Spain keen on making amends against Slovenia

AMSTERDAM, JUNE 17. Spain will be looking to salvage its Euro 2000 campaign when it takes on rank outsider Slovenia in a Group `C' match at Amsterdam arena here on Sunday.

The Spaniards were strongly fancied coming into the tournament, but once again they flattered to deceive in a desperately disappointing 0-1 loss to Norway in their opener.

Another below-par performance would likely see Spain getting ready to pack its bags for home and if on paper it looks a cut above the Slovenians, Srecko Katanec's free-spirited side have earned a deserved reputation as upset kings.

Slovenia's pulsating 3-3 draw against Yugoslavia after leading 3- 0, and with the Yugoslavs down to 10 men, was a proof again of both its attacking prowess and defensive and tactical frailties.

The Spaniards were hit by a new blow on Thursday when Celta Vigo right-back Juan Velasco could not train because of an injured right thigh.

Velasco might have been expected to replace Michel Salgado, who was one of the few Spanish players to perform well against Norway, but who is carrying an injury.

Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho has indicated he will make changes against Slovenia with defender Paco Jemez, midfielder Fran and striker Ismael Urzaiz likely to make way for Abelardo, Gaizka Mendieta and Alfonso Perez respectively.

Aleksander Knavs and Sasa Udovic were the principal doubts for Slovenia. Knavs has a thigh injury and is almost certain to miss the Spanish date, having also missed the Yugoslavia match.

Once again Slovenia will be heavily dependent on attacking midfielder Zlatko Zahovic, who scored two goals against Yugoslavia and supplied the final pass for the third.

Spain will be looking for a vastly-improved performance from Barcelona playmaker Raul, who had been touted to be one of the big stars of the tournament.

But he complained of muscle fatigue in the build-up to the finals and he looked decidedly out of sorts against the sturdy Norwegians. Against Slovenia he is likely to have more space to exercise his passing talents.

- AFP

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Section  : Sport
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