world cup<\/span>praised teammate Unai Simon on Saturday, saying La Roja has a good relationship with him.<\/p>\nSpain will begin its bid for a second World Cup title on Monday against Cape Verde in Group H in Atlanta.<\/p>\n
Simon has been a regular starter under coach Luis de la Fuente, but talk of a potential goal change has increased after excellent seasons by the team’s other goalkeepers. Raya, who helped Arsenal win the Premier League and advance to the Champions League final, and Joao Garcia, who helped Barcelona win the Spanish league and was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.<\/p>\n
“Spain is in very good shape no matter who plays,” Raya said on Saturday. “I think Unai Simon has raised the level of the goalkeeping position since his debut. We won the Nations League and the European Championship with him and I think he is a great goalkeeper who gave us these titles as a starter.”<\/p>\n
Coach de la Fuente did not reveal the name of the starting goalkeeper in advance, spurring debate within Spain. Simon used all three players in the team’s warm-up for the World Cup, but they were allowed to start in the final preparation game.<\/p>\n
“It’s normal (to have an argument),” Raya said. “There’s always been a lot of competition among our goalies. It’s the camaraderie, trying to get better and making the coach’s job harder. We’re all here to help the team. No matter who plays, we’ll do our best.”<\/p>\n
Spain had their final training session on Saturday at their campsite in Tennessee before heading to Atlanta for their opening match.<\/p>\n
in spain Full team available<\/span> Forwards Victor Munoz, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams returned to training after recovering from injuries this week, making them ready for this game.<\/p>\nSpain’s second match will be against Saudi Arabia on June 21st, also in Atlanta. The team’s final group game will be against Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico.<\/p>\n
Spain bounced back from the round of 16 Exclusion by Morocco<\/span> at the 2022 World Cup Win the European Championship in 2024<\/span> In Germany. La Roja too Won the Nations League in 2023<\/span>and it was Runner-up Portugal<\/span> in the 2025 Nations League.<\/p>\nSpain have not advanced beyond the last 16 at a World Cup since winning their only title in 2010.<\/p>\n
___<\/p>\n
AP World Cup: https:\/\/apnews.com\/fifa-world-cup<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n
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