Spain play Serbia in Villarreal tomorrow night. Read our in-depth preview here…
Rodri was in bullish mood ahead of Spain’s friendly with Serbia tomorrow night as the countdown continues to the World Cup this summer.
The Manchester City midfielder, who was this morning linked with a move to Real Madrid, says Spain are going to the United States, Canada and Mexico “to win” and back up their triumph at Euro 2024.
Before that, Luis de la Fuente’s side have two home friendlies to navigate, against Serbia in Villarreal before they take on Egypt on Tuesday. They were due to play South American champions Argentina in the Finalissima but the game, scheduled for Doha, was cancelled due to the ongoing war in the Middle East
Rodri is an admirer of De la Fuente, who took over from Luis Enrique following Spain’s disappointing round-of-16 exit at the 2022 World Cup at the hands of Morocco.
“Since he arrived we had a very clear slogan: live each game as a final,” Rodri told Onda Cero. “We are demonstrating our potential little by little. The key is to have continuous improvement. I am convinced that Spain will be there. We are going to win.”
Rodri is still struggling to find his best form after rupturing his ACL in September 2024 with Martin Zubimendi filling the holding midfield role in his absence.
Zubimendi’s form has led to some suggestions that he should be first choice but Rodri believes the team can have two defensive midfielders, and pointed to the side that won the 2010 World Cup with Sergi Busquets and Xabi Alonso sitting, as an example of how it can work.
“Spain won a World Cup with two defensive pivots,” he said. “The knowledge that De la Fuente has to be able to combine many players is key.”
Serbia coach Veljko Paunovic is familiar with Rodri and his team-mates having spent time as both a player and coach in Spain.
He most recently led Oviedo to promotion to La Liga before being sacked in October.
The 48-year-old is a big fan of the Spanish and De la Fuente, in particular.
He told Marca: “I have the highest admiration for Luis de la Fuente. He is a phenomenon on a personal level. I met him when I was training as a coach in the Spanish Federation, so I can say that we have a professional friendship.
“I have a tremendous admiration for him and for his work, as well as for his teams and for the players of Spain. Spain has a powerful squad, not only in the players who start the matches, but also on the bench and in the replacements that the coach can have in case of a withdrawal.”
Team News for Spain v Serbia
De la Fuente is likely to start with a strong XI which should include both Rodri and Zubimendi alongside Barcelona’s Pedri.
He will resist the temptation to play Joan García in goal and stick with Unai Simon.
Serbia are entering a rebuilding phase given their World Cup failure but Paunovic will be reluctant to tinker too much given the strength of the opposition.
Predicted line-ups for Spain v Serbia
Spain: Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella; Rodri, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, F Torres, Fermin
Serbia: Rajkovic; Pavlovic, Milenkovic, Erakovic, Terzic; Gudelj, Milinkovic-Savic, Lukic; Kostic; Mitrovic, Jovic
How to watch Spain v Serbia: TV and online streams
Spain versus Serbia kicks off tomorrow night at 8pm UK time. It is not on television in the UK but can be streamed on Amazon Prime’s pay-per-view service.
Stats for Spain v Serbia
- Spain topped their World Cup qualifying pool, finishing with 16 points from six games
- The countries have met three times previously with Spain winning twice and the other game ending in a goalless draw
Prediction for Spain v Serbia
Serbia’s efforts in World Cup qualifying were unimpressive and Spain’s players will be looking to make an impression given the depth of talent available.
We think the home team win and win well.
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