Spain will only look to preserve their perfect home record in the UEFA Euro 2012 Qualifiers. Scotland, however, will be aiming for a place in the play-offs.
The Scots took advantage of Czech Republic’s failure to accomplish their mission against La Roja, on October 7. The Czech were humbled 2-0 at the Stadion Letná in Prague following goals from Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso. That came as pleasant news to Scotland though, who narrowly edged past Liechtenstein at the Rheinpark in Vaduz, the day after.
Thanks to the profitable scenario that enfolded at the end of last week, the Scots now occupy the second position in Group I. What they are required to do now is match the Czech’s result so as to end what would be the first phase of their qualification campaign as runners-up. Should they succeed, then they will be participating in the play-offs later in November alongside other teams to determine if they are worthy of tickets for the finals in the summer of 2012.
The Spanish national team, nevertheless, virtually have no worries at this point. Having ended all speculations earlier in September after their devastating 6-0 triumph against Liechtenstein, they can only set their minds on making history in style. The first player from the team to mark a great moment in his career will certainly be goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who is 90 minutes away from becoming his country’s most capped player along with legend Andoni Zubizarreta.
There were few concerns after the 2010 FIFA World Cup as to whether the Spanish were really going to maintain their authority at national level, or not. Although they went through a series of awful results in non-competitive matches afterward, they still regained their mental strength and composure - ensuring that their qualification run for the UEFA Euro 2012 finals was well under control.
So far, it appears their hard work has paid off, with a huge lead separating them from other Group I members. As the table stands now, Spain are 10 points clear at the top with 21 points and a goal difference of +18, thanks to 23 goals scored. Scotland then follow them in second place, while Czech Republic come third with 10 points.
At this point, anything could happen; thus, it will be up to Scotland to fight at their very best and stun the world champions. In the case where they fall miserably at the hands of Del Bosque’s men like so many sides have in recent times, then they could cheaply lose their chance of performing in the Poland-Ukraine tournament to the bitter Czech.
Thanks to the profitable scenario that enfolded at the end of last week, the Scots now occupy the second position in Group I. What they are required to do now is match the Czech’s result so as to end what would be the first phase of their qualification campaign as runners-up. Should they succeed, then they will be participating in the play-offs later in November alongside other teams to determine if they are worthy of tickets for the finals in the summer of 2012.
The Spanish national team, nevertheless, virtually have no worries at this point. Having ended all speculations earlier in September after their devastating 6-0 triumph against Liechtenstein, they can only set their minds on making history in style. The first player from the team to mark a great moment in his career will certainly be goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who is 90 minutes away from becoming his country’s most capped player along with legend Andoni Zubizarreta.
There were few concerns after the 2010 FIFA World Cup as to whether the Spanish were really going to maintain their authority at national level, or not. Although they went through a series of awful results in non-competitive matches afterward, they still regained their mental strength and composure - ensuring that their qualification run for the UEFA Euro 2012 finals was well under control.
So far, it appears their hard work has paid off, with a huge lead separating them from other Group I members. As the table stands now, Spain are 10 points clear at the top with 21 points and a goal difference of +18, thanks to 23 goals scored. Scotland then follow them in second place, while Czech Republic come third with 10 points.
At this point, anything could happen; thus, it will be up to Scotland to fight at their very best and stun the world champions. In the case where they fall miserably at the hands of Del Bosque’s men like so many sides have in recent times, then they could cheaply lose their chance of performing in the Poland-Ukraine tournament to the bitter Czech.
