Euro 2016 qualifiers: Costa dropped from Spain squad
The Brazilian born striker has failed to replicate that form for his adopted country. PHOTO: AFP
Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been omitted by Spain boss Vicente del Bosque from his 24-man squad for a friendly against Costa Rica and a Euro 2016 qualifier away to Belarus next month.
Sevilla duo Sergio Rico and Aleix Vidal are rewarded for their fine form with the Europa League finalists with their first call-up.
Costa returned to action for Chelsea’s two final Premier League games after over a month out with a recurring hamstring problem, scoring a penalty in the English champions’ 3-1 win over Sunderland on Sunday to take his tally for the season to 21.
The Brazilian born striker has failed to replicate that form for his adopted country, though, scoring just once in seven appearances for Spain. “It’s a specific case. He has played two games, but not 90 minutes,” said del Bosque.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 27th, 2015.