By Simon Baskett
MADRID, March 25 - Spain coach Luis Aragones says
his side are approaching Saturday's friendly against China in
Salamanca as a dress rehearsal for next week's World Cup
qualifier against Serbia & Montenegro.
"We thought about it carefully and decided that the best way
to prepare for the Serbia match would be to have a game like
this one," said Aragones.
"Technically we are superior to the Chinese but they are the
sort of team that will make us run a lot and work hard and that
is just what we want ahead of the next match.
"These days there are no easy opponents and although we may
be better than them on paper, we are going to have to
demonstrate that on the pitch."
Aragones made it clear that he will be fielding virtually
his first-choice XI at the start of the China match, the only
exception being that skipper Raul will miss out because of a
bruised instep.
The Real Madrid striker has been in poor form this season
but such is his status in the national team that there is little
doubt that he will start against Serbia & Montenegro if he is
fit.
Deportivo Coruna's Juan Carlos Valeron, who was recalled to
the squad after missing out in the last qualifier against San
Marino, is favourite to play just behind lone striker Fernando
Torres up front.
Barcelona playmaker Xavi will be directing affairs in
midfield with support from the muscular David Albelda, while
Joaquin and Albert Luque are likely to provide the pace on the
wings.
In the absence of injured Valencia defender Carlos Marchena,
Aragones looks set to opt for the up and coming partnership of
Juanito and Pablo Ibanez in the centre of defence with the
inspirational Carles Puyol and the attack-minded Asier del Horno
occupying the fullback slots in front of keeper Iker Casillas.
CLUB DISAPPOINTMENTS
Aragones has admitted that in the wake of the recent
disappointments of Primera Liga clubs in Europe, Spanish
football is not enjoying its finest hour, but the 66-year-old is
determined to see an improvement at international level.
"Historically Spain haven't been as strong as big European
powers like Italy but my aim is to see them reach that level,"
he said.
"From my point of view my players are the best in Europe and
if I don't succeed then I will be the first to leave without any
complaint."
China are rebuilding after the disappointment of failing to
qualify for the 2006 World Cup.
Coach Zhu Guanghu, who was formally appointed to the post
earlier this month following the dismissal of Dutchman Arie
Haan, is set to blood a number of young players as he looks to
reinvigorate the national team.
With China's three English-based players unavailable, much
of the responsibility will fall on the shoulders of TSV Munich
1860 midfielder Shao Jiayi, the only member of Saturday's squad
who plays in Europe.
"The team has to be overhauled after the blow of not
qualifying for the World Cup," Zhu told sports daily Marca on
Friday.
"I'm going to be trying out some enthusiastic young players.
It will be an intense game and we are going to make Spain work
hard ahead of their qualifier."