Spain's international team ruled the world for a period under Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque , but the 2010 World Cup winners didn't have such an enjoyable time of things ...
Spain Beat France 2-0 as Video Technology Plays Role Multiple Times
Mar 28, 2017
France's midfielder N'Golo Kante (R) vies with Spain's Andres Iniesta during the friendly football match France vs Spain on March 28, 2017 at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, north of Paris. / AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)
Spain beat France 2-0 in an international friendly at the Stade de France in Paris as video assistance for officials was trialled during the contest on Tuesday.
A penalty from David Silva and a finish from Gerard Deulofeu were enough for the Spanish in the second half, as Antoine Griezmann had a goal correctly ruled out by video replay.
Here is a look at the two incidents in question and how the video refereeing worked, per Melody and PlayerPro:
Griezmann featured in attack with teenage sensation Kylian Mbappe for France. Silva, Vitolo and Diego Costa all dropped out of the starting lineup for Spain, as the visitors chose Alvaro Morata to lead the attacking unit.
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 28: N'Golo Kante of France in action with Andres Iniesta of Spain during the Friendly game between France and Spain at Stade de France on march 28, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Spain controlled the early stages, with the French struggling to dominate territory through the first half.
However, the hosts almost took the lead as Laurent Koscielny's header was stopped by Gerard Pique.
Morata had La Roja's best chance as he combined with Pedro, but the Real Madrid player failed to convert.
Mbappe almost announced his arrival as his shot was deflected wide, but the encounter remained goalless as the referee blew his whistle for half-time.
PARIS, FRANCE - MARCH 28: Antoine Griezmann (2ndR) of France celebrates with team mates after scoring only for the goal to be disallowed during the International Friendly match between France and Spain at Stade de France on March 28, 2017 in Paris, Franc
The crowd witnessed video assistance for the referee in use immediately after the restart as Griezmann was given offside after a review.
The striker was adjudged offside by the video assistant after the referee awarded the goal—and TV replays showed it was the correct decision to chalk off the finish.
TalkSport's Adrian Durham immediately objected to the use of the replay, despite the justification in accuracy:
Video asst ref just completely destroyed the atmosphere in the Stade de France. Killing our own beautiful game.
The deadlock was finally broken after 68 minutes as the visitors won a penalty after sloppy play by the French defence.
Koscielny fouled substitute Deulofeu, and the referee pointed to the spot as he swiftly spoke to his assistants via his microphone.
Substitute Silva made no fuss of the spot-kick, finding the bottom corner just when the hosts had started to gain a foothold in the contest.
The video assistant was used once more as Deulofeu finished past goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The player's run was level with the last defender, and once again the correct decision was made after a quick consultation.
Broadcaster Stan Collymore backed the use of the video replay:
Problem is you can't disagree on a matter if fact as it's a fact. Can't see why anyone would want ambiguity when you can have certainty. https://t.co/6wWyx7VUag
France could not find a way back into the game after Deulofeu's strike, and Spain cantered to the win with the buffer they needed in the scoreline.
The hosts improved early in the second half, but Spain's class was evident late in the day.
It was a successful night for the use of technology, with the officials able to correctly make calls with video at their disposal.
Fans will certainly find the use of technology strange, but the additional stoppage time at the end of the contest could bring fresh excitement in future.
After the match, Mbappe offered his opinion on the new technology. "I am for video technology but to have to wait two minutes after a goal is too long," he said, per Goal.
Why 'Cachondo' Gerard Pique Is Such a Hate Figure Among Spain's Football Fans
Mar 28, 2017
GIJON, SPAIN - MARCH 24: Gerard Pique of Spain looks on prior to the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Israel at Estadio El Molinon on March 24, 2017 in Gijon, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
On Tuesday evening, Gerard Pique will win another cap for Spain when he runs out on to the pitch at Stade de France in Paris. All being well, he'll make a century of caps at some stage during the 2018 World Cup finals—should Spain qualify, as expected—in Russia. Then he will call it quits on his international adventure.
At international games on Spanish soil, he's booed by his own fans. He ships abuse outside of matches, too—getting off the team bus, walking the streets of Gijon and during training sessions, for example.
Things turned sour in the relationship between Pique and Spain supporters in autumn 2015. Fans started barracking him during a friendly against Costa Rica in Leon in September 2015. A month later, he got further abuse all through the Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovakia in nearby Oviedo.
Columnists for Spain's newspapers pondered why their people had turned on one of their own players. El Pais dubbed the saga "whistlathon" (h/t the Daily Telegraph).
