RIO DE JANEIRO – Spain coach Vicente del Bosque dropped regulars Xavi Hernandez and Gerard Pique in favor of Pedro Rodriguez and Javi Martinez for the defending champion's crucial World Cup match against Chile.
Spain needs a victory at the Maracana stadium after losing its opening match 5-1 to the Netherlands, and Del Bosque decided to drop two of the players who were a key part of the team's previous three straight major championships titles.
Del Bosque stuck with captain Iker Casillas in goal but preferred Pedro in attack. Martinez partners Sergio Ramos at centerback.
Xavi and Pique have a combined 194 caps for Spain.
Brazilian-born striker Diego Costa leads Spain's attack for the second straight match.
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