Spanish call for caution

By Andrew Haslam in Jongny

Spain go into the semi-finals of the 2003/04 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in buoyant mood, having secured victories in all three Group B games and scored ten goals in the process. However, coach Armando Ufarte and his players are taking nothing for granted ahead of their meeting with Group A runners-up Ukraine in Lausanne tonight, with kick-off at 18.00CET.

Trio return
"We have had people watching other games, and our scouts saw the match between Ukraine and Switzerland [a 0-0 draw] on Sunday night," said Ufarte, who has influential Real Madrid CF midfield player Juanfran available again after suspension. Valencia CF's Albiol and Sergio Ramos of Sevilla FC could come into midfield and defence respectively after also being banned for the 4-1 victory against Poland that completed a clean sweep of Group B.

'Strong sides'
Ufarte believes the identity of Spain's semi-final opponents is largely inconsequential, saying: "Switzerland won the Under-17 European Championship two years ago and therefore have a very strong team. Also Ukraine, Italy, Belgium and every other squad that reaches the final stages of this competition must be a fine side, but we always play in the same way. We usually don't change our football, and it is very unlikely that we will do so now."

Big-name casualties
Juanfran was similarly cautious, telling uefa.com: "Although the players have not seen any matches, we know that Ukraine have eliminated such teams as France and England [in qualifying], so it is important that we take that into account. We are focusing on the match, so we know what we have to do during the game."

Crucial confidence
"We have to take it one game at a time," the Spanish midfield player continued. "I think we have a good chance of lifting the trophy and it is very important to have self-confidence but every match is different and we must play each on its merits. We will simply try to do our best."

Scoreless success
Ukraine coach Pavlo Yakovenko cut a satisfied figure after his side secured the point they needed to edge out holders Italy in Kriens on Sunday night thanks to a goalless draw with the hosts at a packed Kleinfeld stadium.

Defensive strength
In the aftermath of that game Yakovenko accepted that his team faced a sizeable challenge at the Juan A Samaranch stadium but, with Ukraine the only side in the competition yet to concede a goal, he is confident his coaching staff and players can find a strategy to combat the free-scoring Spanish.

Video study
"Of course, Spain are very tough opponents," said Yakovenko, who is able to welcome back Andriy Proshyn after the Ukraine captain sat out the Swiss match through suspension. "But we have lots of videos of their games and several days in which to watch them. Nevertheless, we will need all that time and must make sure we use it wisely in order to prepare properly for such a strong team."