(Sporting Alert) — Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has shockingly decided to start Alvaro Negredo in the striker’s position for tonight’s Euro 2012 semi-finals clash against Portugal.
The boss decided to start with no recognised striker in the last game, but hinted that he would have made changes for this contest.
However, the decision to start Negredo came as a huge surprised with pundits initially leaning towards seeing Fernando Torres or even Fernando Llorente getting the nod.
Cesc Fàbregas remains amongst the substitutes for game tonight.
Meanwhile, Portugal will be banking on it’s attacking players to get the better of a Spain side which is very difficult to breakdown.
The likes of Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who vowed to play his best game against Spain and Manchester United winger Nani are expected to play massive parts.
Portugal made one change with the injured Hélder Postiga, out with a thigh problem he picked up against the Czech Republic, being replaced by Hugo Almeida.
Spain v Portugal Starting Teams
Spain: Casillas, Piqué, Ramos, Arbeloa, Alba, Iniesta, Xavi, Alonso, Busquets, Silva, Negredo
SUBS: Valdés, Reina, Albiol, Martínez, Juanfran, Fàbregas, Cazorla, Navas, Pedro Rodríguez, Torres, Mata, Llorente.
Portugal: Patrício, Alves, Pepe, Coentrão, Pereira, Veloso, Moutinho, Meireles, Nani, Ronaldo, Almeida
SUBS: Eduardo, Beto, Costa, Rolando, Lopes, Custódio, Quaresma, Micael, Viana, Oliveira, Varela, Postiga.
