Spain have dropped Xavi and Gerard Pique for tonight’s crucial match against Chile, but under fire goalie Iker Casillas keeps his place.
The Barcelona pair have paid the price for the reigning champions dreadful performance in the 5-1 defeat to Netherlands on Friday, with Xavi replaced by his club teammate Pedro and Pique making way for Bayern Munich’s Javi Martinez.
Xavi received criticism for his laboured performance against the Dutch and coach Vicente del Bosque will hope that Pedro can add more pace and directness to the Spanish attack.
It’s the first time Spain have dropped the midfielder for a World Cup or European Championship match since a dead group game against Greece at Euro 2008.
Pique meanwhile has been struggling for fitness since returning from injury after a six-week layoff and looked off the pace as Netherlands ran riot in Salvador.
Elsewhere in the team, there are starts for Manchester City’s David Silva, Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta and Blues target Diego Costa, while Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez starts for Chile - hoping to get one over on his Catalan teammates - along with Cardiff’s Gary Medel, while Francisco Silva comes in for Jorge Valdivia in their only change.
Netherlands defeated Australia 3-2 in the group’s other match today, so Spain realistically need to win tonight to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Spain team v Chile: Casillas (c); Azpilicueta Sergio Ramos, Martinez, Jordi Alba; Busquets, Xabi Alonso; Iniesta, Pedro, Silva; Costa
Chile team v Spain: Bravo; Jara, Silva, Medel; Mena, Aránguiz, Díaz, Isla, Vidal; Vargas, Alexis Sánchez
World Cup 2014: Spain team guide
