Complacency is actually something that Spain prefer not to entertain. Midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez knows very well how minnows can surprise giants just as Switzerland shocked La Furia Roja in South Africa. Therefore, the Barcelona play maker insisted on the importance of staying focused as he told the media:
“It won’t be easy against Liechtenstein. Everything is equal in football nowadays. We know that in theory, they are inferior and that we are the favorites.
“However, it won’t be a walkover. Spain have always offered respect to every opponent. We always strive to do our best.”
Xavi Hernandez’s Barcelona team mate Sergio Busquets echoed these comments. The defensive midfielder stated:
“We have to get three points [against Liechtenstein] so that we can start our Euro 2012 qualifying campaign on a positive note. Liechtenstein may seem modest opponents, but they shouldn’t be trusted. We’ve got to find the same level of motivation as if we were playing one of the major teams.”
Since complacency is certainly not an issue in Spain’s squad, the public will expect the World Champions to set a goal feast against Liechtenstein on Friday night. Moreover, by underlining the importance that goal difference could have during Spain’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, Coach Vicente del Bosque seems to have fueled the public’s expectations. The 2010 FIFA World Cup winning manager explained:
“Goal difference could be vital. The first thing we have to do is to win. But we must respect opponents too. We’ve seen a few games involving Liechtenstein. They are a well-organized team. They are physically strong. Any team with these qualities can complicate things.”
Against Liechtenstein, Barcelona’s David Villa could equal or beat Raul’s record of 44 international goals for Spain. The former Valencia goal poacher has netted 43 times for his country, with the last of those being match winners during the World Cup in South Africa. Will David Villa help Spain kick off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in style by opening his goal scoring account against Liechtenstein?
Spain are in the last group, Group I. The Euro 2008 champions, who aim to defend their title, will have to affront Lithuania, Scotland, and the Czech Republic as well before standing a chance of reaching Poland and Ukraine in 2012.
