Group H Saudi Arabia v Spain The mood in the Spanish camp went up another notch yesterday on the eve of the match that should see them finish the group stage with a 100 per cent record.
Just a point today against Saudi Arabia will ensure Spain finish top of Group H, but drop them into a quarter of the draw where dangers lurk at every turn including possibly France in the last 16 and Brazil in the quarter-finals.
The reaction of Fernando Torres, who has scored three goals in the opening two games, was typical, declaring: "The most important thing is to get to the final stages, to the semi-finals and the final."
Coach Luis Aragones is confident enough to announce he would play a second-string side against the Saudis.
"I'm going to make it difficult for myself by completely changing the team around," he said. "Some coaches might prefer to play safe and choose the same team, but not me. Someone might play very well and I will risk criticism because he might not be chosen for the next game.
"I've got as much confidence in this team as the other one," he said, confirming there will be starts for the Arsenal duo Cesc Fabregas and Jose Antionio Reyes, as well as winger Joaquin.
Full back Michel Salgado, who at 30 is the oldest outfield player in the squad, will also be given his first World Cup start after missing out four years ago.
"It's a massive thing for me," he said. "It's going to be unforgettable. At last my time has come after so much training and so many matches."
The Saudis are rooted to the bottom with one point but can still qualify in the unlikely event of beating Spain by three goals or more and Tunisia beating Ukraine 1-0. ... Guardian Service
Probable line-ups
Saudi Arabia (4-5-1) Al Deayea; Dokhi, Sulaimani, Al Montashari, Tuker, Al Khariri, Al Ghamdi, Noor, Al Jaber, Al Thaker, Al Qahtani
Spain ((4-3-3): Canizares, Salgado, Juanito, Marchena, Lopez, Albelda, Iniesta, Fabregas, Joaquin, Antonio Reyes,Raul
Coach: Luis Aragones
Referee: Coffi Codjia (Benin)
Kick-off: 3.0pm Venue: Fritz-Walter-Stadion, aiserslautern On TV: RTÉ 2, BBC 1
