Spain grow in confidence after Italian draw
Although it ended their seven-match winning streak, Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Italy gave Spain plenty of cause for optimism before the European championship.
Although it ended their seven-match winning streak, Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Italy gave Spain plenty of cause for optimism before the European championship.
"It was a very good game for us," said Spain coach Inaki Saez. "I think we lived up to expectations. All the players worked phenomenally hard and we dominated when we wanted to."
Spain fully deserved to take the lead early in the second half against an under-strength Italy when substitute striker Fernando Torres drilled low into the corner to score his first goal for the senior side.
Three minutes later Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri equalised for Italy. Apart from that brief loss of concentration Spain were in control for most of the game.
Valencia's David Albelda, who had another assured game in the centre of midfield, echoed Saez's upbeat assessment.
"It was a shame not to finish off with a win as we played some good football," he said. "I can honestly say that I've got a very good feeling about Euro 2004."
Real Betis winger Joaquin, who had originally been dropped from the squad, grasped the opportunity to reassert his claim for a place with a fine performance after he was drafted in to replace the injured Luis Garcia.
FINAL SQUAD
Midfielder Xavi also played well and may have done enough to edge Real Madrid's Guti out of the squad for Euro 2004 which kicks off on June 12.
Saez said he was likely to name his final 23-man squad on May 20, but before then he will have to resolve several selection problems up front and in defence.
Despite his poor form for Real Madrid, Raul is guaranteed to fill one of the places in attack.
With Torres and Monaco striker Fernando Morientes almost certain to join him Saez will have to decide if it is worth taking both Albert Luque and Jose Antonio Reyes.
Luque has played a key role in Deportivo Coruna's run to the semi-finals of the Champions League and Reyes has proved his worth in previous internationals, but the youngster's move to Arsenal may have undermined his chances of going to Portugal.
At the back Betis centre-half Juanito, and Deportivo trio Cesar, Manuel Pablo and Enrique Romero are likely to end up competing for the two vacant slots in defence alongside established defenders Ivan Helguera and Carles Puyol.
Saez has jthree weeks to settle on his squad before preparing his side for their first round games against hosts Portugal, Greece and Russia in group A.
Possible squad for Euro 2004:
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Santiago Canizares (Valencia), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
Defenders: Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Ivan Helguera (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Raul Bravo (Real Madrid), Michel Salgado (Real Madrid), Juanito (Real Betis) or Cesar (Deportivo Courna), Enrique Romero (Deportivo Coruna) or Manuel Pablo (Deportivo Coruna).
Midfielders: Joseba Etxeberria (Athletic Bilbao), Joaquin (Real Betis), Juan Carlos Valeron (Deportivo Coruna), Xabi Alonso (Real Sociedad), Ruben Baraja (Valencia), David Albelda (Valencia), Xavi (Barcelona), Vicente (Valencia).
Forwards: Raul (Real Madrid), Fernando Morientes (Monaco), Fernando Torres (Atletico Madrid), Albert Luque (Deportivo Coruna), Jose Antonio Reyes (Arsenal).