Spain will look to move one step closer to clinching a World Cup qualifying berth when it takes on Belarus at home on Friday.
La Furia Roja has 14 points in Group I and only needs four points to clinch a spot in the World Cup next summer. France is tied in points with Spain but has played one extra game; the French are playing a friendly this weekend but will be back in action next week with a final group game against Finland.
The Spanish trounced Belarus 4-0 in their previous meeting; Pedro scored three goals in that game. The team has struggled throughout the tournament and only has four points in qualifying.
Spain announced its lineup earlier in the week, featuring a number of surprises. Juan Mata returned to the lineup after solid performances for Chelsea. Another surprise pick was young Alberto Moreno of Spain's Under-21 club.
"[Moreno] is a dynamic player, he does both things [defending and attacking] well," said Coach Vicente del Bosque, according to ESPN. "He has played well for the Under-21s. He is the natural replacement and allows us to grow the squad a little with new players."
One player who did not make the squad was Diego Costa. The Brazilian-born star was slated to play for Spain but was not allowed to join due to paperwork problems with FIFA. If he played for Spain, then he would lose a chance to play for Brazil in future matches. However, he will now be able to play for Brazil if he pleases because Spain will not have any more competitive matches if it clinches a berth this week.
Regarding his goaltending, Del Bosque hinted that Iker Casillas would probably be his starter.
"I would look to the positive part of him playing fewer games," he said. "He would arrive rested and fit. We look at things from day to day, and take decisions based on a common feeling."
Prediction: Spain wins 3-0.
Start Time: 4 p.m. EST
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