Friendly preview: Spain v Colombia

Spain will be hoping to reverse their poor recent run of form in friendlies when they host Colombia at the Bernabeu in Madrid on Wednesday.

Despite being the world and European champions, Spain have been smashed in their last two friendly matches, going down 4-1 to Argentina and 4-0 to Iberian rivals Portugal in November.

But with crucial Euro 2012 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Lithuania ahead in March, coach Vicente del Bosque is looking for his players to show him they deserve their place in the squad when the welcome the South Americans on Wednesday.

“The players have shown some positive signs together, although we still have the blemish of the Portugal match which cannot happen again,” del Bosque said.

“We care for everyone in whatever we can, but we will demand the maximum. I’ve called up a few that are doing well, players who are playing a big role. But everyone is playing well, so we want them aware of how difficult it is to be in this team.”

“Colombia are a good team, almost all their players play in European leagues, and are a team that is well established.”

The teams have only met once before, drawing 1-1 in Bogota in 1981.

Despite their poor form in friendlies since the World Cup, del Bosque has largely retained his squad from South Africa for the match against Colombia, with the exception of defender Carles Puyol, who is out injured.

Colombia head into the match with one eye on the Copa America in Argentina in June and July.

Coach Hernan Dario Gomez has selected an attacking squad to take on the world champions, including playmaker Giovanni Moreno of Argentina’s Racing Club and Porto striker Radamel Falcao.

Moreno has starred in the Argentine Primera Division this season, scoring five goals in 15 matches. Falcao has been in brilliant scoring touch for Porto, bagging 20 goals in 25 appearances for the Liga Sagres leaders.

Colombia’s last two games have ended in draws, with a 0-0 stalemate against the United States followed by a 1-1 result against Peru in November.