Casillas is the only ‘survivor’ from the last game vs Slovakia

Spain face Slovakia again after nine years, a period in which everything has changed for La Roja as they won back-to-back European Championships (in 2008 and 2012) and the World Cup in South Africa (2010). The last meeting between the two sides was in the play-offs to qualify for the World Cup in Germany, played on 16 November 2005 in Bratislava, four days after the 5-1 thrashing in the first leg, held in the Vicente Calderón.

The only survivor from that side, coached by Luis Aragonés, is Iker Casillas. Sergio Ramos was also part of the squad back in 2005, but will not feature in tonight’s game after being ruled out with a calf injury. On that occasion Casillas was making his 55^th appearance for La Roja – tonight will be his 158^th cap.

The draw on that occasion against Slovakia (Skrtel and Durica are also other survivors) was played out by Casillas, Michel Salgado, Pablo, Puyol, Antonio López, Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Baraja, Raúl, Torres and Vicente. Villa also featured, coming on as a substitute to score the equaliser after 71 minutes.

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1EzKsr5

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