Spain eager to keep run going

Juan Mata has dismissed suggestions Spain will not give their all in the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

With Spain having already booked their ticket for South Africa, there are many who think they will take their foot off the pedal.

However, coach Vicente del Bosque has largely stuck with the same players that achieved World Cup qualification rather than experiment with new faces and the old guard will be keen to see out their campaign with a 100% record.

Mata believes that, like himself, his team-mates will do their utmost to pick up maximum points.

“We have to do our part in every game,” he told Radio Marca. “Always, when I go to the national team, I go very motivated.

“It’s a prize and a reason for joy and pride. I have a lot of desire.”

One new face in the squad is Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, who was called up on Tuesday to replace the injured David Villa.

And Valencia winger Mata is delighted for the 24-year-old.

“I’m really happy that some of my friends are here,” he added. “Alvaro is very content and very happy and he deserves it.

“It’s a reward for his work because he has had two very good seasons.”

Negredo has immediately set his sights on a place on the plane to South Africa.

“I am conscious of the fact that my team-mates have earned the place among the 23 from the qualifying stages,” he said. “But, for me, these two games are the doorway to go to this World Cup.

“The goal is fabulous.

“It’s a very great excitement to be here with all these great players who have a name throughout the world.

“It’s a matter of pride for me.”

Fernando Torres gave Del Bosque a scare when he limped out of training last night but his injury is not thought to be serious and he should be fit for the double header.

The Liverpool striker abandoned the session as a precautionary measure when he pulled up with a groin problem but was later able to exercise on his own in the gym.

Del Bosque must also decide whether to use the eight players who are within one booking of a one-match ban.

Andres Iniesta, Xavi, Carlos Puyol, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos and Andoni Iraola are all in danger of missing the opening game of the World Cup if they pick up a yellow card in the final game against Bosnia.