Spain v Scotland - Euro 2012 Match Preview
Scotland’s victory in Liechtenstein on Saturday has set up a tantalising encounter tonight in Alicante against the already group winners of Group I, Spain knowing it's going to be a huge task to qualify.
(portions of this article were written by Darren Hunter)Date: Tuesday 11 October 2011 Kick off: 20:45 (local time) Competition: Euro 2012 qualifier (Group I) Location: Estadio Jose Rico Perez, Alicante Watch Live on BBC Two in UKScotlands victory in Liechtenstein on Saturday has set up a tantalising encounter on Tuesday night in Alicante against the already group winners of Group I, Spain. The race for second place and that all important play-off place has been stepped up and with the Czech Republic playing in Lithuania at the same time its squeaky bum time in both camps. You have got to wonder how Scotland stand any chance against a Spain side who boast one competitive defeat since October 2006 and even with that loss against Switzerland they still managed to win THE WORLD CUP FINALS! Tonight then For Spain, well they'll be playing for pride really having already qualified and not losing a game in the group yet. Del Bosque's men beat a weak Czech Republic side on Friday night 2-0 with goals from Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso sealing the win and sending half a thousand or so Spanish fans back home in jubilant mood. They will be looking to keep up their 100% record tonight and last time these sides met Spain came out 3-2 winners. David Silva was the main man against the Czech's on Friday evening and he'll be hoping he can bring his fantastic form into the tonight. This game is far more important for Scotland than for Spain, though. Scotland are second, Czech Republic are third. It's all nice and rosy for Craig Levein's men, right? Well, it's not that simple. It's highly unlikely Scotland will beat Spain away from home which would mean they pick up zero points whilst it's highly likely the Czech's will beat Lithuania and grab the three points which would propell them into second spot and a place in the Euro's next year. Scotland have to rely on Lithuania basically and will be hoping, fingers crossed, that they lose, even though it's extremely unlikely as I said before. Scotland are worse on head to head than Czech Republic which doesn't help Scotland. The sides drew last time out in a controversial game which saw the referee award the Czech's with a penalty kick which shouldn't of been. Nevertheless, tonight should be edge of your seat viewing. Its a tall order with so much on offer and the possibility of losing out on the chance of a play-off into the European championship finals, Im sure Scotland fans will have two eyes on the pitch and one ear in the radio listening to the proceedings in Lithuania. Spain Team News Cesc Fabregas is out As so is his club teamate Andres Iniesta Spain defender Sergio Ramos and midfielder Xabi Alonso may not feature after picking up injuries in Friday's match Raul Albiol is out after he fractured his cheekbone in training Scotland Team News Villa midfielder Barry Bannan is a doubt with a heel injury Bardsley and Adam also have knocks which they picked up in their win over Lithuania Kenny Miller is a doubt with an groin injury Spain probable line-up: Casillas, Monreal, Arbeloa, Pique, Puyol,Silva, Mata, Busquets, Villa, Martinez, Torres Formation: 4-5-1 One to look out for: David Silva. Was excellent in Prague last Friday night. Scotland probable line-up: McGregor, Hutton, Whittaker, Caldwell, Berra,Fletcher, Morrison, Dorrans, Robson,Goodwillie, Mackail-Smith Formation: 4-4-2 One to look out for: Craig Mackail-Smith. Given a chance he'll take it. Scored first senior goal for Scotland on Saturday night. Betting on tonight's game? Winner.com is the place to do it. You can play casual online games and casino online games for money.