Spain look to keep 12-game unbeaten run against Argentina

Nov 16th, 99

SEVILLE, Spain, (Reuters) - Spanish coach Jose Antonio Camacho is looking forward to another tough workout on Wednesday, when Argentina become the latest side to challenge his 12-match unbeaten run in charge.

Camacho, who took over in the wake of an embarrassing 3-2 defeat to Cyprus in September last year, has presided over an impressive transformation in Spanish fortunes.

Seven straight wins made sure of qualification for the European Championship finals while there have also been victories over Croatia, Russia and Poland in friendly internationals.

Only Italy, who drew 2-2 in Salerno 12 months ago, and Brazil, who were disappointing in a goalless draw in Vigo on Sunday, have so far managed to hold up Camacho's new-look Spain. And the former Real Madrid defender is hoping to make it third time lucky against a former World Cup winning side on Wednesday.

"Major championship wins mean something in this game," Camacho said this week. "That's why Spain can't be regarded as favourites against Argentina, no matter how good our recent run of form. "We have to work hard and fight to be up there with the likes of Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Italy, England and the rest.

"At the start of the Spanish league, Real Madrid and Barcelona are always the favourites because they're the sides that have won the titles.

"We haven't won anything yet." Spain's failure to finish off Brazil on Saturday, when the home side dominated for the opening half-hour, was a disappointment to Camacho, who has promised changes in his starting line-up on Wednesday.

Argentina, stung by a dreadful 2-0 defeat to Espanyol in a warm-up match on Sunday, are likely to provide tougher opposition than Brazil, who seemed to be taking a relaxed approach to the match.

Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa is under pressure back home after an unconvincing start to his tenure and will insist upon a sharp improvement.

And for Spanish midfielder Pep Guardiola that should make for a difficult night for the home side. He said: "Argentina will be coming into this match hurt by that defeat to Espanyol and because of their overall class that's bad news for us."

Probable line-up:

Spain:
Jose Franciso Molina; Sergi Barjuan, Miguel Angel Nadal, Paco Jemez, Albert Ferrer; Pep Guardiola, Gaizka Mendieta, Julen Guerrero, Joseba Etxeberria; Raul Gonzalez, Fernando Morientes

Argentina:
German Burgos; Nelson Vivas, Mauricio Pochettino, Eduardo Berizzo; Matias Almeyda, Claudio Husain, Kily Gonzalez, Javier Zantti; Ariel Ortega, Claudio Lopez, Hernan Crespo.