Skip to main content

International Friendly: El Salvador v Spain

Costa has not appeared since limping off in Atletico Madrid's UEFA Champions League final defeat to city rivals Real Madrid last month.

The Brazilian-born forward has been battling muscle problems in recent months, but Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will be hoping the 25-year-old will be fit enough to give his side an extra attacking dimension as they seek to defend their World Cup title.

And while a start in Spain's World Cup opener against the side they beat in the 2010 World Cup final - the Netherlands - may be unlikely, Costa could see some game time this weekend as he looks for match sharpness.

"He (Costa) is great and I'm convinced he will be one of the great players of the World Cup," Juanfran said.

Fernando Torres scored from the penalty spot before Andres Iniesta's late goal sealed a win that was not as comprehensive as Del Bosque would have liked.

Arturo Alvarez's late penalty ensured they only lost 2-1, but Spain should present a much sterner test in Maryland, US.