Spain coach calls for tigerish approach against Norway

Spain coach Inaki Saez wants his side to play like 11 tigers in the opening leg of their Euro 2004 playoff against Norway in Valencia on Saturday.

"The tiger is the strongest animal in the jungle," Saez said from the Spanish training camp in Valencia on Friday.

"Our players should come out with the strongest possible character, both in physical and footballing terms."

Spain missed out on a direct qualification place for Euro 2004 after finishing second in Group Six behind Greece.

The two-legged playoff against Norway, in Valencia on Saturday and in Oslo on Wednesday, provides a second chance to reach the tournament being hosted by neighbours Portugal and Saez is anxious to see the tie decided on home soil.

"A 3-0 win would give us a measure of confidence going into the second leg," Saez said. "Two goals scored could also be enough as it would force Norway to change their game totally.

"It's not going to be an easy game, though. Norway will be extremely disciplined and we'll need to be brave."