In what should be an amazing match in Brussels, Spain and Belgium will debut under their new managers to show the fans what future will look like.
Belgium and Spain will meet at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels in what will be a debut for both their managers.
While Vicente del Bosque left the Spanish national team after eight years at helm and having won both European and World Championship, Marc Wilmots was sacked after yet another disappointing performance by Belgium at Euro 2016.
Former Porto boss Julen Lopetegui believes his first game as Spain coach presents a mouthwatering prospect for supporters. He definitely has some big shoes to fill and it’s believed thursday’s friendly in Brussels will give Lopetegui an initial opportunity to assess his players ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins against Liechtenstein in Leon on Monday.
“We have very clear ideas and know how we need to play,” Lopetegui told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “It is a precious match in a great setting. It will be a very difficult game and a great spectacle for the fans.
“We’re full of enthusiasm and eager to improve. We’re really looking forward to the game and very motivated. We are focused and ready to give our best on the pitch.”
Experienced Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets feels Spain’s possession-based style of play will continue under the new manager.
“The philosophy of Del Bosque and Lopetegui is similar,” Busquets said. “We want to be the protagonists when we have the ball. We really want to do it well and to be competitive.
“We did good things in the past but surely there are things to improve and learn.”
Belgium also have a new man in charge for the game, with Spaniard Roberto Martinezset for his introduction to international football management. The former Everton manager is keen to impress the fans of his newly adopted nation when he welcomes his countrymen to the Brussels.
“There is nothing like a match and I cannot wait to learn from that experience,” Martinez said at his press conference. “The players told me how impressive the atmosphere in the stadium is. I’m looking forward to that.
“The match is very important because it’s our first match together in front of our fans.”
The Red Devils, ranked second in the world, begin their 2018 World Cup qualifiers inCyprus on Tuesday.
Head to Head:
In 21 total matches between the sides Spain have won 11. The majority of those have been friendlies as well, with the last meeting happening back in 2009 when Spain trashed Red Devils 5-0 in the qualifiers for the World Cup in South Africa.
Team news:
Both Julen Lopetegui and Roberto Martinez are taking charge of Spain and Belgium respectively for the first time since their appointment as managers. Martinez could partner Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen together at the heart of the defence, while Romelu Lukaku can be expected to spearhead the attack, however Martinez has ample forward options at his disposal.
Alvaro Morata can be expected to lead the attack for Spain, though Paco Alcacer and Diego Costa are available.
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian and Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez could be in line for their senior international debuts after being included in Lopetegui’s first squad. There have also been recalls for a number of players who missed out on the European Championships in the summer, including Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata, Chelsea striker Diego Costa and new Barcelona forward Paco Alcacer.
Date: 1 September 2016
Time: 20:45 CET
Venue: Roi Baudouin, Brussels, Belgium
Referee: Benoit Bastien (FRA)
From : Sofascore.com
