Rivera ready for Slovakia showdown
Friday, November 4, 2005
Article summary
Real Betis Balompié midfielder Alberto Rivera is the only new name in the Spain squad for their FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Slovakia.
Article body
Joaquín missing
The uncapped 27-year-old has been in impressive form this season, playing every minute of his club's debut campaign in the UEFA Champions League. "We have been following Alberto's progress for a while and hope he can repeat the kind of performance he has been putting in with Betis," said coach Luis Aragonés, who also recalls Xabi Alonso, Fernando Morientes and Asier Del Horno after injury. However, there was disappointment for Rivera's Betis team-mate Joaquín Sánchez after he was left out of the selection for the two-legged tie on 12 and 16 November.
Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool FC).
Defenders: Míchel Salgado, Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Carlos Marchena (Valencia CF), Juanito (Real Betis Balompié), Pablo Ibáñez (Club Atlético de Madrid), Antonio López (Club Atlético de Madrid), Asier Del Horno (Chelsea FC).
Midfielders: Alberto Rivera (Real Betis Balompié), Luis García (Liverpool FC), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool FC), David Albelda, Rubén Baraja, Vicente Rodríguez (Valencia CF), Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona), José Antonio Reyes (Arsenal FC).
Forwards: Raúl González (Real Madrid CF), Fernando Torres (Club Atlético de Madrid), Fernando Morientes (Liverpool FC), David Villa (Valencia CF).
