Spain, Uruguay Square off Wednesday in Doha Friendly

Doha, February 05 (QNA) - World and European champions Spain will play South American champions Uruguay in an international friendly Wednesday at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. The game, dubbed 'battle of the champions' comes as the two teams prepare for the 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifiers, with Spain taking on Finland and France on March 22 and 26 respectively, and Uruguay facing Paraguay and Chile. The two teams are due to face off again on June 16 when they compete in the Confederations Cup in Brazil, with the tournament's draw pitting them against Tahiti and Africa champions who will become known when the Africa Cup of Nations concludes on Sunday. The star-studded squads have arrived in Doha, with Spain's Xabi Alonso and Xavi Hernandez being the major absentees. Over the past few years, Doha has been playing host to some of the biggest international games, including a Brazil vs. England game in 2010, a South American classico between Brazil and Argentina in 2011, and another friendly for Brazil in 2012 when they took on Egypt. The Qatari capital welcomed several European clubs in January for winter breaks such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Schalke and Paris Saint-Germain. (QNA)