Spanish Reds in World Cup 23
Manchester United's World Cup contingent was bolstered on Saturday when David De Gea and Juan Mata were named in Spain's final 23-man party.
It would appear that the pair's personal performances with the Reds towards the end of the campaign have been recognised, as neither United star was in the picture when Vicente Del Bosque selected his squad for a home match against Italy in March.
Even when the pair were picked for Spain's provisional 30-man World Cup squad on 13 May, there was still some doubt over Mata's eventual inclusion after his absence from the international scene since leaving Chelsea. But the Reds midfielder was recalled to the starting line-up for Friday night's 2-0 friendly win over Bolivia, with David watching from the bench as cover for Pepe Reina.
Saturday's announcement means United's two Spaniards can now look forward to joining as many as 12 club colleagues, not to mention their incoming manager Louis van Gaal, at the FIFA tournament which kicks off on 12 June.
Also Brazil-bound as things stand are Adnan Januzaj, Marouane Fellaini (both Belgium), Patrice Evra (France), Shinji Kagawa (Japan), Javier Hernandez (Mexico), Robin van Persie (Netherlands), Nani (Portugal), Antonio Valencia (Ecuador) and Phil Jones, Wayne Rooney, Chris Smalling and Danny Welbeck (all England).
The seven players who missed the cut in Spain's squad from 30 down to 23 include
Manchester City's Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas, Juventus' former Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente and Sevilla left-back Alberto Morano who's been linked with a summer move to Liverpool.
Spain's World Cup squad: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool),
David De Gea (United); Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona); Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas (all Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich); David Silva (Man City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona),
Juan Mata (United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid).
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