Spain takes on Iceland in qualifying after shaky win
over Denamrk
MADRID, Spain: Spain's win over Denmark in a European Championship qualifying
match did little to help the struggling team's confidence.
Despite a dominant first-half performance - with goals by Fernando Morientes
and David Villa - the team disappointed in the second half against 10
men and escaped with a 2-1 win at the weekend.
"We played very badly. We had a lot of luck that they were left with
a player less so early," Spain coach Luis Aragones said. "I
don't understand that second half that we played. We played too nervously,
and we can't play like that."
On Wednesday, Spain hosts Iceland in another Group F match at Son Moix
Stadium in Mallorca. The Spanish are in fourth place in the group with
only six points.
Spain has won only four of its last eight matches, and the defense has
struggled to hold leads in tight games, including a 3-2 loss to second-place
Northern Ireland.
"We all know Luis has his own philosophy, his system, it's all defined,
but there are players here that you don't see for three or four months
and you want to connect with them a little bit," midfielder Xavi
Hernandez told La Vanguardia newspaper. "It's complicated because
when Spain plays a lot is expected of us ... and it's difficult to maintain
a good level because we haven't won anything and people hope we can win
an important trophy."
Aragones is expected to use the same lineup of forwards he did against
Denmark, with Morientes and Villa.
He will also welcome back defenders Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos, who
return from suspension.
Carlos Marchena did not travel with the team to Mallorca on Monday, instead
heading to Nyon, Switzerland, to appeal the four-match ban he received
from UEFA for his part in Valencia's Champions League brawl with Inter
Milan earlier this month.
Though Iceland won't pose the offensive threat Denmark does, Spain cannot
afford to underestimate any opponent. Northern Ireland is second in the
group with 10 points, three more than third-place Denmark and only two
behind Sweden.
Iceland, which has three points from four matches, will be happy to leave
Spain without a loss.
"We've lost too many games and we're not in a good place. If we don't
lose, that will be great," Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen told
sports daily As. "We're lacking confidence and also quality. Spain
is going to attack and all we can do is defend ... and look to counterattack."
Iceland has one victory in seven meetings against Spain.
, March 26, 2007.
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