4 Spain Non-Regulars Who Showed They Could Win a World Cup Spot vs. Uruguay

Spain produced a typically assured and confident performance in their latest international friendly fixture to beat reigning Copa America champion Uruguay 3-1 in Qatar. The win might have shown boss Vicente del Bosque a few new faces to include on his World Cup squad list.

With the likes of Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez injured, Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente out of favour and several other regular names missing from the squad list, del Bosque took the chance to hand three international debuts out. He included plenty of other players who don't normally get a look in for the national team.

It goes without saying that most of the talent on display would walk into other nations' sides, but Spain has such a variety of riches that these players have to take any chance they can get.

A friendly isn't always the easiest fixture in which to shine, especially in only 20 or 30 minutes from the bench, but some might have had a telling impact on the match regardless. Here's four who might have shown they could make the plane trip to Brazil in 2014 for the World Cup.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Right-Back

Chelsea right-back Cesar Azpilicueta suddenly finds himself playing regularly at club level for a top four side in England, and he is able to challenge for a position in his national team which has come under scrutiny in the past couple of years.

Alvaro Arbeloa is the established name, but the former Osasuna full-back has more to offer in the final third than the Real Madrid man, who is younger and has better acceleration—making him a viable alternative for the squad at the very least.

He made his debut against Uruguay, at the age of 23, and he will now have to look to push on and make his first competitive appearance for the national side if he wants to try and make the plane.

Azpilicueta has certainly got a chance of making it.

Isco, Attacking Midfield

Only 20 years of age, Isco adds another name and another dimension to the multiple final third options that Spain possess.

While Cesc holds sway in the false nine role at present, Isco might be another option in that role or, as he showed for the latter stages of the game, playing as a true No. 10 behind a striker.

Isco showed plenty of nice touches and the confidence to shoot for goal when in the penalty area. His more direct style of play at times might certainly be an interesting addition to a squad famed for its patient approach to breaking teams down.

With his debut out of the way, the key for Isco will be to build on his form this season and ensure he does not have to wait a season or more for his next taste of international football.

Attacking midfield is a hugely crowded zone for Spain, and only the best few will make the World Cup squad. Isco has work to do, but he certainly is talented enough to barge his way in over the next 14 months.

Matias Suarez, Central Midfield

Mario Suarez has taken some time to establish himself as a regular with Atletico Madrid, but he has managed to more or less do so this season and was rewarded with his debut for the national team against Uruguay.

Technically perhaps he is not on the level of the likes of Xabi Alonso or Sergio Busquets, but del Bosque needed to ensure that he had someone available who can cover Sergio in the holding role if he was unavailable.

Suarez can be that player if need be, but he also brings a tactical switch for Spain—alongside Sergio, he allows the team to change to a true doble pivote in the centre of midfield, forming a strong and rigid base from which the more attacking components of the side can work.

This also allows more space in front of the Uruguay defence in the second half.

Suarez will have a fierce battle on his hands just to get another shot at being in the Spain squad, let alone the team, but he does bring an element of change with him onto the pitch from the usual midfield alignment.

Alvaro Negredo, Striker

Llorente, Torres, Roberto Soldado, Adrian Lopez.

All four were absent from this Spain squad, leaving (other than David Villa, more typically deployed from the left of the attack) Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo as the only natural striker in the squad.

With 10 goals this season, Negredo isn't exactly the most in-form or prolific attacker on the continent right now, but del Bosque knows what he's going to get from the 13-cap man.

It looks as though Spain will persist with Cesc Fabregas leading the front line and Pedro causing plenty of problems for the opposition in the front line, but they will still have to take at least one out and out striker with them to the World Cup.

Who knows whether Fernando Torres will find himself back in favour or form in the course of the next year, but for now it appears Negredo is the man who has the best chance of making it.

His biggest obstacle will likely be the return to prominence and first-team regular of Llorente when he moves to Juventus next season.

In the meantime though, it's Negredo's place to lose.

Follow @karlmatchett