Spain see difficulty in Venezuela test

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque expects a stern challenge from Venezuela when the two teams meet in a friendly in Malaga on Wednesday.

The manager has named several new faces in his squad for the match, but that does not mean he is taking the occasion lightly.

Venezuela share top place in South American qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“Venezuela is a young team,” Del Bosque said.

“They play attractive football, and have a great coach. I expect a very difficult and uncomfortable game because they are very organised tactically but also very good technically.”

With Fernando Torres and Alvaro Negredo not in the squad, the responsibility to lead the attack will fall on the shoulders of Fernando Llorente and Roberto Soldado.

“I have to be prepared to play if they need me,” Soldado said.

“He (Negredo) is an important absentee, yes he plays in my position, but the coach has many other options, he can play Llorente or he can even try to play without a true number nine.”