International friendly preview: Costa Rica v Spain

After suffering a shock 1-0 loss to England, Spain fly to Costa Rica to take on the Central American side looking to bounce back in style.

Vicente del Bosque’s side were frustrated by a defensive England side and while David Silva and Cesc Fabregas have expressed their frustration at facing teams which put 10 men behind the ball in defence, they should have less trouble against a more adventurous Costa Rican side.

After his impressive season so far with Manchester City, David Silva has forced his way into Spain’s starting line-up but with Chelsea’s Juan Mata equally impressive for the Londoners this season, either one of the two could start against Costa Rica.

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina came in for Real’s Iker Casillas in the second half and was rooted to the spot after Darren Bent’s header came off the post for Frank Lampard to head in. With Victor Valdes flawless at the back for Barcelona, del Bosque is likely to go with Valdes as the substitute this time round.

Barcelona’s quartet of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergio Busquets form the axis of Spain’s fluid midfield and will be automatic starters once again.

Del Bosque, however, might switch out Sergio Busquets for Fernando Torres as he did against England if Spain again fails to penetrate Costa Rica’s defence.

The loss against England marks the fourth defeat for Spain since their World Cup triumph last year with Italy, Portugal and Argentina their other conquerors in that period.

Opposing sides who resist being drawn in by Spain’s one-touch passing and hold their shape while staying 10-deep behind the ball have had success against them, and Costa Rican coach Jorge Luis Pinto is likely to employ some aspects of this successful approach.

This season has seen Costa Rican strikers Bryan Ruiz and Joel Campbell move to Europe, with Ruiz going to Fulham and Campbell on loan at French side FC Lorient after failing to obtain a working permit for Arsenal.

After seeing England’s triumph against Spain, Pinto may employ a counter-attacking strategy against Spain with Campbell holding the ball upfront with Ruiz being the foil or with either of them in a lone striker role.

This match is Spain’s to lose but if Costa Rica play their cards right, they might be able to hold the world champions to a draw or even spring an upset.