Spain vs Colombia
Understandably, there are many people opposed to football games at this time of the year.
Not least because after a long campaign, players should be enjoying a break.
And secondly, because a body of opinion believes friendlies such as this one in Murcia are largely meaningless.
However, try saying that to either boss or the majority of fans of these countries as they aim to join the largest carnival and sports betting party of them all in Russia next summer.
For Spain, there is more importance in this one than for Colombia.
Unlike their South American counterparts whose next World Cup qualifier takes place in late August, Spain are building up to next weekend’s qualifier in Macedonia.
Not surprisingly then, Julen Lopetegui has named a strong squad, relying heartily on players who served him well since he took over the hot seat from Vicente del Bosque.
Fresh from skippering his side to Champions League success, Sergio Ramos will return to lead his country knowing victory should keep them clear of rivals Italy at the top of Group G.
Another Sergio – Busquets – is only a few caps short of his century as Spain aim to preserve their eight-match unbeaten run since Lopetegui took charge.
Colombia themselves are in a good position in qualifying but with little room for error.
Coach Jose Pekerman knows they are in excellent shape, second in their group only behind already-qualified Brazil, but well aware Uruguay, Chile and Argentina are hot on their heels with the top four guaranteed a World Cup place.
What price on James Rodriguez – dropped from Real Madrid’s triumphant Champions League final squad – releasing some pent-up frustration on the nation where he plies his trade?
Or of a recall for Radamel Falcao returning with goals after a super season at Monaco saw him re-born?
This game, nor the forthcoming friendly against Cameroon, in Spain, are as important to Pekerman as the next qualifier in Venezuela on August 31.
But like Lopetegui, he will use this game as part of his ‘bigger picture’ plans.
For no fixture is ever meaningless if it means securing a place on the flight to Russia 2018.
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