The international break returns across the world as the domestic season has come to an exciting end for another year. And as the 2018 World Cup is just a year away now, there are still plenty of qualifiers before it is decided who will progress to the biggest tournament in the world. However before the qualifiers begin in this international break, there’s a round of friendlies and one of these sees Columbia take the trip to Europe to face the Spanish national team. Both teams will be expected in Russia next year for the World Cup.

STATS

• After Spain’s disappointing round of 16 exit to Italy at last summer’s European Championships, Spain are yet to lose a game. They’ve won 5 of their 6 games and a 2-0 win over France in March’s friendly shows that they should be ready to claim back their World Cup crown next summer.
• Columbia claimed 3^rd place in the Copa America last year and will be looking to follow on from their success at the 2014 World Cup with some great performances at next year’s tournament. They’ve only won 4 of their 8 qualifiers since then and will need to pick up their form if they want to secure qualification. In their two fixtures back in March against Bolivia and Ecuador they won both to keep their hopes on track.
• Spain will be reliant on the form of Diego Costa in front of goal and he’s been their joint top goal scorer with Vitolo so far in qualifying. The Chelsea forward will be desperate to prove himself for Spain after poor recent from for his country.
• James Rodriguez is Columbia’s main talisman so far and they’ll be hoping he can score again for his country as they look to continue their run to the World Cup.

HEAD TO HEAD

Spain and Columbia have only met once in the 21^st Century and that game ended with Spain winning 1-0 back in 2011. David Silva’s 86^th minute winner in that game meant that Spain didn’t lose to the South Americans in either of their games after a 1-1 in 1981.

SPAIN NEWS

It’s important for Spain to continue their strong form in their qualifiers as they top Group G after 5 games with 13 points on the board and a win over Columbia will give them the confidence going into their qualifier away at Macedonia. They’ll be without their Real Madrid contingent for the game as Morata, Ramos, Carvajal, Isco, Vazquez and Asensio will all miss the game due to extended leave. They shouldn’t struggle too much without them.

Latest matches: Spain

28.03.2017	Inte	France	Spain	0:2	W
24.03.2017	Worl	Spain	Israel	4:1	W
15.11.2016	Inte	England	Spain	2:2	D
12.11.2016	Worl	Spain	Macedonia	4:0	W
09.10.2016	Worl	Albania	Spain	0:2	W

COLUMBIA NEWS

The Columbians don’t have any World Cup qualifiers to worry about during this international break and with two friendlies, a win over Spain will only be beneficial as a confidence boost for the country. Falcao will be hoping to take his incredible form for Monaco into this international break and as Columbia will be missing James Rodriguez due to his Real Madrid involvement, Falcao will need to be at his best to give his country any chance of winning.

Latest matches: Colombia

28.03.2017	Worl	Ecuador	Colombia	0:2	W
23.03.2017	Worl	Colombia	Bolivia	1:0	W
25.01.2017	Inte	Brazil	Colombia	1:0	L
15.11.2016	Worl	Argentina	Colombia	3:0	L
10.11.2016	Worl	Colombia	Chile	0:0	D

SUMMARY

Even though the fixture between Spain and Columbia is only a friendly, the competitive nature of both countries will make it as feisty as ever. Spain are favourites for the fixture with home advantage and with a World Cup qualifier just around the corner, they’ll be desperate to get a win on the board to boost confidence and morale. Spain should be able to comfortably win but aren’t known for scoring early goals so second-half goals are expected for La Roja.