Spain have released their starting line-up for their opening World Cup match. As is almost to be expected with Luis Enrique. There are a few surprises.
Barcelona can count on five players in the starting line-up, but perhaps the biggest surprise is a Real Madrid inclusion. Atletico Madrid’s Alvaro Morata was the undisputed number nine at the Euros last year, but Marco Asensio has been given the start. Morata and Dani Carvajal are reportedly under the weather. It is not yet clear whether he or Dani Olmo will play through the middle, with Ferran Torres completing the frontline.
🚨 OFICIAL | ¡¡ASÍ DEBUTAMOS ANTE COSTA RICA!!
👥 Esta es la alineación de @LUISENRIQUE21 para el estreno de la @SEFutbol en el 𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐋.
💪🏼 ¡¡VAAAAAAAAMOOOOOSSSS ESPAAAÑAAAAA!!#VamosEspaña | #Catar2022 | #ESP pic.twitter.com/V18FmUupfD
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) November 23, 2022
The midfield comes entirely from Barcelona with Pedri, Sergio Busquets Gavi. In defence, teammate Jordi Alba at left-back, Cesar Azpilicueta on the right and a surprise central defensive pairing of Aymeric Laporte and Rodri Hernandez. There had been hints that Rodri might play in defence, but few would have expected it ahead of the tournament.
Costa Rica start as so, with a few familiar faces in Celso Borges, Oscar Duarte and Joel Campbell.
Teenage star Jewison Bennette gets the nod. pic.twitter.com/nSySjVvfXO
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 23, 2022
Costa Rica have a number of veterans in their side, including Joel Campbell, Yeltsin Tejada, Bryan Oviedo, Celso Borges and Oscar Duarte. Jewison Bennette has been highlighted as one of starlets of Los Ticos.
