Football
Dermot Corrigan, Madrid correspondent 10y

Del Bosque and Spain look to rebound from World Cup humiliation

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque says he is hoping to move on from Spain's World Cup debacle with a new look La Roja team in Thursday's friendly against France in Paris.

Spain's disastrous summer showing in Brazil last summer has been followed by the retirements of previously all-conquering players Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez and David Villa. Other senior players including Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique and Javi Martinez are currently injured and will miss the friendly in Paris as well as next Tuesday's opening Euro 2016 qualifier at home to Macedonia.

This has opened the door for many uncapped new faces -- with Atletico Madrid's attacking midfielder Raul Garcia, Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal, Valencia centre-forward Paco Alcacer, Espanyol goalkeeper Kiko Casilla and versatile Athletic Bilbao defender Mikel San Jose all having been given a first call by Del Bosque.

Other youngsters included in the squad are Real Madrid attacker Isco and Athletic Bilbao midfielder Ander Iturraspe and Barca centre-back Marc Bartra, and the veteran coach told a news conference ahead of a final training session at Saint-Denis on Wednesday evening that 'a new stage' was beginning for the Spain national side.

"We are beginning a new stage with eight new players who weren't at the World Cup," Del Bosque said. "I hope we make the same correct decisions as on other occasions. Before we had to manage success, and now we must manage a defeat like that in Brazil. We must support ourselves with the spirit of the past as we move into the future. That of Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Villa and company."

Del Bosque said his plan was to give all his players a chance to impress if possible, while also being sure that winning the games was a priority.

"We will try and use as many players as possible, so as not to make anyone play all 180 minutes, but I must say that these are two important games," he said. "First, because this is against a big opponent from the first rank for world teams, and also because Spain is coming from the unknown after what occurred in Brazil. So we are looking for a balance."

The two neighbours were together in the group during qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, with Spain winning 1-0 in Paris, having earlier drawn 1-1 in their first group meeting in Madrid. Del Bosque said that after reaching the quarterfinals in Brazil, where they were eliminated by eventual winners Germany, Les Bleus could now be seen as perhaps stronger of the two sides.

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"This is a strong France, with a team which has got good results," he said. "It is possible that the roles of Spain and France have switched around. France were knocked out in the quarterfinals against Germany, who went on to win, playing very well. Spain fell in the first round. They are a very good team with a stable squad. They are much better now than before."

The former Real Madrid player and coach also explained his side of the media controversy which has arisen after Barca defender Pique suggested he be excused international duty this time due to a hip problem, but them completed the 90 minutes in his club's 1-0 win at Villarreal last weekend.

"I spoke with him personally and Pique told me that he did had some issues, but that did not mean he was not able to play [for his club]," Del Bosque said. "Then, [Barca coach] Luis Enrique, who is closer than I am, saw him as fine and made him play."

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