Spain face James and Falcao
Just when we through the curtain had come down on the season, up pops the Spanish national team with two games. We're in a period called "FIFA time". Dates set aside for friendly games in years when there are no major tournaments taking place. Real Madrid players will still be feeling the excess of Saturday's final and Barça players could conceivably be on holiday after the Copa del Rey final. The rest of the players finished their respective league action over two weeks ago as they wait patiently for tonight's friendly against Colombia and Sunday's WC2018 qualifying game in Macedonia. The game against the Balkan state is a "must-win" in the battle for top spot in Group G with Italy as the "Azzuri" face Liechtenstein.
Lopetegui planning
Three Madrid stars, Sergio Ramos, Carvajal and Isco have yet to join up with the Spain squad. National team coach Julen Lopetegui was keen to give them some time off and have them ready for the Macedonia game. Morata, Asensio and Nacho, who played bit-parts in the Juventus match in Cardiff are already in Murcia with the squad along with Piqué (who arrived late after attending his Harvard business masters course) and he will line up with Carvajal and Ramos in the qualifying game in Skopje.
Full strength Colombia
Spain face a Colombia who are expected to field a full-strength side and we should get to see the likes of James, Falcao and Cuadrado in action. The "Cafeteros" are second in the Comnebol Russia 2018 qualifying group and currently fifth inn the latest FIFA rankings (with Spain currently tenth). The stadium in Murcia will be packed with fans anxious to see the younger talents in action such as Marco Asensio, players that have injected fresh blood into the national team in an attempt to rebuild the side. Tonight's game is staged at an odd time of year but it's certainly set to be an intriguing contest.
