Spain manager Vicente del Bosque hands Lucas Vazquez a full worldwide debut for their friendly against Georgia.
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Hopes are high that Spain can make history with a third European title, but speaking to Diario Marca, Del Bosque sounded a note of caution. Veteran coach Fatih Terim has redrawn the Turkish defense, brought in younger players and watched his team climb back up the world rankings.
Most of Turkey’s squad play in the country’s 18-team first division, with Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Galatasaray providing the core. The midfield trio of Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and Cesc Fabregas is one of the best in the competition. “The most important thing is to know how we play and [against Georgia] we will put it into practice”.
Despite some struggles at club level, the goalkeeper kept his place during a disappointing World Cup campaign in 2014, when the holders lost to the Netherlands and Chile to bow out in the group stage. Losses in qualification to Poland and the Republic of Ireland while struggling to beat Scotland are evidence of this.
Vicente del Bosque is still yet to make his mind up as to whether David de Gea or Iker Casillas will start for Spain at Euro 2016.
“I’m here on the back of three good seasons for Manchester United”. “We appreciate what they did defensively”.
It is La Roja’s strike force that is significantly different on this occasion.
“More than refuting them, they should serve as an incentive for the next time”. In truth, Costa does not suit Spain’s style of play but Álvaro Morata does. “He has everything he needs to become one of the greatest strikers”.
Euros preparation: “We’re satisfied with it, including the final part when the Real and Atlético Madrid players joined up with us. These are very good players, the best at this”. But his move to America and New York City FC this past season has seemingly cost him his last chance to represent his national side in a major tournament. There is no doubting the quality in the squad, but there are clear weaknesses.
Spain have won the last two European Championships and will enter this tournament as one of the favourites.
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Spain will win this; however, the fact that they have conceded in five of their last six friendlies where Georgia have scored in five of their last six matches suggests that there is value in backing a home win with goals for both teams and +3.5 goals overall at 11/4 and 1/1.
