SPAIN: Captain Raul was dropped from the national side for the first time in 10 years for reasons other than injury yesterday when he was left out for next week's qualifier away to Sweden.
"I have chosen the players I think are in the best form at this moment in time," coach Luis Aragones said. "This is a decision for this match alone and I'm not going to deny any player the right to play for Spain in the future."
Raul (29) said he respected Aragones's decision and would work hard to regain his place.
Aragones also dropped winger Joaquin, left back Mariano Pernia and Celta Vigo midfielder Borja Oubina.
Spain are in joint second place level with Denmark, Iceland and Northern Ireland and three points behind leaders Sweden.
SPAIN SQUAD (v Sweden and Argentina): Casillas (Real Madrid), Reina (Liverpool), Lopez (Atletico Madrid), Ibanez (Atletico Madrid), Puyol (Barcelona), (Real Betis), Capdevila (Deportivo Coruna), Ramos (Real Madrid), Fabregas (Arsenal), Reyes (Real Madrid), Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Garcia (Liverpool), Alonso (Liverpool), Albelda (Valencia), Angulo (Valencia), Torres (Atletico Madrid), Villa (Valencia)
