Del Bosque keeps Spanish bandwagon rolling
Reuters - Monday 13 October 2008, 02:01
MADRID - Spain coach Vicente del Bosque's
skilful handling of Luis Aragones's Euro 2008 winning side sees
them continuing to build on their summer success as they head
into a clash with their closest rivals Belgium on Wednesday.
The European champions top qualifying Group Five having won
all three of their opening matches without conceding a goal, and
lead Belgium and Turkey by two points.
Former Real Madrid boss Del Bosque may come across as a
kindly grandfather figure, in contrast to his more cantankerous
predecessor, but his man-management skills are an important
factor in the side continuing to sweep all before them.
There has been no resting on laurels in the wins over
Bosnia, Armenia and Estonia.
Barring odd lapses in concentration, like midway through the
second half of Saturday's 3-0 victory in Estonia when the hosts
almost scored twice, Del Bosque has managed to keep the side
hungry, the passing quick, and the work rate high.
"Spain have a winning momentum and we have to make the most
of it to build up the best advantage we can in the group," the
57-year-old said after the victory in Tallinn.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas kept another clean sheet helping
Spain set a new national record of just over 700 minutes without
conceding a goal, bettering the previous best of 691 minutes
achieved in 1992-3.
The side have gone 26 matches unbeaten and few changes are
likely for the match in Brussels, though Marcos Senna could
return to replace Xabi Alonso in the midfield holding role.
UNBEATEN BELGIUM
Unbeaten Belgium are set to make at least one change from
the side which defeated Armenia 2-0 on Saturday with Ajax
defender Thomas Vermaelen expected to return in place of Axel
Witsel, who is likely to drop back to the bench.
Belgian coach Rene Vandereycken left Vermaelen out of the
team against Armenia to avoid him getting suspended for the
Spanish encounter after he picked up a yellow card in their
previous match against Turkey.
"Spain is a whole other game. There will be certain changes
carried out. Firstly because this is a different, tougher, more
attacking opponent and the secondly because some players won't
manage two games at this level in four days." Vandereycken said.
Probable teams:
Belgium: Stijn Stijnen; Timmy Simons, Vincent Kompany,
Guillaume Gillet, Jelle van Damme, Thomas Vermaelen; Steven
Defour, Jan Vertonghen, Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembele;
Wesley Sonck.
Spain: Iker Casillas; Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Juanito,
Joan Capdevila; Santi Cazorla, Xavi, Marcos Senna or Xabi
Alonso, Andres Iniesta; David Villa, Fernando Torres
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