Spain select blend of old and new
Monday, January 9, 2012
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Stalwarts Luis Amado and Kike are joined by newcomers Pola, Rafa Usín and, at the age of 35, Alemao, in Spain's squad as they bid for a fourth straight Futsal EURO title this month.
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Spain coach José Venancio López has mixed familiar names and newcomers in his squad for UEFA Futsal EURO 2012 in Croatia.
The holders will aim for a fourth straight triumph when they begin their campaign against Slovenia on 31 January in Zagreb, where they then meet Ukraine in Group B. While goalkeeper Luis Amado and Kike will both be hoping to secure fifth winners' medals and are joined by fellow stalwarts Álvaro and Torras, the squad is augmented by 23-year-old winger Pola, pivot Rafa Usín, 24, as well as recent MFK Dina Moskva signing Alemao, in his first major tournament at the age of 35.
Prior to the finals, Spain face Latvia in Aguilas on 20 January and Lorca the next day, Venancio López hoping to maintain his record of not having lost over 40 minutes since taking over in October 2007.
Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Luis Amado (Interviú Madrid), Juanjo (Interviú Madrid), Cristian (FC Barcelona)
Defenders: Kike (ElPozo Murcia FS), Ortiz (Interviú Madrid), Jordi Torras (FC Barcelona)
Wingers: Álvaro (Interviú Madrid), Pola (Interviú Madrid), Sergio Lozano (FC Barcelona), Lin (FC Barcelona), Alemao (MFK Dina Moskva)
Pívots: Fernandao (FC Barcelona), Rafael Usín (Navarra FS), Borja (Segovia FS)