Former Barca star Xavi Hernandez traced its roots back to Pique's goading of Real Madrid during Barcelona's treble-winning celebrations earlier that summer. "Only Real Madrid's fans boo him for his words at the Camp Nou and nothing else," he said, per Bolsamania (in Spanish).
After an open-top bus tour through its city streets on a balmy evening, the team's official celebrations concluded at Barcelona's stadium. On a podium in the middle of the pitch before 75,000 fans, Pique gave thanks to "the technical team, the physios, the club medical staff, the fans … and thanks to Kevin Roldan—it all started with you!" The crowd howled with laughter.
Midway through the previous season, Real Madrid had been galloping along, notching up a 22-game winning streak, but the wheels came hurtling off, notably during a Madrid derby at the Vicente Calderon in February 2015. Atletico Madrid stuffed them 4-0.
Kevin Roldan was put in the spotlight by Pique.
Within hours of the defeat, Cristiano Ronaldo went ahead with a party for his 30th birthday. The leaked pictures of the Portuguese star and his Real Madrid team-mates partying with the Colombian reggaeton singer Roldan didn't go down well with the fans. The optics were awful.
Soon after, Real Madrid coughed up their lead in La Liga. By season's end, their manager, the popular Carlo Ancelotti, got the sack. Pique saw a gaping wound and tossed some salt on it.
Pique had form. During the incendiary years of Jose Mourinho's tenure as Real manager, Barcelona and Madrid played several nasty Clasico matches.
Mourinho stoked up the animosity in the press and in team meetings. It affected relations between both sets of players. Pique and Sergio Ramos fell out.
Then-Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admitted on the eve of the 2012 Euro finals, that the tetchiness between the pair of central defenders threatened to scupper the team's chances of success, alluding to "episodes in the past," adding euphemistically "they are young and they have their differences," per Yahoo Sports (in Spanish).
Pique and Ramos patched up their grievances and Spain triumphed, dispatching Italy 4-0 in that summer's final, but the tension lingered.
Ramos was miffed by Pique's Roldan jibe and his triumphalist comment caught on a TV camera after Barcelona's 5-4 extra-time win over Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup final in August 2015. "Come on guys, let's celebrate. Screw those at Madrid. Let them see us make the lap of honour!" Pique said, according to a report by El Mundo.
Ramos confirmed Xavi's reading of the situation. Real fans were annoyed by Pique's showboating. “It's true that due to the rivalry that exists between Barcelona and Madrid, the latest actions don't help with respect to the treatment he had," Ramos said, per El Mundo (in Spanish).
Pique's repeated support for Catalonia's push for a referendum on independence gave Spain's nationalists further ire. For the last several years, every September 11—on La Diada, Catalonia's national holiday—there have been protest marches through the streets of Barcelona by separatists.
In 2012, Barcelona icon Pep Guardiola posted a video message while on sabbatical in New York, urging on his fellow Catalan separatists during their march, per Marca (in Spanish): "Here's one more vote for independence."
In 2014, Pique lent his support by posting a message on Twitter alongside a picture of himself with his son, Milan. The child was wearing Barcelona's away strip, which is modelled on the Catalan flag. Among the 1.8 million people who took to the streets that day, there were lots of dogs, too, draped in Catalan flags.
Pique took the photo crouched on Diagonal, the avenue that cuts across Barcelona. It's the same street that General Franco's victorious nationalist troops—among them Santiago Bernabeu whose name adorns Real's stadium—used to march into the city towards the end of the Spanish Civil War in 1939.
In Pique's tweet, which he wrote in Catalan, a language that is more like French than Spanish, he wished his 9.4 million followers a "happy Catalonia Day everyone!" He was criticised in the Spanish media for making the gesture. He defended his right, and the right of Catalonia's citizens, to vote on independence.
He stressed his dual identity doesn't dilute his passion when playing football for Spain. "I feel Catalan and I'm in favour of the referendum, which is a democratic process, but that has nothing to do with the national team," he said, per El Pais (in Spanish).
Interestingly, Pique has never said publicly whether he'd vote for independence or not if a referendum came to pass. He might be swayed by pragmatism, as he hinted at in a 2012 radio interview with RAC1. "I sincerely believe that, to begin with, it would make Catalonia and Spain weaker. Separation would weaken the two territories," per La Voz Libre (in Spanish).
What is curious about Pique's predicament is that he is the only Barca player who plays for Spain who attracts sustained abuse by the country's football fans. Other Barcelona international players, such as former captain Carles Puyol, who was vocal in his support for Catalan independence, and current stars Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets don't ship the abuse Pique does.
The thing with Pique is that he's mouthy. He's got attitude and can't help himself. It's his nature to provoke. In Spain, they say he's "cachondo," a kidder. He's always up to pranks. In Barcelona's dressing room, he once took the battery out of Lionel Messi's mobile phone. The unsuspecting Argentinian couldn't fathom why his phone wouldn't function.
