Joaquin wins his chance
26 Jun 2006 - 11:57:46
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- Joaquin wins his chance
Spain coach Luis Aragones is preparing to unleash Joaquin on France when the two sides meet in the second round of the World Cup finals in Hanover on Tuesday.
The Real Betis winger did not start Spain's victories against Ukraine and Tunisia, but impressed as a second-half substitute as they came from behind to beat the Carthage Eagles 3-1.
He then played the full 90 minutes of the final Group G match - a 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia in which Aragones opted to change all 11 players in his starting line-up.
Joaquin's displays have given the coach cause to reconsider his tactics and Spain are likely to change from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 against France, with Luis Garcia set to be omitted as a result.
Aragones is almost certain to recall the other 10 players who started against Ukraine and Tunisia.
Spain were arguably the most impressive side in the group stage of the tournament, but the coach knows that will count for little if his side suffer their traditional loss of nerve in the knockout stages.
"France is a great team. My biggest concern is my team doesn't maintain its standard," he said.
"We could face a big rival but if we show our worth and we take advantage of our strengths there is no reason why we shouldn't come out triumphant.
"I am convinced we will beat them. But we are not going into the game as favourites, we have to prove that on the pitch."
Les Bleus coach Raymond Domenech will be far less confident than Aragones after his side stuttered through the group stage.
Drab draws against Switzerland and Korea Republic left France in real danger of falling at the first hurdle, but they managed to scrape through with a 2-0 win against Togo.
It was another poor display from France and they only clinched victory thanks to six minutes of Patrick Vieira at his best, as the Juventus midfielder broke the deadlock and then created a second for Thierry Henry, who was again unrecognisable as the player who has thrilled crowds at Highbury in recent years.
Zinedine Zidane and Eric Abidal missed the Togo match through suspension but they are likely to return against Spain in place of Mikael Silvestre and the hapless David Trezeguet.
Despite the playmaker's advancing years and fading talents, Domenech believes Zidane's return will prove crucial against France's neighbours.
"Having such a player in your team is always an advantage," said the coach.
"Spain are a strong team with great players and they score a lot of goals. I don't know what their weaknesses are. We have to find out."
Tuesday's victors will face either Brazil or Ghana in the last eight.