Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque insists he does not know whether decorated veterans Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Iker Casillas will retire from international football after they finish their disastrous World Cup campaign against Australia in Curitiba today.
Although only David Villa has so far confirmed his departure from the international scene, a number of his team-mates are expected to follow suit in the coming days.
However, Del Bosque said none of his players have spoken to him about retirement, claiming: “Next season will tell. Now is not the right time for a revolution. None of the players have told me they don’t want to continue with the national side, but if any of them take that decision, we will respect it.”
It could also prove to be the final game in charge for Del Bosque, who admitted he will consider his position after his team’s desperately disappointing defeats against the Netherlands and Chile.
Although Del Bosque has already received backing from his federation, he emphasised he will not be rushed into a decision as he said: “I can understand that everyone wants to know what will happen but everything has a process.
“We have to make many considerations before any decisions are taken for the good of Spanish football. I do have the Federation’s backing but that doesn’t mean that we won’t sit down after the World Cup and review the situation.”
Following a heated training ground discussion with Cesc Fabregas on Saturday, the Spain boss was keen to claim that his squad is still united despite their early elimination.
“It was a minor incident, nothing really,” he asserted.
However, Del Bosque did hint towards an element of selfishness in his players’ mindsets as he added somewhat critically: “I think about all of my players – they think only of themselves.”
Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, is hoping his team can end their challenge by piling more misery onto Spain, and he promised another attacking approach after last week’s exciting 3-2 defeat against the Netherlands.
“We want to be proactive with the ball and I think it suits our players,” said Postecoglou, who will be without the suspended Tim Cahill. “We will take that attitude into the game. We have plenty to play for.”
LIKEL LINE-UPS
Australia (4-3-3):
Ryan; McGowan, Wilkinson, Spiranovic, Davidson; Jedinak, McKay, Bresciano; Leckie, Halloran, Oar.
Spain (4-3-3):
Reina; Juanfran, Martinez, Ramos, Azpilicueta; Busquets, Fabregas, Iniesta; Pedro, Torres, Mata.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Spain – Fernando Torres
This represents a huge opportunity for Torres to prove that he can still cut it at the very highest level. Spain will be out to prove a point and the best way they can do it is to score plenty of goals. With a wealth of attacking talent behind him, Torres should have plenty of chances to open his account at the 2014 World Cup.
Australia – Matthew Leckie
With Tim Cahill suspended, the responsibility of scoring goals will most likely fall upon Leckie. The 23-year-old has been plying his trade in Germany and proved his talent last season, scoring 10 goals for Frankfurt. With Spain looking vulnerable at the back he may well have the opportunity to score just his second goal for Australia.
SPORT360° PREDICTION
Surely Spain cannot lose again and will ultimately have too much for a brave Australia side. 2-0 Spain.
