Preview: La Furia Roja hoping to seal automatic World Cup qualification
Spain are currently top of the table in Group I but are ahead of France only on goal difference with a match in hand. If Spain manage to notch up four points from their remaining two games they will be guaranteed a place in the World Cup next year, anything less than that may force them to participate in the play offs.
Swansea City forward Michu made headlines as he earned his first ever call up to the national side. The 27 year old has heavily impressed following his move to the Liberty Stadium from Rayo Vallecano back in 2012. In his 41 league appearances for the Welsh side, Michu has managed to score 20 times for the Premier League outfit and is relishing his chances of sharing the dressing room with some of the finest players in the world.
"I want to enjoy this experience," he said
"I am sharing the dressing room with the best in the world.
"Every Spanish player dreams about this and yet it is complicated. Few people can get to wear the shirt of the best team in the world.
"There are many absences, but there are still some great footballers in the squad. We will see if I am lucky and can play, whilst I am grateful to be called."
Michu will replace former Barcelona forward David Villa who was expected to lead the line for La Roja, however El Guaje sustained an ankle injury as Atletico Madrid recorded a 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Spain will also be without Fernando Torres who was forced to withdraw from the squad with a knee injury. With Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo the only other forward capable of leading the line for the World and European champions, it is very likely that Michu will be making his international debut in the match against Belarus.
After successfully reclaiming his much deserved starting spot in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up, Chelsea playmaker Juan Mata has also been recalled to the squad to face Belarus and Georgia.
Belarus on the other hand who are rock bottom in Group I will be hoping to salvage some pride as they play their final game of the World Cup 2014 qualification campaign.
Georgi Kondratiev’s side who have been woeful to say the least will be hoping to make life difficult for Del Bosque’s side just like they did against France last month when goals from Egor Filippenko and Timofey Kalachev stunned Didier Deschamps and it was an inspirational performance in the second half which guaranteed France all three points
Where to watch the match – live stream, start time, TV channels, Live scores
Watch Spain vs Belarus live on Friday, October 11, 2013:
In Canada at 16:00 EDT on Sportsnet 360 West, Sportsnet World Online
In UK at 21:00 BST on BT Sport 1
In USA at 16:00 ET on ESPN3, ESPN Deportes, Watch ESPN
Fans in other parts of the world can watch the match live on their local channels. Those in Australia can watch the match live on ESPN Australia.
For complete details of match listings and live scores, visit the Spain vs Belarus match page.
