Spain fail to spark in 0-0 draw with Lithuania

Spain produced another sluggish performance in a 0-0 draw against Lithuania in a scrappy Group Seven World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

Despite dominating possession, Spain never looked comfortable against the direct attacking play of the lively Lithuanians and rarely created any danger.

The visitors ended the game with five forwards on the pitch but still proved incapable of opening up a well-organised Lithuanian defence and had to settle for their second draw in three games.

Serbia and Montenegro top the group with seven points after a 5-0 thrashing of San Marino. Spain and Lithuania are both on five points.

"I have to admit that Spain have a better class of players, but sometimes other things such as planning and team spirit also make a difference," said Lithuania coach Algimantas Liubinskas.

Spain flattered to deceive in the opening minutes as winger Albert Luque threatened with a series of darting runs on the left and skipper Raul had a shot blocked when he turned sharply in the area.

But although the Lithuania strikers were forced to live off scraps, it was they who enjoyed the better opportunities.

Rolandas Dziaukstas should have done better when he was given a free header from a corner, but the defender only succeeded in looping the ball into the hands of Spain keeper Iker Casillas at the far post in the 11th minute.

The home side looked certain to take the lead just before the half hour when the Spanish back four were caught out by a long ball to Edgaras Cesnauskis.

The Dynamo Kiev midfielder slipped past Casillas on the edge of the area only to see his goal-bound shot directed over the bar by the out-stretched centre-back Carles Puyol.

Spain grew increasingly nervous as the half wore on and conceded a string of corners in the final 10 minutes as they proved incapable of regaining control of the game.

Cesnauskis caused panic with a jinking run into the area three minutes from the break and defender Marius Stankevicius was denied a goal from the ensuing corner when Casillas pulled off a fine reflex save to turn his stinging shot past the post.

Spain recovered their nerve at the start of the second half and had their best chance of the match when Luque cut inside from the edge of the area only to see his right-foot curler turned over the bar by keeper Zydrunas Karcemarskas.

Coach Luis Aragones threw on Raul Tamudo, Jose Antonio Reyes and Fernando Torres to lend support to Luque and Raul in attack, but his move smacked of desperation and they only managed to create one late chance.

Midfielder Xavi forced a fine save from Karcemarskas with a late free kick, but Raul was unable to convert from close range when he pounced on the loose ball.