Spain’s Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa was named to start against the Netherlands in the two teams’ World Cup Group B clash Friday, a repeat of the 2010 final.
Costa’s participation in the tournament had been in doubt after he limped out of Atletico Madrid’s title-clinching duel against Barcelona with a hamstring injury last month before making a similarly early exit against Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Holland coach Louis van Gaal meanwhile was expected to test his new-look 5-3-2 formation, spearheaded by Manchester United striker Robin van Persie and Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben.
Teams
Spain
Iker Casillas, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba; Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso; David Silva, Diego Costa, Andres Iniesta
Coach: Vicente del Bosque (ESP)
Netherlands
Jasper Cillessen, Bruno Martins Indi, Ron Vlaar, Stefan De Vrij; Daley Blind, Daryl Janmaat; Arjen Robben, Nigel De Jong, Jonathan De Guzman; Wesley Sneijder, Robin Van Persie
Coach: Louis Van Gaal(NED)
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)