World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Mar 22, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Spain
1-1
Finland

Team News: David Villa, Santi Cazorla start for Spain

By Liam Power, Reporter

Published: March 22 2013 | 19:40

Last updated: March 22 2013 | 19:46

Team News: Villa, Cazorla start for Spain

Spain start David Villa in attack for a World Cup qualifier against Finland, on a night which marks Sergio Ramos's 100th international appearance.

Spain have decided to start record goalscorer David Villa in attack for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Finland.

Villa is supported by Santi Cazorla, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva, who occupy advanced positions behind the Barcelona hitman.

Victor Valdes starts in goal, with rumours of a rare international appearance for Pepe Reina proving to be unfounded.

Sergio Ramos earns his 100th cap in central defence alongside Gerard Pique, while Andres Iniesta and Sergi Busquets partnered in midfield.

Finland are without Alexei Eremenko through suspension and choose to hand Schalke starlet Teemu Pukki a chance in the starting XI in his place.

Spain: Valdes, Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba, Iniesta, Busquets, Cazorla, Villa, Fabregas, Silva

Finland: Maenpaa, Moisander, Toivio, R.Eremenko, Hetemaj, Pukki, Arkivuo, Tainio, Ring, Hamalainen, Raitala