Real's Bravo and Guti recalled to Spain squad

Spain coach Inaki Saez recalled Real Madrid pair Raul Bravo and Guti and Deportivo Coruna defender Cesar for his side's Euro 2004 playoff games against Norway on November 15 and 19.

Saez said that the three players had been drafted into the 20-man squad in order to give his side more options for the two-legged tie, especially considering the fact that six of his players were within a booking of a suspension.

Bravo has won a recall thanks to his impressive recent form for Real Madrid and because he can play on the left or in the middle of the back four.

"It is important to have versatile players like Raul Bravo in the squad especially in a two-legged tie like this," said Saez.

"He has played for us before at left back and has been performing well for Real Madrid in the centre of defence, so it is good to know that we have someone available who can cover both positions perfectly."

Saez said that Deportivo centre back Cesar had been included to help Spain counter the aerial threat from Norway, while Real Madrid midfielder Guti was back in the squad because he could add an extra option in attack.

Apart from the three new faces, Saez has kept faith with the core of the squad that finished second to Greece in Group Six of the qualifying competition.

Valencia's David Albelda and Ruben Baraja are likely to remain at the heart of the midfield while skipper Raul is certain to start up front.

In-form Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres, Sevilla's Jose Antonio Reyes and Deportivo's Albert Luque will be competing for a place alongside Raul.

Spain have not missed out on a major international tournament since they failed to qualify for the 1992 European championships.

They host Norway in the first leg in Valencia on November 15 and then play the return leg in Oslo four days later.

The last time the two sides met was in the finals of Euro 2000 with Norway claiming a narrow 1-0 victory and Saez forecast another close-fought tie this time round.

"I have it in the back of my mind that this game could end up being decided on penalties," he said. "We will certainly be practising for that."

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Santiago Canizares (Valencia).

Defenders: Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Ivan Helguera (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid), Raul Bravo (Real Madrid), Cesar (Deportivo Coruna).

Midfielders: Joseba Etxeberria (Athletic Bilbao), Joaquin (Real Betis), Juan Carlos Valeron (Deportivo Coruna), Xabi Alonso (Real Sociedad), Ruben Baraja (Valencia), Vicente (Valencia), David Albelda (Valencia), Guti (Real Madrid).

Forwards: Raul (Real Madrid), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Jose Antonio Reyes (Sevilla), Albert Luque (Deportivo Coruna).