Pique's jokes don't go down as well outside the walls of Catalonia. In December 2015, Real Madrid fielded a player, Denis Cheryshev, who was ineligible to play in a Copa del Rey match.
The hapless Cheryshev scored in the match but was hauled ashore at half-time. It was too late. Real Madrid got dumped out of the cup competition for their mistake.
Pique thought the cock-up was hilarious, tweeting nine emojis crying with laughter.
Ramos was incensed by the tweet, saying it was "stupid" and did nothing for harmony among his international team-mates: "The lack of respect adversely affects the atmosphere [with Spain's players in camp]," per El Pais (in Spanish).
Pique will only partake in a few more Spanish national team camps. In a fit of pique, he announced his decision to retire from the La Roja at the end of Spain's World Cup campaign, following a bizarre "sleevegate" episode in October 2016.
Before an away qualifying game against Albania, Pique cut off the sleeves off his long-sleeved Spain jersey—rather than wear Spain's short-sleeved kit—because the sleeves were "bothering" him. Some paranoid Spain fans cooked up a conspiracy, screaming online that he had "cut off the Spain flag" in protest.
Some Spanish media outlets followed suit, including the Madrid-based sports paper AS, which temporarily posted a story online regurgitating the barney, for which it later apologised. It was absurd. Pique called them out, handing over his cut-off sleeves to Canal+ television reporter, Ricardo Sierra, after the match.
Spain's defender Gerard Pique (2ndL) hugs the trophy next to team mates on a stage set up for the Spanish team victory ceremony in Madrid on July 12, 2010 a day after they won the 2010 FIFA football World Cup match against the Netherlands in Johannesburg.
He was at his wit's end. "I've tried everything, but I can't take it anymore. The thing with the sleeve is the straw that broke the camel's back,” he said, admitting he was exasperated, per EcoDiario.es (in Spanish). "Yes, I'm tired of it and the World Cup in Russia is going to be my last commitment with the Spain team and I hope I can be left in peace."
It remains to be seen whether he will generate some love from Spain's Real Madrid cohort of fans and go out on a high, aged 31, with national team at the tournament finals. No doubt, there'll be a prank or two from him in the meantime, though.
Spain vs. Israel: Score and Reaction for World Cup 2018 Qualifying
Mar 24, 2017
GIJON, SPAIN - MARCH 24: David Silva of Spain celebrates after scoring goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Israel at Estadio El Molinon on March 24, 2017 in Gijon, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Spain cruised to yet another win in Group G of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying on Friday, beating Israel 4-1 in Gijon.
David Silva gave the hosts an early lead and Vitolo added to the advantage at the end of a dire first half. Diego Costa made it 4-0 in the second half, and Lior Refaelov scored Israel's lone goal. Isco added to the tally with a late strike.
Spain manager Julen Lopetegui made several changes to his team in comparison to the win over Macedonia, with Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba all starting, per Footballespana:
The first chance fell to Israel, as Eran Zahavi―by far the team's most dangerous player in the first half―put David De Gea to work.
But as expected, the match soon fell into a pattern of Spain dominating possession and looking for chances. Thiago smashed a shot off the crossbar after just a few minutes, and Vitolo was unable to guide the rebound home.
GIJON, SPAIN - MARCH 24: David Silva of Spain scoring goal during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Israel at Estadio El Molinon on March 24, 2017 in Gijon, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Zahavi nearly worked his way around Pique but couldn't finish, and Israel found tons of space on the counter, sending a handful of warning signs to La Roja. But their defensive tactics became useless after 13 minutes when Alba played in Silva with a ball through the legs of a defender, and the Manchester City man smashed home the opener.
Eitan Tibi left the pitch on a stretcher shortly after following a clash with Costa. The Spanish striker wasn't carded for the foul.
Alba nearly gifted Zahavi the equaliser with a poor pass, but the forward decided to shoot early rather than continue his run and fired just wide of the post.
While the first 25 minutes were played at a decent pace, Spain's lead led to a dull finish to the half. The hosts took their foot off the gas and Israel lacked the ambition to make the play themselves, leading to little action as half-time drew near.
GIJON, SPAIN - MARCH 24: Gerard Pique of Spain duels for the ball with Eran Zahavi of Israel during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Spain and Israel at Estadio El Molinon on March 24, 2017 in Gijon, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Ge
Spain almost played at a walking pace, and it nearly cost them just before half-time. Refaelov's header was well-placed, and De Gea had to use all of his talent to make the save.
