Levein places faith in Spain

07 October 2011 08:35

Craig Levein trusts Spain to display all their qualities against the Czech Republic in Prague tonight to emerge with a victory which will keep Scotland's Euro 2012 hopes alive.

The Czechs are two points clear of Levein's men with both countries going in to their final two Group I games and a win against the world and European champions, who have already qualified, would all but end Scotland's hopes of a play-off spot. The Scots face Liechtenstein in Vaduz before a trip to Spain on Tuesday night.

Levein said: "It is still out of our hands because if the Czech Republic win both their matches they qualify no matter what we do. The big problem for them is that they have a very difficult match tonight. All being well, though, Spain will be at their best."

He added: "In a friendly match recently the Spanish team was 2-0 down to Chile and came back to win it 3-2. They have a real determination to win every match they are involved in.

"You just need to look at the squad they have assembled for these games - apart from a couple of little niggles, all the big-hitters are there. I'm expecting them to do their best. In fact, I know they will."

The former Scotland defender refuted suggestions that the Czechs might be the more motivated team.

"I don't even entertain that thought in my head because I look at what Spain have done recently, the pride they take in their performances and their victories," said Levein.

"They are winners, aren't they? And that becomes a habit. Just look at (Rafael) Nadal in the tennis.

"Once they get into that habit they want to win every single match. That's the way this Spanish team is.

"They will want to finish this group having won every single game, to end up with maximum points. Now that might cause us a problem of our own on the Tuesday, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Source: PA