Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque has reiterated his confidence in misfiring striker Diego Costa as his team attempt to bounce back from their shock defeat against Slovakia by gaining a big victory over Luxembourg tonight.
Chelsea striker Costa has failed to score in six internationals since turning his back on birth nation Brazil to join La Roja’s cause and his place in the starting line-up is under threat from Valencia starlet Paco Alcacer, who has notched two goals in three Spain appearances.
Del Bosque, however, is adamant that Costa will soon come good on the international stage, stating: “If we think of one centre forward for the national team, it is him. If we hadn’t taken him [away from Brazil], we would have regretted it.
“He has not had the same success as with his clubs but we must have confidence in him.”
It is unclear who will start up front tonight with Del Bosque set to change nearly half the side which lost 2-1 in Slovakia, although Costa and Alcacer both playing in a two-striker formation is a distinct possibility.
Rather than a punishment for the midweek loss, tonight’s changes will be a customary move from the Spain boss, who always prefers to avoid selecting the same players for two games in a short space of time whenever possible – especially against lightweight opposition such as Luxembourg.
“There probably will be five changes,” confirmed Del Bosque. “It is something pre-planned, not because of the defeat. We had already made our plans and the result there doesn’t change them.”
Another under-pressure player whose place is under serious threat is captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who added further weight to the debate over his position by committing an error to concede the opener.
Manchester United stopper David De Gea is hoping for the opportunity to win his third cap, but Del Bosque played his cards close to his chest as he said: “Iker is looking good. He is training well and we’ll see on Sunday night whether he plays or not.”