Alvaro Morata – Spain striker.

Spain will be on a revenge mission when they take on the Netherlands in Amsterdam, today.

The Spaniards fell 5-1 to the Dutch – their heaviest defeat since 1963 – in their World Cup opener in Brazil last year.

The result paved the way for Vincente del Bosque’s side to experience an early knockout while the Dutch, led by current Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, went on to finish third.

Today’s game is an international friendly but Spain’s players will be eager to put on a good performance.

“We all know that after that type of game, there is always a hunger for revenge,” defender Juan Bernat said.

“Football always gives you a second opportunity and there’s a lot of determination to avenge that loss.”

Bayern Munich left-back Bernat is expected to start against the Dutch in place of the injured Jordi Alba, who sustained a hamstring injury in a 1-0 triumph over Ukraine in Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier.

It is one of a number of changes Del Bosque will ring for the encounter at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea is set to start in place of Iker Casillas while Malaga striker Juanmi and Sevilla winger Vitolo are both expected to make their senior debuts.

Spain go into the contest after Alvaro Morata’s solitary goal on Friday in Seville handed them three points against Ukraine in their European Championship qualifying campaign.

The outcome allowed the European champions to climb three points clear of third-place Ukraine and just three points behind Group C leaders Slovakia.

“It was important to win and we are happy for that,” Real Madrid midfielder Isco said.

“We are working towards being more consistent throughout games.

“We played a good first half against Ukraine and had many chances to score but we struggled after the re-start.”

Holland will return to the Amsterdam ArenA three days after their 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifying draw against Turkey.

A second-half stoppage-time equaliser from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar allowed Holland to avoid a third defeat in qualifying.

Guus Hiddink’s side continues to struggle and is six points adrift of Group A leaders Czech Republic and one point ahead of Turkey in third place.

Holland, who lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final in South Africa in 2010, are without experienced pair Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, who are out injured.

Both players terrorised La Roja in Brazil, scoring two goals apiece in that game.

Huntelaar, who is one strike shy of celebrating his 40th goal with the national team, will lead the Oranje in attack.

Today’s friendlies

Liechtenstein vs San Marino - 15.00
Estonia vs Iceland - 18.00
Switzerland vs USA - 18.00
Russia vs Kazakhstan - 19.00
Sweden vs Iran - 19.30
Ukraine vs Latvia - 20.00
Luxembourg vs Turkey - 20.15
Austria vs Bosnia - 20.30
Slovakia vs Czech Rep. - 20.30
Italy vs England - 20.45
Netherlands vs Spain - 20.45
Portugal vs Cape Verde - 21.45