Soldado called up to Spanish squad

Del Bosque shows faith in Soldado

Valencia CF striker and vice-captain Roberto Soldado has been selected in the final 23 for the Spanish national team that will be competing in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup to be held in Brazil.

Despite losing a first team regular Xabi Alonso to a groin problem, the Le Roja boss Vicente del Bosque omitted midfielders Javi Garcia and Beñat Etxebarria from the final squad.

Before the start of the Confederations Cup, Spain will play friendlies against Haiti in Miami on Saturday and the Republic of Ireland in New York on Tuesday.

Spain are placed in the Group B, along with Tahiti, Uruguay and Nigeria.

Spain squad: Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Valdes (Barcelona); Alba (Barcelona), Albiol (Real Madrid), Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Monreal (Arsenal), Pique (Barcelona), Ramos (Real Madrid); Busquets (Barcelona), Cazorla (Arsenal), Fabregas (Barcelona), Iniesta (Barcelona), Martinez (Bayern Munich), Mata (Chelsea), Navas (Sevilla), Pedro (Barcelona), Silva (Manchester City) Xavi (Barcelona); Torres (Chelsea), Soldado (Valencia), Villa (Barcelona)

Source: Sky Sports