The World Cup careers of Arsenal youngster Jose Antonio Reyes and Real Madrid veteran Michel Salgado will begin on Friday when they face Saudi Arabia in their final Group G match.

Spain midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes gestures during a news conference of the Spain national World Cup soccer team in Mannheim June 22, 2006.[Reuters]

Salgado, who has played with Real Madrid since 1999, has been a Spain regular over the years and with 50 caps he is considered one of the team's elder statesmen.

However despite years of loyal service to both club and country Salgado will only be making his World Cup debut having missed 2002 when Jose Antonio Camacho didn't select him as Spain reached the quarter-finals.

So far in this campaign Salgado has been kept out of Luis Aragones' starting line-up at right back against Ukraine and Tunisia by his in-form Real Madrid teammate, Sergio Ramos.

And having missed the 2004 European Championships through a last-minute injury, the 30-year-old, who has also had to give way to Brazilian Cicinho at club level, is prepared for an emotional day.

"Finally my chance has arrived and I think it will be unforgettable, personally and for the team," said Salgado, who only regained match form during their recent friendly win over Croatia.

"I've been working to regain my place in the starting lineup. I haven't been 100 percent up until now.

"Now I have an opportunity, but we are all working for the same objective."

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