Spain make four changes
Saturday, June 19, 2004
Article summary
Iñaki Sáez is bringing in Juanito Gutiérrez, Joaquín Sánchez, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres for the match against Portugal.
Article body
Enforced changes
Two of the changes are enforced with Juanito the surprise choice over César Martin to replace the suspended Carlos Marchena at centre-back and Joaquín coming in for the injured midfield player Joseba Etxeberria.
Partnership tested
Juanito has played alongside Iván Helguera before at the heart of Spain's defence in two friendly matches - April's 1-1 draw against Italy in Genoa and the 3-0 defeat of Portugal last September in Guimarães. Real Sociedad de Fútbol playmaker Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, will replace Rubén Baraja in the centre of midfield after the Valencia CF player's disappointing performances in the tournament so far.
Biggest surprise
But the biggest surprise is the appearance of Torres in the starting lineup in place of Fernando Morientes, who will drop to the bench. The Club Atlético de Madrid forward will act as a lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation and will look to trouble Portugal on the break with his speed.
Last eight
Spain need only avoid defeat in Lisbon to secure a place in the last eight and Sáez said: "Portugal will leave us many free spaces and it is necessary to know how to take advantage of them. Spain don't know how to play for a draw - we are not a team who tolerate draws. I prefer our style, which involves winning all the matches.
Failure unthinkable
"I keep all my ideas clear and I sleep very calmly. I don't think about failure - anybody who thinks about it always fails. If the players use the word failure we won't pass to the quarter-finals."
