Why Brazil's loss is Spain's gain with La Liga striker

With Diego Costa expressing his desire to play for Spain instead of his birth country, Brazil, how crucial could it be in a World Cup year, though?

The Atletico forward has started the season well with eight goals in seven appearances in La Liga, and the striker has started thinking about the World Cup and it seems he has opted he wants to play for Spain instead after completing the five year residency in Spain with his tenure at Atleti.

So now with the completion of some extra paperwork is eligible to play for the holders of the European Championships and the World Cup itself. I don’t know whether it’s the fact that Spain approached him, or vice-versa? Surely the striker would have been in the Brazil squad for the World Cup anyway, it’d be silly not to include him.

I didn’t think it would be allowed to swap from country to country when you’ve appeared for one like Costa has done, but apparently FIFA regulations state it’s only when it’s a competitive match when you’re locked to your first choice of representation.

Luckily Diego has only played twice for Brazil in friendlies. Maybe the Spanish FA promised him a starting spot in upcoming squads, especially when they don’t seem to have a striker who is in good enough form to lead the line for Spain.

Torres is a ghost of his previous self, Fernando Llorente has been described as the “worst strike partner in football” by Carlos Tevez and Juve (and he’s played at West Ham with Carlton Cole) and unfortunately, as much as I don’t want it to happen, David Villa is getting old. It’s not like things are much better at Brazil, with Fred being the leading man for Brazil by the looks of it, and Jo the second choice. It seems a bit bare and I’d argue they’re not going to win you a World Cup.

It could just be revenge on Brazil beating them in the Confed Cup, though.