Sport

POTCHEFSTROOM, South Africa (AP):

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will not be doing much tinkering with the European champion's starting line-up for Sunday's World Cup final against the Netherlands.

"We've kept a certain block of players in these six games, so I don't think there will be many changes," Del Bosque said yesterday.

Del Bosque fielded the same starting eleven for three straight games, before replacing striker Fernando Torres with Pedro Rodriguez for Wednesday's 1-0 win over Germany. Pedro excelled in his first start, which came in only his fifth appearance.

"We're very happy with Pedro's work. We wanted him to attack (defender Phillip) Lahm rather than defend," Del Bosque said, before adding that Torres is likely to feature in the final.

"If he's played the first five games it's because we believe he is in good physical shape."

Del Bosque said Spain will stick to the attractive style of football that has made them the favourite going into the match at Soccer City in Johannesburg. The team also has not conceded a goal in three straight knockout matches.

"We will be halfway there if we defend like we did against Portugal and Germany," the 59-year-old Del Bosque said.