Vicente del Bosque admits that he will make changes as Spain prepare for their vital meeting with Chile knowing that they must win and score as many goals as possible. But the Spain coach has insisted that he will not be blaming those players he leaves out for Spain’s disastrous opening game.

Spain faced Chile in the third game at the World Cup four years ago, having lost the opening match against Switzerland then beaten Honduras. They knew then that they had to win to be sure of qualifying but this time it may not be enough just to secure a victory. The 2010 World Cup winners’ 5-1 defeat to Holland means they must beat Chile and Australia and hope Chile do not defeat Holland. Or claw back the goal difference between the two sides. Spain are currently on -4, while Chile have +2.

At least two changes are expected, with Pedro in line to play ahead of David Silva and the coach also contemplating the inclusion of Javi Martínez and Cesc Fábregas. Gerard Piqué and Diego Costa are the players who could make way.

“We will keep some things the same but we will change others,” the Spain coach said. “We are flexible in some aspects of the game but stubborn in others. Nobody should be alarmed by the changes that are made. We will not be singling out anybody. All of the players have our affection and appreciation. We were the ones that brought them here. But above any personal considerations, we have to find solutions for the team.”

Pedro and Juan Mata appeared before the media. Neither played in the opening game but both were starters the last time Spain played at the Maracanã – in last year’s Confederations Cup final, which they lost 3-0 to Brazil. “It’s special for all of us, it’s a mythical stadium,” Mata said. “I only hope that the result is completely different to the final of the Confederations Cup and that we can come away from there with great memories of the game against Chile.”