ESPN's Marc Stein never hides his Manchester City fandom, and he didn't make an exception on Friday:
Costa wasn't very involved during the first half, but the team worked him into their chances better to start the second. The Chelsea man nearly found the back of the net early with a header, but he had more luck after 51 minutes, again thanks to a mistake from Marciano.
Silva struck the woodwork shortly after, as Israel lost control of the match and were in real danger of getting embarrassed.
A number of substitutions halted the hosts' momentum, however, and once again led to a major drop in tempo. Spain were content with their healthy lead and happy to just play out the match.
Out of nowhere, Israel got on the board after 76 minutes. Rami Gershon was left wide open and struck the post with a header, and Refaelov blasted home the rebound.
Spain's next outing will be the friendly against France on Tuesday. Israel won't play another match until June.
Spain vs. Israel: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream and Preview
Mar 24, 2017
TURIN, ITALY - OCTOBER 06: Sergio Ramos of Spain in action during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between Italy and Spain at Juventus Stadium on October 6, 2016 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
Spain welcome Israel in a UEFA Group G qualifying match for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, as the hosts attempt to maintain their imperious home record at the Estadio El Molinon in Gijon on Friday.
The Spaniards are undefeated on home soil in qualification for the tournament since competing in their first tie in 1934, according to Phil Kitromilides of Goal.
La Roja lead the group, only ahead of Italy on goal difference (by seven). Israel currently lie third, one point behind the two major nations with nine.
Here is how you can watch the intriguing qualifier:
El Molinon's tight capacity will ensure an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors as they attempt to cause a huge shock on their travels.
According to Gary Stonehouse of The Sun, the former world champions have been training in the capital ahead of the game and welcome AC Milan attacker Gerard Deulofeu back into the squad after impressing in Italy. The player is currently on loan at the San Siro from Everton and will be hoping to grab the second cap of his career.
Israeli national football team's head coach, Elisha Levy speaks during a press conference, on September 4, 2016 at Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa, in northern Israel, on the eve of their FIFA World Cup 2018 European (group G) qualifying match against Italy.
Israel arrive in Spain determined to attack and will search for the goals to propel them to Russia 2018.
Coach Elisha Levy said he understands the complexity of the task at hand, per Andrew Sherwood of Jewish News: "We know we are facing one of the strongest national teams in the world, but we will go to Spain with the goal of playing positive football. We want to threaten Spain's goal and do all we can to get a good result. We don't want to capitulate against any opponent. This is a big test for us, but we will do our best."
Spain's team players (from top left) Spain's goalkeeper David de Gea, Spain's defender Sergio Ramos, Spain's forward Diego Costa, Spain's midfielder Sergio Busquets, Spain's defender Gerard Pique, Spain's midfielder David Silva, Spain's defender Dani Carv
Despite inferior opposition, a win is vital for Spain with the Italians close behind. Only the group winners automatically progress, forcing the Spanish not to underestimate the Blue and Whites.
Sergio Ramos has said he will put aside his club rivalry with Gerard Pique aside as the pair anchor the defence on Friday.
According to Ben Nagle of the MailOnline, the Real Madrid skipper said he is happy to work with the Barcelona man despite their clubs fighting for the La Liga crown. Ramos said on Monday:
The game finishes and you shake hands. It's the way it is between Real Madrid and Barcelona and that will not change. Now, I will give him a hug. We have become accustomed to throwing stones, but we take it without malice and it is always healthy... and that serves as something for you to sell. The key is the unity in the team, and that can not be lost.
LA ROCHELLE, FRANCE - JUNE 24: Sergio Ramos (L) and Gerard Pique of Spain share a joke during a training session at Complexe Sportif Marcel Gaillard on June 24, 2016 in La Rochelle, France. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
It is unlikely the visitors will hurt Spain's defence, but Israel's position in the group will give them extra motivation.
Three points in Gijon for Levy's team could give them overall control of the group after five matches.
Spain have too much talent to be railroaded by a lesser team across the expanse of a full qualification programme, but if they do not play to the best of their abilities at El Molinon, their precious home record might be ruined by an improving Israel.
Vitolo: Sevilla's Action Man Becoming Bolter from the Pack for Lopetegui's Spain
Nov 14, 2016
Sevilla's midfielder Vitolo celebrates after scoring during the Spanish league football match Sevilla FC vs FC Barcelona at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Sevilla on November 6, 2016. / AFP / JORGE GUERRERO (Photo credit should read JORGE GUERRERO/AFP/Getty Images)
Julen Lopetegui had seen it before and had picked him precisely for it, and seeing it again on such a stage will have only reinforced it.
