International Friendly: Spain Will Test Their Credentials Against Colombia

Spain vs Colombia

The revitalised Spain will have a busy international window as they face off against two of the most talented football nations on the globe. Luis de la Fuente and his scorching outfit will lock horns with James Rodriguez and the rest of Los Cafeteros at London Stadium before clashing with Brazil just a few days later.

Even though their International Friendly won’t bear any significant recognition, it will be a chance for both teams to test their credentials against rival nations.

Colombia are still one of the most dangerous outfits in their region, rubbing elbows with the likes of Argentina and Brazil. Their star, Luis Diaz, fought valiantly with Liverpool during the quarterfinal match against Manchester United in the FA Cup. It was reported that Diaz is still mending a minor groin injury but will still report for international duty.

Talking Points

Barcelona’s budding star earns senior call-up

Spain’s long period of dominance on the world stage, like all good things, has come to an end. But that doesn’t mean that Luis de la Fuente’s current squad can’t fare well against other football giants.

After their surprising Round of 16 exit in the 2022 World Cup, de la Fuente’s outfit quickly turned things around and proceeded to secure a spot in Euro 2024, thanks to their eight game winning streak across all competitions.

The Spaniards found the perfect blend of young studs and seasoned veterans and have now become one of the most convincing contenders in Germany this summer. Midfielder Rodri remains the vital cog that meshes effortlessly in Luis de la Fuente’s system, quickly being able to switch from being a defencive anchor to becoming a maestro where the offence funnels.

Spain will lean on Rodri to produce winning International Friendly 2024 results during their upcoming bouts against Colombia and Brazil. But the player that will be under the microscope for Spain during the international window is Barcelona’s budding talent, Pau Cubarsi.

The 17-year-old centre-back has earned his first senior call up thanks to his heroic efforts for the Catalans in the past few weeks. Cubarsi has been a staple for Xavi in Barcelona with 23 appearances across all competitions this season and even provided an assist in Barca’s Copa del Rey round-of-16 win against Unionistas.

Cubrasi will join the already stacked Spanish first third that houses the likes of Dani Carvajal, Jesus Navas, Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Dani Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Alex Grimaldo, and Jose Gaya.

Luis Diaz injury scare

Luis Diaz has been spearheading the offence for Colombia in their last few games while also contributing quality production for his domestic club, Liverpool.

The Colombian has made 39 appearances for Klopp’s Reds across all competitions so far this season, boasting 11 goals and five assists to boot.

During their quarterfinal bout against Manchester United in the FA Cup, the 27-year-old registered a total of 114 minutes, and head coach Jurgen Klopp stated that the forward ‘felt his groin’ after the match.

But amidst the injury scare, Diaz is now with his Colombian teammates as they prepare for their friendly against Luis de la Fuente’s Spain. It was reported that Diaz did recovery work in the gym while the rest of Nestor Lorenzo’s squad proceeded to take part in an outdoor training session.

Diaz’s availability for their upcoming bout against Spain is still up in the air, but if Diaz does suit up, Colombia should expect that Liverpool’s No. 7 won’t be in the best shape.

The 27-year-old has already logged 1,000 minutes since January 31, an astonishing amount of playing time that will only grow if Diaz plays for Colombia and on his return to domestic play. 

History

Spain and Colombia have only faced each other three times since 2003, and in those games, Spain have bossed the South American outfit by winning two of their past head-to-heads. Colombia have yet to garner a win against Spain in over a decade, but they were able to tally a draw during their international friendly back in 2017.

In recent form, both clubs have fared pretty well against international competition. Spain boast an eight-game winning streak and an 8-1-1 record in their last 10, while Colombia have been unbeaten in their last five, boasting a 4-1-0 record.

Betting Tip

Spain are having the best stretch of football after a decade of being dormant, easily qualifying for Euro 2024 by winning eight straight games. Because of this recent resurgence, the SBOTOP International Friendly 2024 betting odds have Spain as the favourites in the upcoming match against Colombia.

De la Fuente’s outfit is slapped with a 1.60 price tag to win, while Colombia are the underdogs at 4.37 with a Draw price of 3.47. Going for Spain at 1.60 is a sound move, but their Asian handicap of -0.75 at 1.85 poses much more value for punters to consider.

Another line to keep an eye on is the total goals over 2.50 at 1.85. Spain have been able to score three goals in their last two matches in the European Championship, so asking for more than 2.5 goals from them won’t be such a tall order. Not to mention that Colombia have a talented final third who can rack up goals with ease as well.

 

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.