Spain to Play Against Iraq in World Cup Warm-Up
The friendly serves as the first of two pre-World Cup tune-ups for Luis de la Fuente's side, who will then travel to Mexico to take on Peru on June 9, before their tournament opener against Cape Verde on June 15.
However, the match is unlikely to reveal De la Fuente's hand ahead of that crucial first fixture. Star wingers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, along with midfielder Victor Munoz, remain sidelined with muscle complaints, while Champions League finalists Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, David Raya, and Martin Zubimendi only rejoined the squad Tuesday and Wednesday — leaving the starting XI far from settled.
Adding further uncertainty, the Riazor pitch drew scrutiny after supporters stormed the field Sunday to mark Deportivo's promotion to La Liga. Yet De la Fuente struck a reassuring tone when speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.
"The news we have is that they have worked hard on it and the pitch will be in good condition, which is important. The key thing is that the pitch is in good shape for safety reasons and to be able to put on a good show," he said.
The Spanish coach also reaffirmed his belief that both Williams and Yamal will be match-ready for the Cape Verde clash, and revealed that Merino — largely absent since sustaining a serious ankle injury in early February — is in line for valuable minutes Thursday.
On the goalkeeping battle between Unai Simon, Raya, and Joan Garcia, De la Fuente remained deliberately tight-lipped, though confident.
"I know who my goalkeeper is," he said. "What's more, I could tell you today our starting 11 for Cape Verde, but we have to wait, sometimes football changes things for you, but I am sure about by starting 11."
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