Setting off in that slightly crouched way of his, body tense and legs pumping like pistons, Vitolo stormed toward goal as Pablo Sarabia glanced ahead. Sarabia's ball wasn't perfect, but Vitolo's aggressive presence sent Sergi Roberto into a spin, allowing him to pounce on a ball spilling free, to charge on beyond Roberto and beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen, too, heading for the corner flag in front of the rocking stands when it was all done. Sevilla 1, Barcelona 0.
Vitolo's opener in the clash of the season thus far was so very him. The Canarian's game is one defined by a power or grunt that has a technical lining, a blend that is far from common in the Spanish game and one that has been left relatively untamed at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Sevilla have found it's a valuable asset to have, and now Spain are, too.
As England prepare to face La Roja on Tuesday, Vitolo is one of the few faces Wembley won't instantly recognise among the visiting party. The 27-year-old will stand alongside the likes of Sergio Busquets and Alvaro Morata, Thiago Alcantara and Koke; alongside Spain's Premier League contingent in David De Gea, David Silva, Nolito, Nacho Monreal, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Talk will also focus on missing faces: Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas. Watching on, few will know Vitolo, but that might soon change.
Vitolo has now been directly involved in 4 goals in his last 4 games for Spain (3G, 1A)
Under new boss Lopetegui, the Sevilla man has quickly become a prominent figure in the national side this term. Selected against Belgium in September, he initially looked a slightly left-field choice, a player who had lingered on the fringes but who had rarely struck as an obvious fit. "Novel," said ASof his inclusion at the time.
But there's nothing novel in his selection now. That night against the Belgians, Vitolo created the first for Silva and won the penalty for the second. What's followed has been impressive: a goal and an assist in the 8-0 rout of Liechtenstein, the opener against Italy and another strike against Macedonia on Saturday.
Another start at Wembley wouldn't surprise. Emboldened by the new boss, Vitolo is giving Spain some of that much-discussed "something else." His hard running out wide differs from what Nolito or Silva offer in similar positions; his certain ruggedness alters the complexion of the attack; whereas others want to play in front and in between opponents, Vitolo wants to go at them and beyond.
Lopetegui has recognised the value in such characteristics, but he's not the first to do so. It was former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque who handed Vitolo his national-team debut 18 months ago against the Netherlands.
Throughout his tenure, Del Bosque regularly looked to add fresh faces and stylistic diversity to his squad—his handing of debuts to 68 players in eight years speaks volumes—despite the accusations that his loyalty and favouritism stretched too far. The issue for Del Bosque, though, was that his team's core was always so strong and established. There was a difference between altering the squad and altering the team, and the weight of history challenged the notion of the latter.
Vitolo, then, couldn't break through the periphery. But you sense that wasn't the only reason.
Until this season, the Canarian's Sevilla had stood in a different ideological space to the national side. Under Unai Emery, the Andalucians were more physical and direct than most in Spain. There was a swagger or personality to them, and they rode Emery's template to three straight Europa League crowns. But the force and straight lines clashed with the intricacy of La Roja, the incompatibility difficult to overcome. Now, though, things are different.
Having taken over from Emery, Jorge Sampaoli is leading Sevilla down a radically different path this term. Renowned for his work with Universidad de Chile and the Chilean national team, the Argentinian has ripped up the existing template. His Sevilla are now technical and slick, imaginative and daring. Last month they toppled Atletico Madrid, and before the international break, they outplayed Barcelona at their own game for a half.
Vitolo has been a leading figure, playing almost everywhere: on the left, on the right, in attacking midfield, at wing-back and even once at left-back. Alongside the passing and interplay of Samir Nasri, Steven N'Zonzi and Franco Vazquez, Vitolo is charged with being the flyer, the bolter—the man to shake things up.
It's similar with Spain now, too. There's a synchronicity between the two teams and Vitolo's role in them, helped by La Roja's subtle shift under Lopetegui.
Only months into the Basque's tenure, Spain look kind of the same but kind of different, too. Costa has been reintroduced, there's a touch more energy in midfield, and work without the ball has gone up a gear. Part of that is natural under a new boss, and part of it is necessary.
The Spanish no longer have Xavi, Iniesta is injured and Busquets is struggling for form. The once-indomitable method has been toppled as well. This, then, is now a team looking for some new elements because they have no other choice.
The way Lopetegui spoke about Costa in an interview with the Guardian's Sid Lowe pointed to a manager and a team ready to embrace them. "Diego lives football his way," he said. "We don't want to change his character because it's part of him."
Vitolo isn't as combustible as Costa, but there are shared qualities. The power, the aggression on the ball; they both have it. They're traits the new boss is looking for to a degree, empowering those with them.
