Spain have recovered nicely from their World Cup embarrassment with four wins in Euro 2016 qualifying, but they’ve been far from perfect as they transition away from their golden generation. They’ll expect a win against Belarus on Sunday, but it’s not a gimme.
Belarus vs. Spain, Euro 2016 qualifying: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
La Roja are in a qualifying position, but they need a few wins to solidify their standing.
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While Spain sit in an automatic qualifying spot, they’ve been upstaged by Slovakia so far. The Slovaks outplayed them in a win in their only meeting, and they impressively beat Ukraine away as well. It looks like Spain and Slovakia will be the two teams that go through from this group, but if Spain slip up, Ukraine will be right on their heels. La Roja are three points back of first, and the Ukrainians are just three points behind them.
David Villa, Xabi Alonso and Xavi are all gone, having retired from international duty. Spain are also without Javi Martinez, who hasn't yet gotten back to full fitness after a bad injury, and the hobbled Diego Costa. Other notable players like Fernando Torres, Juan Mata and Raul Albiol have been dropped due to poor form. Alexander Hleb is still getting in the Belarus side, but regulars Dmitry Verkhovtsov and Syarhey Balanovich are out injured.
Match date/time: Sunday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 8:45 p.m. local
Venue: Borisov Arena, Barysaw, Belarus
TV: FOX Sports 2 (U.S. - English), FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), ITV 4 (U.K.), Sportsnet 360 (Canada), TVE La 1, Movistar (Spain), Belarus 2 (Belarus)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2 Go (U.S.), ITV Player (U.K.), Sportsnet World now (Canada), Movistar (Spain)
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