Line-ups, stats and preview as European champions continue World Cup build-up
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente insists there will be no half measures from his side against fellow World Cup qualifiers Iraq tomorrow night and dismissed concerns about the pitch in La Coruna.
The state of the surface at the Riazor has been a talking point just eight days before the global showpiece gets underway but De la Fuente is not worried about any of his squad sustaining an injury and says they will be going at full throttle.
He said: “The news we have is that they are putting in all the hours, day and night, so that the pitch is in perfect condition. They have sent us photos and there are professionals who are doing their utmost to ensure it is okay.
“Also, playing at half gas is impossible. For us it is important, it is preparation and has a great significance in where we want to be on June 15 [the day Spain face Cape Verde in their opening game in Atlanta].
“Let us not anticipate events. It seems that we are thinking that something bad is going to happen. Of course there are risks, because this is sport. For me it’s not a friendly but an unofficial match. In soccer you can’t say you’re not going to do a sprint, or jump.”
Spain already have several injury worries with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams sidelined and Mikel Merino only just making his way back from a long-term foot problem.
But De la Fuente is happy with the progress they are making, adding: “We are very pleased with the attitude of all the players. The injured are evolving as we had planned. We are co-ordinated with the clubs and the response of the players is better every day. I think the good news is that everyone can get to the first game, but we will also have to see if it is appropriate for them to participate or not [on June 15].”
Iraq had to go through a 21-game qualification campaign to reach the finals only to be placed in a hugely difficult Group I with France, Norway and Senegal.
Facing opponents of Spain’s quality will, therefore, be a good test of where they are at and the tweaks coach Graham Arnold may need to implement before their first game against Norway on June 16 in Boston.
Team news for Spain v Iraq
Merino is likely to start on the bench alongside other members of the squad who played in Saturday’s Champions League final: Fabian Ruiz, David Raya and Martin Zubimendi.
Iraq are at full strength and will be led by Aymen Hussein, who has scored 33 goals in 93 international appearances.
