Matt Oldfield
What: Euro 2012 Qualifiers – Group I
Who: Spain (1st; 21 points) vs Scotland (2nd 11 points)
When: Tuesday, 11th October, 2011, at 19:45 UK time
Where: Estadio Jose Rico Perez, Alicante, Spain
A Walk in the Park?
A 2-1 friendly defeat to Italy aside, Vicente del Bosque‘s Spain are in scintillating and commanding form. The current world champions are one of only three sides with a 100% record in qualification, the other two being European giants Holland and Germany.
While Group I is far from the toughest, a record of 23 goals scored in seven games remains impressive. With Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta pulling the strings in the middle, Spain now also boast two exciting wide players brimming with confidence in the form of David Silva and Juan Mata. If Fernando Torres returns to his sublime best, Spain will be irresistible.
The only questions left then, with regards to the match against Scotland, are whether Spain will field their full-strength side, and whether they will care enough to overcome a Tartan army gunning for glory.
If Friday’s comfortable win over the Czech Republic is anything to go by, the answer to both questions is a resounding ‘yes’. With the exceptions of Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso, who are doubtful, Spain have a full and immensely talented squad at their disposal and Del Bosque has stressed that he will pick his most powerful side: “Scotland are a strong, tough team and this won’t be a friendly”, said the former Real Madrid coach.
A Golden Opportunity
A record of two wins, two draws and two defeats is hardly the form of champions. And yet miraculously Scotland still have a chance of making the European Championship playoffs thanks to a run of six wins in nine games.
After a laboured 1-0 win in Liechtenstein on Saturday, Scotland sit second in Group I, one point ahead of the Czech Republic. Depending on the Czech result in Lithuania, the Scots may need just a point in Spain to secure second place. However, manager Craig Levein insisted: “We’ve got to go and try to win.” That is easier said than done away at the group leaders and current world champions.
After missing the Liechtenstein game with a groin strain, striker Kenny Miller hopes to be available for selection again, but Saturday’s match-winner Craig Mackail-Smith will be reluctant to give up his place in the starting line-up. Captain Darren Fletcher has recovered from tonsillitis, and played a full 90 minutes on Saturday. But the win over Liechtenstein does seem to have come at a price; Mackail-Smith, midfielders Barry Bannan and Charlie Adam, and defender Phil Bardsley all picked up knocks that could see them miss this crucial clash. Levein, however, remains optimistic: “It is a tall order, but it is a one-off match”, added the Scotland boss.
Recent form
Spain:
Spain 3-2 Chile (02/09; Friendly)
Spain 6-0 Liechtenstein
(06/09; Euro 2012 Qualifiers)
Czech Republic 0-2 Spain
(07/10; Euro 2012 Qualifiers)
Scotland:
Scotland 2-2 Czech Republic
(03/09; Euro 2012 Qualifiers)
Scotland 1-0 Lithuania
(06/09; Euro 2012 Qualifiers)
Liechtenstein 0-1 Scotland (08/10; Euro 2012 Qualifiers)
Key absences
Spain: Raul Albiol; Xabi Alonso (doubt); Sergio Ramos (doubt)
Scotland: Kenny Miller (doubt); Barry Bannan (doubt); Charlie Adam (doubt); Craig Mackail-Smith (doubt); Phil Bardsley (doubt)
Players to watch
Spain – Fernando Torres: After breaking his goal drought against Manchester United last month, the Chelsea hitman began to show signs of a timely return to form. However, after a red card against Swansea and a disappointing display against Valencia, the football world has perhaps spoken too soon. Torres has not scored for Spain since September 2010, and coach Del Bosque has suggested that he may drop his star striker if his form does not improve. A poor display against the Czech Republic on Friday saw Torres replaced by David Villa. The former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid star must start scoring soon – Scotland have been warned.
Scotland – Kenny Miller: Despite Mackail-Smith scoring his first international goal, much could depend on the availability of Cardiff striker Miller, who should return from injury. End product has often been a problem for a Scotland side not blessed with a plethora of attacking options. With 15 goals from 57 games at international level, Miller would seem to offer Scotland’s best chance of a goal. Charlie Adam and Darren Fletcher will be keen to utilise the former Rangers and Celtic striker’s pace, experience and tireless running.
Match Prediction
With only pride and a 100% record left to play for, Spain could be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas in this final group tie. However, Del Bosque has instilled a winning mentality in his gifted players that Scotland will struggle to overcome, for all their passion and endeavour. Torres has several points to prove, and Scotland could be without several key players. In this meeting of skill and industry, it is hard to argue that skill will not come out on top. Spain 3-1 Scotland.
Still not sure who will walk away victorious in the Euro 2012 clash between Spain and Scotland on Tuesday? Visit Euroodds.co.uk and check out the best odds and betting facts that will help you place a bet on the winning team.
