World champs Spain face striker dilemma

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Del Bosque says team need something new

MADRID: Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is concerned about his striking options as the world champions build up to the defence of their crown in Brazil next year with a work-out at this summer’s Confederations Cup, he said on Wednesday.

“It seems to me that the team needs something new.

“But these past months, possibly because of errors on our part, we haven’t found the centre-forward that fits in with our team,” he admitted in an interview with the official website “Diario de la roja”.

“(Alvaro) Negredo, (Fernando) Torres and (Roberto) Soldado have had their opportunities while (David) Villa hasn’t really been impressed us, either,” said Del Bosque who masterminded the 2010 World Cup triumph.

Spain are grouped with South American champions Uruguay as well as African champions Nigeria and rank outsiders Tahiti for the traditional World Cup build-up tournament which begins on June 15 in Brazil.

Del Bosque, who was also successful at the 2012 European Championships by deploying attacking midfielder Cesc Fabregas in a striking role, admitted he may again rely on the Barcelona ace.

“We can play with a genuine number nine or a different kind of player but we need players who can contribute to the team play and be effective throughout the match and not only to score a goal,” continued Del Bosque.

After winning consecutive Euro titles, sandwiched around their maiden World Cup victory, Spain are now looking to add the Confederations Cup and complete their set after a drought of titles that dated back to 1964 before success under Luis Aragones at Euro 2008.

Brazil, Italy, Japan and Mexico are in the second qualifying group with the championship match on June 30 at Rio de Janeiro. — AFP