del Bosque told a news conference.
'Amorebieta had a great season last year, is left-footed, is
quick with a good physical presence, while Iraola has a good
deal of experience and I would like to see him close up.
'Bojan and Capel come through from the under-21s and along
with their talent give us an injection of young blood that is
important.'
On the continued absence of Real Madrid striker Raul, Del
Bosque said: 'He is in the same position as many players in
Spain. We didn't think it right to call him up this time but the
door is not closed'.
Third-choice goalkeeper Andres Palop, recently returned from
injury, was omitted from Thursday's 22-man squad.
The match in Copenhagen serves as a warmup for the World Cup
Group Five qualifiers against Bosnia and Armenia next month.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina
(Liverpool)
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila
(Villarreal), Raul Albiol (Valencia), Carles Puyol (Barcelona),
Fernando Navarro (Sevilla), Juanito (Real Betis), Andoni Iraola
(Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Amorebieta (Athletic Bilbao)
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona),
David Silva (Valencia), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Xabi Alonso
(Liverpool), Ruben de la Red (Real Madrid), Marcos Senna
(Villarreal), Diego Capel (Sevilla)
Forwards: David Villa (Valencia), Daniel Guiza (Fenerbahce),
Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Bojan Krkic (Barcelona)