The Spanish national team just released their preliminary squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and in a bit of a surprise, a pair of Blues were named to the squad. Cesar Azpilicueta was a virtual lock after his unbelievable 2013/14 campaign, but another disappointing season from the perpetually disappointing Fernando Torres made it somewhat of a surprise to see him named to the preliminary squad.
Joining the Chelsea pair will be former teammate Juan Mata, who also had a very disappointing season. The full preliminary squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, David de Gea.
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Juanfran, Jordi Alba, Daniel Carvajal, Alberto Moreno, Cesar Azpilicueta
Midfielders: Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Santi Cazorla, Iturraspe, Cesc Fabregas, Thiago, Juan Mata, David Silva, Javi Martinez
Forwards: Pedro, Jesus Navas, Diego Costa, David Villa, Fernando Torres, Alvaro Negredo, Fernando Llorente.
The 30-man group will need to be cut down to 23 before the tournament, and both Torres and Mata seem like potential cuts. I suppose we'll have to wait to find out.