Spain look to future with World Cup 23
Thursday, May 20, 2010
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Vicente del Bosque has named a clutch of inexperienced players in his 23-man Spain squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals, with several stars of the UEFA EURO 2008 triumph missing out.
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Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said it was a case of "having to think with our heads" after he unveiled his 23-man squad for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup.
With several members of the victorious UEFA EURO 2008-winning selection missing out, the 59-year-old former Real Madrid CF manager admitted he had "one eye on the future" by including the likes of uncapped FC Barcelona midfielder Pedro Rodríguez and Athletic Club's Javi Martínez.
"[Those we are taking] have had an excellent season but it's obviously hurt not to be able to take others," Del Bosque said. "I know it's a pain for them not to be going to the World Cup." Pedro's Barcelona team-mate Víctor Valdés also received his first international call-up having recently won his third Ricardo Zamora trophy, presented to the Spanish Liga's most frugal goalkeeper.
Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF), Pepe Reina (Liverpool FC), Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona).
Defenders: Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid CF), Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid CF), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal CF), Carlos Marchena (Valencia CF), Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF).
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid CF), Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal FC), Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Javi Martínez (Athletic Club), David Silva (Valencia CF), Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona).
Forwards: Jesús Navas (Sevilla FC), Juan Mata (Valencia CF), Pedro Rodríguez (FC Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Club), Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC), David Villa (Valencia CF).
