Spain defenders present a united front

Spain's first training session at the foot of the Neustift mountains, about 20 minutes from Innsbruck, gave evidence that defenders like to stick together.

Perceived frailties
Although the question of whether Fernando Torres can score as freely for Spain as he does for Liverpool FC may be the more urgent debate, the fact Luis Aragonés has constructively criticised his team's defending has brought inevitable scrutiny from the national media. La Selección conceded only once in two warm-up friendlies but Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena and even Iker Casillas failed to hit their own high standards. In theory, defensive frailty might offer hope to squad players like Álvaro Arbeloa and Fernando Navarro, but neither the Liverpool FC right-back nor the RCD Mallorca left-back would hear a word of it.

Defensive defenders
"I really think the wave of criticism which our back four have received is totally unjust," argued Arbeloa. "These boys have been showing their top-class credentials for years now and you only have to examine their part in what has been a long unbeaten run under the coach to judge them." Navarro, who capped an impressive campaign with the Balearic team by making his full debut against the United States on Wednesday, was equally emphatic. "Anyone criticising individuals needs to take a moment and listen to our coach when he talks about team responsibility for goals conceded and how to prevent them," he said. "You should also consider that we still play very attacking football and often leave few players behind the ball."

Good atmosphere
The first of the two training sessions was short, sharp and effective – even light-hearted. Pepe Reina trotted out last and late to be greeted by the traditional ironic round of applause while Aragonés barked praise, instructions and corrections at all working near him. The good news for Spain's coach was that both Sergio García and David Villa were capable of a workout and should be available for Tuesday's Group D game against Russia. "We still have plenty of information to receive on the Russians, but we know they are a good unit, that they are quick on the counterattack, and that some of them have had a great season with [FC] Zenit St. Petersburg," added Navarro.

Torres threat
Once the defensive question was dealt with, it only remained for Arbeloa to close the session with a warning about club-mate Torres and how to harness his domestic form for the national side. "I see him every day in training, both here and with Liverpool, and there is no difference," he said. "The two styles of play are extremely different and perhaps the current philosophy of the national team doesn't bring the best out of Fernando. But he's a world-class striker and I'll back him to find the way to continue scoring the goals we need."