Big game for Spain this weekend as they meet the Czech Republic on Friday, with Michal Bílek’s men just three points behind Spain in the group standing.
Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque recognises how tough the game will be against the Czechs saying:
“They are our biggest threat. They have great physical and technical qualities. They are very strong and have been one of the best teams in Europe in recent years.”
With regular’s Carles Puyol, Cesc Fàbregas and Pedro Rodríguez injured, Del Bosque will probably give increased playing time to Andoni Iraola, Javi Martínez and Juan Mata.
The Czechs, for their part, will hope Galatasaray AŞ forward Milan Baroš’s return to the squad can provide a cutting edge as they have scored just three goals in their three qualifiers, two of them against Liechtenstein.
Visiting goalkeeper Petr Čech will take on his new Chelsea FC team-mate Fernando Torres at the Los Cármenes venue, with Čech a little concerned to be up against the striker again. “He beat me in every game we played in as opponents,” said the 79-cap custodian. “I hope it will be different on Friday.”
If Čech’s wish is to come true, Bílek accepts his squad must put in a better display than in their recent 4-2 friendly loss in Croatia. “Spain are favourites but they also make mistakes,” the coach observed. “We must stop midfielders [Andrés] Iniesta and Xavi [Hernández] and their upfield passes; that is crucial.”
