Spain coach Luis Aragones spread his net wide for fresh talent when he included five new faces in his 33-man squad for a World Cup get-together on April 10. Celta Vigo’s Borja Oubina, Real Zaragoza’s Cani and Getafe’s Jaime Gavilan were rewarded for impressive performances in midfield for their clubs. In defense Real Betis’ Melli and Villarreal’s Javi Venta were called up.
Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Canizares, who has dropped behind Liverpool’s Pepe Reina as No. 2 to Iker Casillas, earned a recall. The 36-year-old has 44 caps but has not played for the national side since 2004.
Chelsea fullback Asier del Horno wins back his place after being dropped for last month’s friendly against Ivory Coast. There was no room for Barcelona duo Victor Valdes and Oleguer while Real Madrid defender Ivan Helguera and midfielder Guti also missed out.
Barcelona midfielder Xavi and Valencia winger Vicente, who have been out with knee and ankle injuries respectively, are close to making full returns to their sides.
Captain Raul, though back in action at Real Madrid after a knee injury, is still short of form and has found first-team opportunities restricted.
Aragones wound up a day’s get-together for his squad by saying the keys to success in the FIFA World Cup would be patience and positive thinking.
“I have spoken with coaches who have been to the competition and they say there are important requirements if you want to win it,” Aragones told a news conference last Monday.
“It is essential you are patient because every team has to endure difficult moments, and you have to be prepared to go all the way to penalties before winning. Also your players have to be convinced they are going to win and some of ours already are.
“Players don’t like to talk about this type of thing but I think Spain can win. Conviction and positive thinking can move mountains.”
