Spain’s Juanfran is challenged by Sergei Balanovich, of Belarus.Spain and Germany will have different objectives when they play a friendly in Vigo tonight in the first meeting between the European heavyweights since Spain’s 1-0 win in the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup.
Vicente del Bosque’s new-look side will want to show they have put their failed title defence at the 2014 World Cup firmly behind them and some fresh faces coming through will be keen to impress.
Germany, meanwhile, are looking to finish off a stellar year in style after they claimed Spain’s global crown with July’s 1-0 win against Argentina in the World Cup final, their fourth triumph at soccer’s international showpiece.
Del Bosque is in the process of integrating a new generation following the retirement from internationals of stalwarts like Xavi, Xabi Alonso and David Villa as the European champions prepare for a tilt at a third straight continental title in France in two years’ time.
The hopes of La Roja now rest with players including midfielders Koke and Isco and forward Paco Alcacer, and there is a particular buzz around Isco after he scored a brilliant goal in Saturday’s 3-0 win at home to Belarus in Euro 2016 qualification Group C.
The squad still has plenty of hardened campaigners who have won every major title in the game and one of the most experienced, Sergio Ramos, said after the Belarus match the future was bright.
“The team is gelling more and more as time goes by,” Ramos told reporters.
“There will be better performances and worse performances but the new generation is pushing hard,” added the Real Madrid centre back.
“They are lads with little experience but a lot of desire and ambition. We can be positive about this national team.”
Germany coach Joachim Loew has insisted he and his players are not looking to avenge defeats to Spain in the final of Euro 2008 and in the last four at the 2010 World Cup.
“We want to end the year by showing once again what we are capable of and if possible win the match,” Loew said.
“But it is certainly not about revenge for previous games we lost in 2008 or 2010,” he added.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second Old Trafford home-coming will be another highly-charged affair with rival Lionel Messi leading Argentina in their friendly with Portugal.
Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford for the first time after leaving Manchester United in 2009 when Real Madrid beat United 2-1 with his winning goal in a Champions League tie in March last year, but he can expect plenty of support this time from fans who would love him to make a permanent move back.
The Portugal captain will not have it all his own way, though, given the backing the Manchester-based Argentine colony in coach Gerardo Martino’s squad can also expect in the two great players’ 27th clash though only the second at national level.
Messi, on top in their head-to-head record with 12 wins to Ronaldo’s seven and the remainder drawn, gave Argentina a 2-1 win with a penalty in a February 2011 friendly in Geneva after Ronaldo had scored Portugal’s equaliser.
Carlos Tevez will also be looking for a part, having played for both United and Manchester City who provide Argentina with three players including Sergio Aguero.
New Italy faces
Antonio Conte is set to field several new faces as Italy host Albania.
The game is being staged at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium to raise funds for the people of Genoa who were hit by heavy floods in recent weeks.
The Italian coach is likely to reward the fans by fielding several players from the region’s sides Genoa and Sampdoria.
Conte is also likely to award a first cap to Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi, who was given the all-clear from his second battle with cancer only a few months ago.
Today’s friendlies
Slovakia vs Finland - 17.00
Belarus vs Mexico - 18.00
Greece vs Serbia - 18.00
Slovenia vs Colombia - 18.00
Austria vs Brazil - 19.00
Estonia vs Jordan - 19.10
Romania vs Denmark - 19.30
Ukraine vs Lithuania - 20.00
Hungary vs Russia - 20.30
Ireland vs USA - 20.45
Italy vs Albania - 20.45
Poland vs Switzerland - 20.45
Portugal vs Argentina - 20.45
Spain vs Germany - 20.45
France vs Sweden - 21.00
Scotland vs England - 21.00