Preview: Spain looking to cement the first spot with a strong win over Finland
Last time the two sides met Finland fought valiantly to restrict Spain to a 1-1 draw. Sergio Ramos opened up the scoring for La Roja in what was a very dominant display from the reigning World Cup winners. However the Spanish defence was caught napping as Teemu Pukki struck home a cross to bring the scores level at 1-1.
Despite an unfavourable result Spain are still at the top of the group, but have France trailing them by just a single point.
Any further slip-ups by Spain now could gift France the top spot who are eagerly waiting for the European Champions to drop some points in their encounter against Finland.
Spain head coach Vicente Del Bosque has a selection head ache with a lot of injury concerns ahead of the match against Finland. Xabi Alonso and Javi Martínez have already been ruled out due to injuries whereas both Iñigo Martínez and Sergio Busquets have suffered thigh injuries which might keep them out of the World Cup Qualification match.
Chelsea duo Fernando Torres and Juan Mata on the other hand have been left out of the squad after failing to feature regularly for Jose Mourinho’s side. Whereas Barcelona midfielder Xavi and Atletico Madrid striker David Villa make their way back into the squad after missing out last time while David Villa’s teammate Mario Suarez has also been given his chance to impress and has been included in the squad.
However Del Bosque is yet to make the important decision of who will protect the goal in the match against Finland. Real Madrid star Iker Casillas who has been Spain’s undisputed number one all these years now has his position in jeopardy but has received the support of his national team manager.
"We should associate Iker with many years representing Spanish football. He has 149 international caps and that's no mean feat. We should be kind, respectful and appreciative with him and with those competing with him," said Del Bosque during an event organised by the Granada Press Association.
Another player who is expected to break in the starting line-up is new Manchester City signing Álvaro Negredo, who has scored thrice for his new club in three substitute appearances. The 28 year old earned the praise of his manager and will be definitely in contention to start against Finland on Friday.
"He is a great finisher and a very powerful player. We expect a lot from him", Del Bosque stated.
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live Scores
Watch Finland vs Spain on Friday, September 6, 2013 live:
In USA at 14:30 ET on ESPN3, Watch ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels, those in the Middle East can watch the match live on Al Jazeera Sport HD2, whereas fans in Finland can catch the action live on YLE HD.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Finland vs Spain match page.
