Spain vs. Belarus: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Spain return to their Euro 2016 qualification campaign on Saturday, welcoming Belarus to Huelva's Estadio Nueva Colombino as they look to move to the top of group C.
After three group matches, Vicente del Bosque's side sit second in the standings behind Slovakia and are hoping to seal back-to-back victories for the first time in their qualifying run.
The Belarusian visit is an ideal chance to do so given that Andrei Zygmantovich's side are one of only two in the group yet to claim a win. Read on for viewing details and a preview of this weekend's clash in Andalusia.
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Date: Saturday, Nov. 15
Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK, subscription required), Watch ESPN (US)
TV Info: Sky Sports 5 (UK, red button), ESPN Deportes (US)
New Faces Emerging in Spanish Setup
In the wake of their group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup, Spain have gone through a state of sweeping change in the international stakes, with coach Del Bosque experimenting in his line-up since that disappointment.
The transition will continue on Saturday as four players look primed to make their bows for the senior squad, Ignacio Camacho (Malaga), Alvaro Morata (Juventus), Nolito (Celta Vigo) and Jose Callejon (Napoli) all among the squad.
Given Spain's struggles to unearth a consistent strike force in recent years, relying largely on their midfield creativity, it's surprising to see such an extensive list of attackers. Morata, Callejon and Nolito join Paco Alcacer in the setup, himself having only been capped earlier this year, with Pedro also in the mix.
It represents a change in priority from the manager, who would appear to be searching for a new route to Spanish glory after the retirements of playmakers Xavi and Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea Withdrawals Revive Club vs. Country Debate
One striker set to miss out on the upcoming qualifiers is Chelsea's Diego Costa who, along with Cesc Fabregas, sparked the club versus country debate all over again with their injury concerns.
Jose Mourinho has clashed with Del Bosque in the past, and after Fabregas returned to London on Tuesday due to a hamstring issue, the Spain boss spoke with Spanish radio station Onda Cero (h/t Indpendent's Tom Sheen):
"We had to wait a few days to evaluate Cesc's injury and we opted for him not to continue with us. At times we have been flexible but not in this case. His muscle seems all right but he complains and he is the best doctor. I prefer to be deceived but I cannot be distrustful.
When a player of his calibre tells you that he is injured, you have to believe him. In our previous training camp, he (Costa) complained about pain in his pelvic bone. I thought it was best for him to take a break. It's not a sign of weakness, I don't want to confront anyone. When I gave my 23-man squad, I knew that he (Costa) was going to play with his club at the weekend.
"
Chelsea currently sit at the Premier League summit and understandably want every asset under their control fit and ready to play, but once again the debate over which team should mean more to a player starts afresh.
Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC quotes Real Madrid and Spain stalwart Sergio Ramos hinting the injury concerns are perhaps not genuine:
Belarus will be glad to hear of the absences to key players, needing every opportunity for Spanish weakness if they're to record an upset in foreign territory.
However, rather than ignite a flare-up among their own ranks, this new controversy only looks set to further the friction between Del Bosque and Mourinho as the Spain versus Chelsea struggle appears to reach new heights.
Belarus Seeking New Initiative
In order to get the better of Spain, Belarus will be hoping to replicate the heroics of Slovakia by starting strong in Huelva. A regressive attitude against La Furia Roja would be tantamount to suicide in allowing pressure to be exerted by Del Bosque's pass masters.
However, having managed only two goals in their first three qualifiers, the Eastern Europeans are far from being flush in attack. They tend to strike late too, with goals coming in the 78th and 79th minutes against Luxembourg and Slovakia, respectively.
It's a beleaguered assault that won't work against Del Bosque's men, a side who are happy to bide their time against stubborn opposition.
A nothing-to-lose pragmatism is needed, and while the temptation is there to park the bus and play for the draw, any hope of a result may well require a mentality more akin to throwing caution to the wind.
