Spain squad for Colombia friendly
Reuters - Friday 04 February 2011, 13:35
LAS ROZAS - Spain coach Vicente Del
Bosque was awarded the honorary title of Marquis by King Juan
Carlos on Friday after guiding the national team to victory at
the World Cup finals last year.
Del Bosque, who was honoured for his contribution to sport
and sporting values, admitted to being a little embarrassed
during some light-hearted banter with reporters after announcing
his squad for next week's friendly against Colombia.
"The King wanted to honour the world champions and did it
through me," Del Bosque told a news conference.
"It's an added responsibility. These awards oblige us to
seek to improve every day... I imagine the players will continue
to call me boss and Vicente."
After a humbling 4-0 friendly defeat away to Portugal in
Spain's last outing, Del Bosque said he was keen to get the side
back on to an even keel before the return to qualifying for Euro
2012.
"I don't ever want a repeat of what happened in Portugal,"
he said.
Del Bosque kept faith with the squad who won in South Africa
last year, with only Carles Puyol missing out through injury,
while Javi Martinez and Juan Mata were to join the Under-21s.
Del Bosque was also asked whether he had spoken to new
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres after his high-profile move from
Liverpool on transfer deadline day last Monday.
"I haven't spoken to him," Del Bosque said. "It's a surprise
but it's a step forward in his career.
Spain play Colombia at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in
Madrid on February 9, in a benefit match for the Spanish players'
union.
They return to defending their European championship title
on March 25 at home to Czech Republic and four days later visit
Lithuania. Spain top Group I with three wins from three ahead of
the Czechs.
Spain squad:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Victor Valdes
(Barcelona), Pepe Reina (Liverpool).
Defenders: Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (Real
Madrid), Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona),
Carlos Marchena (Villarreal), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal).
Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid),
Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Sergio
Busquets (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal).
Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), David Villa
(Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Fernando Llorente
(Athletic Bilbao), Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona).