Belgium’s Thomas Vermaelen (left), Toby Alderweireld (second left), Nicolas Lombaerts and Luis Pedro Cavanda (Right) during a training session in Brussels. (AFP)

DPA/Madrid


As Spain prepare to visit Belgium for a high-profile international friendly international tomorrow, the decision of manager Vicente del Bosque to stick by Diego Costa is coming in for criticism.
The Chelsea striker has scored just one goal in 10 appearances for La Roja, and looked slow and clumsy Friday in the 2-0 defeat of England in Alicante. Even so, Del Bosque seems determined to stick by Costa.
“Tonight he was at the same level as the rest of the team. He worked hard and did his best,” the veteran coach said, without revealing if Costa would be starting against Belgium.
In October 2013, Del Bosque persuaded Costa to renounce his native Brazil - for whom he had played in two friendlies - and opt for La Roja.
Costa flopped badly at the 2014 World Cup and his inclusion since then has been controversial, given that in-form strikers like Borja Baston and Imanol Agirretxe are still being overlooked by Del Bosque.
“How many more chances will Costa be given,” asked sports daily AS Saturday?
“He obviously does not fit into the Spain team, so other forwards should now be given their chance.”
One such forward keen to be given a chance is Nolita of Celta Vigo, who came off the bench and set up the second goal for Santi Cazorla Friday.
Spain’s first goal against England was a spectacular work of art from promising right-back Mario Gaspar of Villarreal, who has scored in both of his appearances for La Roja.
“This is like a dream for me,” Gaspar said.
“I never imagined that I would have such an impact so early in international football. I just want these wonderful sensations to continue.
“If the manager wants me to play against Belgium then I will be delighted to do so.”
However, Del Bosque is likely to ring the changes and give a first cap at right-back to Oscar de Marcos of Athletic Bilbao.
Spain will be without luckless playmaker Thiago, who sprained his right ankle against England.
Spain’s other injury victims are defenders Dani Carvajal, Juanfran and Sergio Ramos. Meanwhile, veteran playmaker Andres Iniesta is unlikely to start in Brussels because of his recent muscle injuries.
Another veteran likely to be left on the bench is captain Iker Casillas, in order for David de Gea to be given a rare start.
The Belgian government will put in place special security measures for the match, in the light of the terrible terrorist atrocities carried out in Paris Friday.