Spain boss Vicente del Bosque says that his team for tonight’s Group B clash with Netherlands will not be known until a short while before kick-off, as he attempts to find the right balance for an intriguing game in Salvador.
A repeat of the 2010 final has been much anticipated since the draw for the World Cup was made and del Bosque is very much keeping his cards close to his chest.
Spain must pick a midfield from an embarrassment of riches that includes Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, David Silva and Sergio Busquets amongst others; after that, there is the call of whether or not Brazil-born Diego Costa is ready to be unleashed on the Dutch.
Del Bosque praised his opposite number in yesterday’s news conference: “Van Gaal is an excellent coach, and has kept many things that are the essence of Dutch football. The Netherlands has changed a lot in four years, unlike us who have had a stable team since 2010.”
The winners of group B, which also includes Chile and Australia, are likely to avoid a second round match with World Cup hosts Brazil.
