Victor Valdes set for Spain start against Nigeria

Spain’s goalkeeper Victor Valdes takes part in a training session at Sao Januario, the home field of Brazilian team Vasco de Gama, in Rio de Janeiro

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque confirmed on Saturday that Victor Valdes will start in goal against Nigeria in their concluding group-stage fixture at the Confederations Cup on Sunday.

Del Bosque has rotated his goalkeepers at the tournament so far, with Iker Casillas starting the 2-1 defeat of Uruguay and Pepe Reina donning the gloves for the 10-0 rout of Tahiti.

Del Bosque also revealed that he intended to recall many of his first-choice players, after making 10 changes to his starting line-up for Thursday’s game with Tahiti.

“We’ll have Victor Valdes in goal and the others will be the ones we used the first day (against Uruguay),” he said during a pre-game press conference at Fortaleza’s Estadio Castelao.

“We have so many people. It’s a privilege to be able to pick from so many good players.”

Del Bosque’s remarks mean that David Villa looks set to drop to the bench despite having scored a hat-trick against Tahiti, but the Barcelona striker said the players accepted the coach’s selection policies.

“I think the coach has many possibilities on the pitch,” Villa said.

“He can pick from so many good players and this is exactly what we’re trying to do — do the best possible job and make life difficult for him when he has to choose the players for the match.

“Spain can be proud of having such a good squad. We’ve got 23 important players. Some of them have to stay on the bench and the coach will have to choose. He’s the one to make the decision.”

Spain, who lead Nigeria and Uruguay by three points at the top of Group B, need one point to secure top spot in the group and with it a semi-final against Italy.

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