Fernando Llorente set to start for Spain against USA
Posted Saturday, June 04, 2011 by YAHOO Sport
Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is keen for a win in his side's international friendly with the United States in Boston today, and has revealed his starting XI.
Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente will start up front in place of Fernando Torres, and Santiago Cazorla starts in midfield.
Despite the game not counting for much competitively, the former Real Madrid boss is keen to finish the season with a win and has stressed the importance of victory to his side.
"[We] do not want to finish the season poorly. I have spoken with the players so as to tackle this friendly with the necessary spirit. We do not want to leave bad consequences," the 60-year-old told AS.
The World Cup winning coach is wary of his opponents strengths, and knows that they will make it difficult for the country ranked as the best in the world.
"[USA are] strong, supportive and very fast on the counterattack. They make a great physical side and are very fast. They are not easy [opponents]," he continued.
The Spanish squad is made up of players from both sides of El Clasico, but the coach is unaware of any lingering distaste between Barcelona and Real Madrid players.
"I'm not saying that the facts that have happened can [be] wiped out but we have not detected any problem. We are watchful that there are no problems because if we continue on this path to win and represent our country, the least we can ask is to have good relations," he concluded.
Spain sit top of Group I with five wins out of five games, but do not have a competitive fixture until September, when they take on Liechtenstein.
The Iberian's starting XI is as follows: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pique, Albiol, Capdevila; Bruno, Xabi Alonso, Cazorla; Silva, Villa, Llorente
Athletic Bilbao's Fernando Llorente will start up front in place of Fernando Torres, and Santiago Cazorla starts in midfield.
Despite the game not counting for much competitively, the former Real Madrid boss is keen to finish the season with a win and has stressed the importance of victory to his side.
"[We] do not want to finish the season poorly. I have spoken with the players so as to tackle this friendly with the necessary spirit. We do not want to leave bad consequences," the 60-year-old told AS.
The World Cup winning coach is wary of his opponents strengths, and knows that they will make it difficult for the country ranked as the best in the world.
"[USA are] strong, supportive and very fast on the counterattack. They make a great physical side and are very fast. They are not easy [opponents]," he continued.
The Spanish squad is made up of players from both sides of El Clasico, but the coach is unaware of any lingering distaste between Barcelona and Real Madrid players.
"I'm not saying that the facts that have happened can [be] wiped out but we have not detected any problem. We are watchful that there are no problems because if we continue on this path to win and represent our country, the least we can ask is to have good relations," he concluded.
Spain sit top of Group I with five wins out of five games, but do not have a competitive fixture until September, when they take on Liechtenstein.
The Iberian's starting XI is as follows: Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Pique, Albiol, Capdevila; Bruno, Xabi Alonso, Cazorla; Silva, Villa, Llorente
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