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TEAM NEWS: Torres keeps Fabregas consigned to the bench as Spain face Croatia
Jun 18, 2012 6:05:00 PM
The 28-year-old will spearhead La Furia Roja's attack as Vicente Del Bosque names an unchanged line-up from that which comprehensively defeated Republic of Ireland
Fernando Torres retains his position in the starting XI for Spain in their Group C decider with Croatia in Gdansk.A win for La Furia Roja would secure top-spot in the group while a draw could also be enough to ensure progression. Following the his two goals as Spain dismantled Republic of Ireland 4-0 in their previous group game Torres has been rewarded with the lone striker position. Cesc Fabregas therefore remains on the bench despite scoring in both of Spain's previous two games.
Vicente Del Bosque has decided to field Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Torres despite the trio all being one yellow card away from missing a potential quarter-final.
Slaven Bilic received much praise for switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation that proved the catalyst for Croatia to come back from one goal down and draw level with Italy last Thursday. He is largely expected to maintain that tactic but having missed training on Saturday with a fever, Nikica Jelavic will start on the bench. Domagoj Vida comes into the side which allows Darijo Srna to play in a more advanced role on the right while Mario Mandzukic begins as the central striker. Ivan Perisic also makes way for Danijel Pranjic as Bilic adds more experience to his side.
A draw could be enough for Bilic's men to qualify depending on the result between Italy and Ireland. Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Gordon Shildenfeld could all miss the next game, should Croatia qualify, if booked.
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Pletikosa; Vida, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic; Vukojevic, Rakitic; Srna, Modric, Pranjic; Mandzukic.
Subs: Kelava, Subasic, Simunic, Buljat, Vrsaljko, Perisic, Badelj, Dumjovic, Kranjcar, Kalinic, Eduardo, Jelavic.
Spain (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Alonso; Silva, Xavi, Iniesta; Torres.
Subs: Valdes, Reina, Albiol, Martinez, Juanfran, Fabregas, Mata, Cazorla, Navas, Pedro, Llorente, Negredo.
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