Spain take on Costa Rica in their Group E opener on Wednesday.
Luis Enrique has taken the pressure off his Spain players going into the tournament with his daily Twitch stream. The focus has been shifted aware from injury concerns and La Roja’s possible eleven against Costa Rica with the entertaining head coach taking questions from Spain fans on his channel.
The big injury news in the Spain camp is that of José Luis Gayà, who was sent home before a ball was kicked. Barcelona full-back Alejandro Balde, 19, has been called up to replace the Valencia full-back.
Athletic Club shot-stopper Unai Simón is expected to start between the sticks in Qatar, with Jordi Alba coming in at left-back. Manchester City’s Rodri could be deployed alongside his club team-mate Aymeric Laporte in the heart of the defence.
Luis Enrique is likely to go with Sergio Busquets in front of his back four and the exciting Barcelona pairing of Gavi and Pedri in more advanced midfield positions.
Álvaro Morata is the only regular number nine in the Spain squad in Qatar. The Spain boss has hinted at the possibility of Marco Asensio being used through the middle as Spain look to progress from a group containing Germany and Japan.
Spain will dominate the ball on Wednesday as Costa Rica are expected to sit in a low block and hit La Roja on the counter.
It’s a must-win game for the 2010 World Cup winners ahead of tough tests against Germany and Japan.
GSFN
