Martínez sure of Spain credentials
Friday, July 20, 2007
Article summary
Spain captain Javier Martínez is confident the holders can overcome Greece and progress from Group A, thus remaining on course to claim yet another U19 title.
Article body
UEFA European Under-19 Championship holders Spain stand on the brink of a place in the semi-finals and captain Javier Martínez is confident his side can progress from Group A and remain on course to retain their title.
No doubt
Spain are the most successful nation in the five-year history of the U19 tournament having won three titles and take on Greece in their final group match knowing a point will ensure they advance to the semi-finals for the third time in four seasons. However, Martínez is keen for his side not to take any chances and is predicting maximum points in Linz, saying: "We want to win our group, so defeating Greece is a must. I have no doubt we have the potential to do so, all we need to do is get our act together on the day."
High expectations
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who made 35 Primera División appearances for Athletic Club Bilbao last season, is also aware that expectations of success back home are high given Spain's tremendous record in the competition. "We owe it to our homeland to at least reach the final," he added. "We have won this event a few times and of course this team wants to do so too. Spain are a big name in youth football and this is a great motivation for us to progress."
Points lost
Spain started the tournament with a clinical 2-0 win against hosts Austria thanks to goals from Aarón Ñíguez and César Azpilicueta, followed by "a rather unlucky 1-1 draw against Portugal," according to Martínez. "It was our second match and we were a little tired," he told uefa.com. "We dominated and should have won, but a dead ball situation cost us a silly goal and two points."
Tactical discipline
Now Spain face a Greece side who have already beaten Portugal and earned a draw against Austria, but Martínez believes he and his team-mates have what it takes to prevail. "If we can show the same tactical discipline we did in the previous two matches and start to find the net, we should be fine." Given their record in recent years and their impressive start to this campaign, few would bet against Spain booking their place in the last four.
