Team news
The one whose lone goal won the cup for La Roja against Germany, Fernando Torres, is not in the squad that will face Venezuela on Wednesday night. The truth is that the Chelsea striker is going through a horrific spell that has seen him score only once in 18 months for Spain’s national team.
Euro 2008 star striker David Villa is recovering from a long-term injury and won’t participate in the friendly. Sevilla’s Alvaro Negredo and Barcelona’s Pedro Rodriguez are also on Spain’s injury list. David Silva has developed into an even better player since the past few years. The Manchester City talisman is expected to start the match against Venezuela. Alongside him could be new face Iker Muniain from Athletic Bilbao.
Valencia’s Roberto Soldado has also been rewarded with a call-up (his first since 2007) for his impressive and consistent form. Vicente del Bosque wouldn’t deny the ability of the goal poacher who’s scored 20 goals for Los Che in all competitions thus far.
Real Madrid’s Casillas is poised to retain his position in post ahead of Barcelona’s Victor Valdes. Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos are expected to neutralize El Clasico’s rivalry and play together in defence with Alvaro Arbeloa and Alba.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque may opt for a 4-3-3 formation with midfield maestro Xavi setting the tone for partners Xabi Alonso and Sergio Busquets at the centre of the field. Another possibility is that Spain will kick-off the game with a 4-2-3-1 formation.
In this case, Llorente might lead the attack. Cesc Fabregas might find a place just behind the lone forward and in between Silva and team mate Andres Iniesta. Meanwhile, Xavi could be dropped to the bench and rested with Busquets and Alonso completing Del Bosque’s two-man line in defensive midfield.
Whereas the Spaniards seem to have a wide range of options, coach Cesar Farias is struggling to put up a good Venezuelan squad. Striker Amorebieta is unfit and chances are that he won’t play unless he shakes off his muscle injury. The pressure will be on Malaga’s Salomon Rondon to make the most of his familiarity with the Estadio La Rosaleda.
Spain and Venezuela head-to-head
Spain’s last 5 international matches
September 6, 2011: Spain 6-0 Liechtenstein (European Championship qualifier)
October 7, 2011: Czech Republic 0-2 Spain (European Championship qualifier)
October 11, 2011: Spain 3-1 Scotland (European Championship qualifier)
November 12, 2011: England 1-0 Spain (International friendly)
November 15, 2011: Costa Rica 2-2 Spain (International friendly)
Venezuela’s last 5 international matches
October 12, 2011: Venezuela 1-0 Argentina (World Cup qualifier)
November 12, 2011: Colombia 1-1 Venezuela (World Cup qualifier)
November 16, 2011: Venezuela 1-0 Bolivia (World Cup qualifier)
January 22, 2012: United States 1-0 Venezuela (International friendly)
January 26, 2012: Mexico 3-1 Venezuela (International friendly)
Previous meetings (all international friendly matches)
August 18, 2004: Spain 3-2 Venezuela
June 7, 2011: Venezuela 0-3 Spain
Winner
In the absence of David Villa (who was the cause of their straightforward 3-0 loss to Spain in their last meeting), Venezuela will fancy their chances without fear. The South American nation is on the rise. Their semi-final finish at the 2011 Copa America in Argentina proves this point.
Venezuela have never qualified for a World Cup tournament so playing world champions Spain appears as a great honour and opportunity. They will try to enjoy themselves as much as they can against some of the best players on the planet. In the end, Venezuela might leave the pitch defeated but proud with a bit of experience ahead of the rest of their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Prediction: Spain 3-1 Venezuela
