Del Bosque happy to have options

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is pleased to have so many options ahead of his side’s clash against Nigeria on Sunday.

Del Bosque made several changes after Spain’s 2-1 win over Uruguay, and it made no difference to their form as they thrashed Tahiti 10-0 at the Confederations Cup.

Spain are expected to revert to the team which beat Uruguay, but Victor Valdes’ return in goals is the only change Del Bosque confirmed on Saturday.

He said having so many options was good for his squad, who need at least a draw to confirm their spot in the semi-finals.

“Well, there will be few changes with the last match, of course. For example, Victor Valdes will be the goalkeeper,” Del Bosque said.

“A part from that, the rest of the players will be more or less like in the first match, but we have a lot of alternatives and possibilities.

“In one hand that is a problem for us, but in the other hand is also an opportunity to be able to choose between that many players.”

If Spain finish top of Group B – as is expected – they will face Italy in the semi-finals and avoid a clash against hosts Brazil.

Del Bosque said he had been impressed by Brazil, particularly their attacking play.

“It’s a very strong team. It is strong offensively. They don’t concede a lot of chances,” he said.

“I couldn’t see the match today, but I saw the previous two matches and they were very good offensively.

“They also have a lot of quality forward. They don’t play all the time defensively but with their defence they counteract the game of the rival.”

Spain forward David Villa, who scored a hat-trick against Tahiti, would like to avoid Brazil.

“We have watched their first two matches. We couldn’t see the third one today because we were training,” he said.

“They are playing very good in this tournament. They have very fast forwards and their football is dangerous. They are also very strong defensively. You just have to see the numbers.

“They have done great in a very difficult group. I think it was the most difficult group out of the two. It’s a difficult rival.

“I hope we can win tomorrow so we can avoid playing against them in the semi-final. Let’s see what happens but we will have a hard task against anyone.”