"I'm happy with the faith Lopetegui has shown in me," Vitolo said in September, according to AS. "[He] told me to play in the same way I do for Sevilla."
That clarity and compatibility between club and country is showing. His dashing performances at the Pizjuan are being carried over to the international stage, Sevilla and Spain now sharing much—Vitolo more than anything.
Spain vs. Macedonia: World Cup 2018 Qualifying Live Stream, Preview
Nov 12, 2016
Italy's defender Leonardo Bonucci (R) fights for the ball with Spain's forward Artiz Aduriz Zubeldia during the friendly football match between Italy and Spain at 'Friuli-Dacia Arena' Stadium in Udine on March 24, 2016. / AFP / GIUSEPPE CACACE (Photo credit should read GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP/Getty Images)
Spain will be expected to make light work of Macedonia in their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes in Granada on Saturday. The Spaniards are unbeaten in their last four, while the visitors are on a disappointing run of four straight defeats.
Spain have been in prolific form, scoring 11 goals in their last three qualifying matches. Forwards such as Diego Costa, Nolito and Alvaro Morata have all been in fine form for manager Julen Lopetegui.
Here is the schedule, along with streaming details.
Lopetegui has been experimenting with different formations since he succeeded Vicente del Bosque in the summer. The former Porto chief has used both a back four and a back three in recent matches.
Yet his options in defence are thinned for this game. Both Barcelona's Gerard Pique and Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, two international linchpins, are expected to miss out.
However, theirs are just part of a spate of injuries facing Lopetegui. His main concern will be compensating for being without Costa.
Spain's Diego Costa (L) vies with Albania's Taulant Xhaka during the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualification football match Albania vs Spain at the Loro-Borici stadium in Shkoder, on October 9, 2016. / AFP / Andrej ISAKOVIC (Photo credit should read ANDR
The Chelsea striker has been ruled out of Spain's next two matches, including the friendly against England on Tuesday, with a groin injury, per BBC Sport. His absence could give an opportunity to Athletic Bilbao target man Aritz Aduriz.
The 35-year-old is back in the squad and told the press he's ready to contribute: "I am delighted and extremely grateful to return and happy to be with the best to try to help."
Another player keen to make the most of a return to the international scene is Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata. He's been in fine form for the Red Devils this season, scoring three times and providing an assist in all competitions, per WhoScored.com.
As they often do, Macedonia will rely on Goran Pandev for goals and inspiration in the final third. The 33-year-old Genoa forward still has the knowhow to punish an injury-hit Spain defence.
SKOPJE, MACEDONIA - OCTOBER 09: Marco Verratti of Italy (L) and Goran Pandev of FYR Macedonia compete for the ball during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between FYR Macedonia and Italy at Nacionalna Arena Filip II Makedonski on October 9, 2016 in Skop
However, even if Pandev is firing, La Roja have too much guile in midfield and brawn up top not to win by a convincing margin in Granada.
Spain's Clash with Italy Is Early Chance for Julen Lopetegui to Set New Tone
Oct 6, 2016
Spain's national football team head coach Julen Lopetegui gives a press conference, on August 31, 2016, in Brussels. Spain will play a friendly football match on September 1, 2016 against Belgian national football team Red Devils. / AFP / Belga / VIRGINIE LEFOUR / Belgium OUT (Photo credit should read VIRGINIE LEFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)
Julen Lopetegui won't be looking back. "Football does not stop," the new Spain manager said when presented back in July. "Spanish football is proud of its past, but we will look to the future."
The concept of future is one that's dominated the discussion around La Roja for two years. Ever since the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where cracks in an empire revealed themselves, there's been an inevitability in the arrival at this point.
The common line has been evolution not revolution, and the picture ahead has been painted bright as they often are. But as the political commentator George Will once said: "The future has a way of arriving unannounced."
As Spain embark on the next step in their World Cup qualifying campaign, that future is Italy. Or perhaps more accurately, Italy could give Spain a future they don't like, one they hadn't seen coming.
Thursday night's clash between the countries in Turin might only be the second game of their qualifying process, but it already looks significant.
Having been drawn together in the most top-heavy group in Europe, this clash is the highest profile of any in the whole campaign, and that matters. Only 13 teams will qualify for the tournament in Russia from nine groups: the group winners and four more from an eight-team playoff round contested over two legs.
In a group also containing Albania, FYR Macedonia, Israel and Liechtenstein, Spain's pair of clashes with the Italians will likely decide top spot. Miss it, and there are no guarantees one of these heavyweights will make it to Russia.
There it is, then: unannounced.
