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After announcing the team composition for the World Cup, it became clear that the decision to strengthen the defense would not include striker Fernando Morientes, as well as "Valencia" defenders Ruben Baraja and Vicente Rodriguez.
Despite not having the best season, "Valencia" defender Carlos Marchena was included in the team, while F. Morientes, who scored nine goals for "Liverpool" in England this season, will not be part of the Spanish national team. Marchena's teammates from "Valencia", Ruben Baraja, a constant member of the team during the qualifying matches, and Vicente, who suffered injuries throughout the season, also did not make the squad.
Defenders Joan Capdevila and Javi Venta, who were part of the team camp, were also left out of the national team, while due to serious injuries, Raul from "Real" and Xavi from "Barcelona" were included as forward and midfielder respectively. Along with Raul, forwards Fernando Torres from "Atletico" and David Villa from "Valencia" will also compete.
Before the championship, the Spaniards will play three friendly matches - on May 27 in Albacete against Russia, on June 3 in Elche against Egypt, and on June 7 in Geneva against Croatia. The Spanish national team will start the World Cup on June 14 in a match against the Ukrainian team, with Tunisia and Saudi Arabia as the other opponents in Group H.
Spanish national team composition:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real), Jose Manuel Reina Paez (Liverpool), Santiago Canizares (Valencia)
Defenders: Antonio Lopez (Atletico), Pablo Ibanez (Atletico), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Juanito (Betis), Asier del Horno (Chelsea), Michel Salgado (Real), Sergio Ramos (Real), Carlos Marchena (Valencia);
Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Joaquin (Betis), Luis Garcia (Liverpool), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), David Albelda (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal);
Forwards: Fernando Torres (Atletico), Raul (Real), David Villa (Valencia).
