Vicente Del Bosque named his final World Cup squad of 23 today, leaving out seven from the provisional list he announced a week ago. Thiago had already dropped out with an injury, and Llorente and Negredo were omitted from the squad which played Bolivia last night, their only chance of a recall being if Diego Costa failed a fitness test (which so far he hasn’t). Although Iturralde and Alberto Moreno played the full 90 minutes of that match, both were later released (as was Deulofeu), leaving the coach to choose a right back (between Juanfran and Carvajal), and an attacking midfielder (between Jesús Navas and Mata). In the end Juanfran’s experience won him the nod, and with doubts over the fitness of Navas after a long injury lay-off, Manchester United’s recent signing will take the last spot. The discards will however be on standby in case any of the squad pull out prior to the opening game against Holland on 13th June. (31.05.14)
Full squad:
Keepers: De Gea (Manchester United), Reina (Napoli), Casillas (Real Madrid);
Defenders: Juanfran (Atlético Madrid), Jordi Alba and Piqué (Barcelona), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Javi Martínez (Bayern Munich), Raúl Albiol (Napoli), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid);
Midfielders: Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atlético Madrid), Busquets, Fàbregas, Iniesta and Xavi (Barcelona), David Silva (Manchester City), Mata (Manchester United), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid);
Forwards: Diego Costa and David Villa (Atlético Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Chelsea).