Spain's coach Julen Lopetegui gives instructions to his players during the WC 2018 football qualification match between Spain and Liechtenstein at the Reyno de Leon Stadium in Leon on September 5, 2016. Spain won the match 8-0. / AFP / MIGUEL RIOPA
For Lopetegui, it's fitting that Italy will shape a future that's felt so distant but is suddenly here. Spain's dynasty, after all, began with Italy in the semi-finals of Euro 2008, when a Cesc Fabregas penalty ended the nation's hex with the Azzurri.
Eighty-eight years had passed since Spain's last competitive win over them, a period littered with controversy, ill-feeling, a sense of injustice and painful memories. Fabregas' penalty brought all of that crashing down, releasing La Roja and sending them on their way.
Eight years later, Italy brought Spain full circle, toppling the dynasty in France at Euro 2016.
That meeting in Paris in June wasn't an exit point for the Spanish; it was a separation point. In the face of Antonio Conte's savvy and relentless side, the defending champions had no time, no clarity, no method and no response. It was the ultimate exhibition of a good thing that had grown stale, highlighting the need for regeneration. Lopetegui is the man tasked with that.
It was interesting to hear the new Spain manager assess his side's upcoming opponents at a press conference last week. "Italy is the national team most similar to a club," he said. It was an insight into what Lopetegui wants to create for himself: a fiercely tight-knit group defined by togetherness as much as talent.
In a recent interview with Marca, the Basque spoke of a "commitment [to] being a team, a collective." It's a basic thing to say but important all the same.
For Vicente del Bosque's group in France, it looked like outside noise, distractions, the lingering presence of the Barcelona-Real Madrid divide and the whistles of a complex fanbase had chipped away at its resolve. Tactically, they were exposed, but they also looked something bordering on emotionally spent, too.
Lopetegui's first task, then, might be more about winning his players over than anything tactical or stylistic. And the early signs are good.
Lopetegui's happy debut dominates today's AS cover just as Spain dominated Belgium last night.. pic.twitter.com/DGf5b2qmEK
Opening wins over Belgium and Liechtenstein got this new era off to a quick start, but it's the feeling of being refreshed to a certain extent that stood out more. "Lopetegui has recaptured Spain's competitive spirit," said his predecessor Del Bosque last month. "They needed that and are in good hands." From Del Bosque it was a significant line; both recognition and admission all in one.
Key to strengthening a sense of spirit for Lopetegui will be his handling of those on the periphery of the squad. At Euro 2016, Del Bosque's use of only 11 players didn't exactly stir motivation outside the star-studded core. But already, his replacement is looking for ways to make others feel needed. His handing of Isco, who is marginalised at Real Madrid but has Lopetegui's public backing, will have gone down well.
Isco isn't the only youthful face turned to, either. Following on from his spells with the national team at youth level, Lopetegui has opted for Sergi Roberto and Saul Niguez in his squad to face the Italians. That energy and renewal is something that Spain have needed, hinting that the new boss intends to steadily force through a new wave of talent. That also includes Diego Costa.
The Chelsea striker is undoubtedly the most intriguing member of La Roja. Lethal, aggressive, a one-man wrecking ball/battering ram, Costa has enormous potential in national colours but to this point has been stylistically incompatible with those around him. Watching him in red has been to see a doberman trapped in a cot—restricted and restless, unable to do what comes naturally.
Lopetegui's intention is to change that. "Tomorrow Diego Costa will play," the manager told a news conference on Wednesday. "We decided we must play our strongest team in a game like this."
If the Brazil-born forward stands as one part of the Basque's strongest side, it's a clear indication that an altered direction is being taken. The template, the emphasis, the tactical philosophy: it's different.
Earlier this week, Sergio Busquets spoke of that shifting dynamic. "The two [Del Bosque and Lopetegui] have more or less the same system but with Lopetegui we are working more tactically, there is much more emphasis on that," he told Movistar (h/t Marca).
If the criticism of Del Bosque did become unnecessarily nasty, the basis for it was understandable. As Spain's empire slowed, there was little evidence of tactical sophistication or invention. Opponents knew what they were going to get in an absence of opponent-specific strategies. It became a matter, then, of whether they could stop it, and the Dutch, Chileans, Croatians and Italians could.
Now it's the Italians again. Thursday's meeting in Turin will present Spain with problems they've been unable to overcome: back threes, wing-backs, twin forwards and intense pressing.
"Italy had a fairly similar style of football from Cesare Prandelli through Conte and [Giampiero] Ventura," said Lopetegui on Wednesday. "There are different details, but the base system is fairly stable, both in defence and attack."
Thus, for Spain, it's an opportunity to show a new side to themselves. Italy ripped them apart tactically in France, and the challenge is to respond to that, to add another dimension alongside the technical brilliance that forms the foundation of who they are.
