Today at 2:00 p.m. ET Spain will travel to South Africa and take the pitch at FNB Stadium in a friendly that was scheduled essentially as a thank you from Spain for South Africa's boundless hospitality. Live stream the game free by clicking this link.
Vicente del Bosque's charges haven't played in this stadium for three years; the last time they set foot on FNB's grass was when they claimed the World Cup trophy. Spain is coming off an underwhelming win over Equatorial Guinea in Malabo, but their lineup was littered with reserve players, or youngsters lacking experience. Against South Africa, prime players such as Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Sergio Busquets and Iniesta will be in action.
Some have questioned the odd choices of opponents Spain has made, while their chief rivals are testing themselves against stiff competition, but Ramos refused to classify South Africa as anything less than a worthy opponent.
"Every team that we meet wants to play as well as possible because beating the world champions is so significant,'' Ramos said. "South Africa have quality and a strong team and we hope everyone will see a great spectacle.''
He also considered this matchup a show of gratitude for the country of South Africa. This trip to South Africa is our way of saying thanks to this country for being so kind to us.
"It's more convenient to travel around Europe but there are countries in the world that have the right to enjoy seeing the world champions in action, whether that's in a match or a training session.''
South Africa coach Gordon Igesund lent credence to that attitude, telling media this match will help breed unity heading into the African Nations Cup. "I always feel it's good to have continuity. Because, for example, in the last 18 months we have created an identity for South African football which we never had before," Igesund said.
"We are playing a style of football that the players are getting accustomed to and enjoying. And the people are enjoying it too. That's continuity and we need to keep that going now."
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