SPAIN CAUTIOUS OF AGGRESSIVE ARMENIA

Goal.com
Sept 10 2008
Switzerland

Spanish boss, Vicente del Bosque gave a press conference yesterday
where he was asked to analyse his team’s next opponent in the World
Cup qualifiers, Armenia.

After edging past Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 in their opening WCQ2010
clash, Spain are preparing to take on their second challenge on home
soil when they welcome European minnows, Armenia.

La Furia Roja are expecting a similar test of defensive grit and
dangerous counter-attacks and although del Bosque’s side have far
more quality and depth, he also recognizes the threat FIFA’s 98th
ranked country can bring after studying videos of their opponent’s
last two games, including the 0-0 draw with Greece and the recent
2-0 loss to Turkey.

"They have their own qualities. They are aggressive, fiery and they
make things uncomfortable for the other team," he started off.

"They have small players, but they are also very fast and capable
of attacking. We may be superior to them but that only means we are
under more pressure to win the game," added del Bosque.

The 57 year old coach then defended the Cesc Fabregas-Xavi midfield
compatibility and the arguments of how they can’t play together.

"It’s clear that both of them cannot play deep in midfield. One of
them has to be closer to the striker but it didn’t happen the other
day (against Bosnia) because of the lack of space.

"But I do not believe that they cannot complement one another. They
have mutual respect and a great understanding with each other,"
he concluded.