There's a lot riding on it, too. A once-distant future that had been pondered for some time is now here, and it's fitting that it's Italy standing in the way. For Lopetegui's new Spain, it's a chance to set a new tone.
Cesc Fabregas, Hector Bellerin Not in Spain Squad to Face Italy and Albania
Sep 30, 2016
Spain's midfielder Cesc Fabregas controls the ball during Euro 2016 round of 16 football match between Italy and Spain at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, on June 27, 2016. / AFP / PHILIPPE LOPEZ (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE LOPEZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Spain manager Julen Lopetegui has left Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin out of his squad for the team's upcoming international fixtures.
The 23 players for the matches against Italy and Albania were confirmed via the team’s official Twitter feed on Friday, with no space for Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta or Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata either:
When quizzed about Fabregas’ omission, Lopetegui stated “we like a lot of players, and they can't all play,” per ESPN FC.
Although Fabregas has long been a regular in the national team setup, accruing 105 caps, it’s no great surprise to see him left out.
Since Antonio Conte took over at Chelsea, the 29-year-old has found minutes very difficult to come by, making his first start of the Premier League season in the Blues’ sixth game, a 3-0 loss at Arsenal. With so many quality midfield options to call upon, the Spain boss can afford to be ruthless.
HULL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Hull City and Arsenal at KCOM Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Hull, England. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
Bellerin’s omission is arguably a little more surprising, as he’s been in tremendous form for Arsenal so far this term. However, he has been included in Spain’s Under 21 squad, per the official Twitter feed.
Mata may feel a little hard done by after a strong start to the campaign, although he too endured a spell on the bench before returning to United’s starting XI against Leicester City. As noted here by Squawka Football, he’s been a very positive influence at Old Trafford so far this campaign:
Man Utd's Premier League win % this season:
When Mata starts (4 games): 100% When Mata doesn't start (2 games): 0%
La Roja will continue their push towards the 2018 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, as they seek to gain a degree of revenge against Italy.
Under the guidance of Conte, the Azzurri were too smart and too organised for Spain in the last-16 of the UEFA European Championship in the summer, running out comfortable 2-0 winners. A win in Turin would put Lopetegui’s side in a strong position, having won their first Group G fixture 8-0 against Liechtenstein.
Diego Costa Comments on Spain Criticism After Performance Against Belgium
Sep 2, 2016
Belgium's Toby Alderweireld, right, tackles Spain's Diego Costa during a friendly soccer match at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)
Diego Costa has lashed out at the Spanish media as he believes his performances are judged more harshly because he does not play for Barcelona or Real Madrid and was not born in Spain.
Per MailOnline's Adam Crafton, Costa "took aim" at the press in the mixed zone following Spain's 2-0 win over Belgium on Thursday:
Yourselves, the journalists, you should assess my performance in this friendly but I felt I did well.
If I was at Real Madrid or Barca, you would be saying that I had a great game but as I am not a natural Spaniard, people always criticise me in a special way.
I won't change, even if I'm criticised. It's true that I'm wrong sometimes but I don't need anyone to tell me. I can do self-criticism. My team-mates trust me.
The 27-year-old was born in Brazil and played twice for his home country in friendlies against Italy and Russia, but he later switched nationalities to play for Spain after living and playing there for over six years.
Costa also made his Spain debut against Italy.
Costa made his debut for La Roja in March 2014 and has subsequently gone on to earn 11 caps including his outing against Belgium.
The striker, who has scored just once for Spain, put in a fairly strong showing against the Red Devils, providing David Silva with an assist for the first of his two efforts.
He did not make Vicente del Bosque's UEFA Euro 2016 squad, with the former manager opting for Alvaro Morata, Nolito, Pedro, Aritz Aduriz and Lucas Vazquez as his forward options.
Goal's Nizaar Kinsella welcomed Costa's return to the international stage:
Diego Costa has just come on for Spain after Alvaro Marota got injured. Finally back where he belongs #CFC#Chelsea
The striker was more positive when discussing domestic matters, specifically new Chelsea boss Antonio Conte: "He is doing a great job. He has begun very strong and winning games in the Premier League gives me confidence."
Chelsea have claimed three wins from their first three Premier League games, scoring seven goals and conceding twice.
Costa's performances have provided a sharp contrast to his lacklustre form for the first half of last season, per WhoScored.com:
Diego Costa: Has been directly involved in 3 of Chelsea's 6 league goals scored this season (2 goals, 1 assist) #CHEBUR
The Blues will look to continue their impressive run away at Swansea City on September 11.
Following the sale of central defender Ashley Williams to Everton, the Swans will be less well-equipped to deal with Costa's physicality and aggression.
