EUROPEAN champions Spain look set to equal the longest consecutive soccer victories by a national team at the expense of Iraq in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, today, at 4pm
EUROPEAN champions Spain look set to equal the longest consecutive soccer victories by a national team at the expense of Iraq in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, today, at 4pm
A victory at the Free State Stadium will see the Fernando Torres-led ruthless Spain qualify for the semifinals of the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup.
More importantly, their win will also see Spain join Brazil, Australia and France, in the record books as countries that once went 14-matches unbeaten.
Australia were the first to achieve the feat in 1996-97, followed by reigning Festival of Champions kings, Brazil, in 1997 and France in 2003-04.
The Spaniards' 5-0 emphatic win over New Zealand in their opening Confederations Cup game in Rustenburg on Sunday night was their 13th successive victory.
Cesc Fabregas, Spain's exciting midfielder, said they were looking forward to maintaining their winning rhythm, adding that it was, however, going to be a tough one against the Asian champions.
"We know we're favourites but we've got to be wary going into these matches (last two for the group stages against Iraq and South Africa).
Fabregas' compatriot, Xavi Hernandez, said: "Winning and scoring a lot of goals too is a great way to start the tournament."
But Iraq midfielder Nashat Akram said: "We are so proud to be in this competition and to get a chance to be on the pitch with the stars.
"It will be a very tough game, they have so many quality players. We know we have a chance but will have to work harder than we did against South Africa."
Akram joined Holland side Twente FC two weeks ago.
Iraqi's coach Bora Milutinovic is oozing with confidence that his charges will surprise many people by reaching the semifinals.
"We are happy with the result against South Africa, we are happy to have made the Iraqi people proud," said Milutinovic.
"The game against Spain will be tough, they have an array of great players."
Spain chasing Brazil's record
EUROPEAN champions Spain look set to equal the longest consecutive soccer victories by a national team at the expense of Iraq in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, today, at 4pm
EUROPEAN champions Spain look set to equal the longest consecutive soccer victories by a national team at the expense of Iraq in Mangaung, Bloemfontein, today, at 4pm
A victory at the Free State Stadium will see the Fernando Torres-led ruthless Spain qualify for the semifinals of the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup.
More importantly, their win will also see Spain join Brazil, Australia and France, in the record books as countries that once went 14-matches unbeaten.
Australia were the first to achieve the feat in 1996-97, followed by reigning Festival of Champions kings, Brazil, in 1997 and France in 2003-04.
The Spaniards' 5-0 emphatic win over New Zealand in their opening Confederations Cup game in Rustenburg on Sunday night was their 13th successive victory.
Cesc Fabregas, Spain's exciting midfielder, said they were looking forward to maintaining their winning rhythm, adding that it was, however, going to be a tough one against the Asian champions.
"We know we're favourites but we've got to be wary going into these matches (last two for the group stages against Iraq and South Africa).
Fabregas' compatriot, Xavi Hernandez, said: "Winning and scoring a lot of goals too is a great way to start the tournament."
But Iraq midfielder Nashat Akram said: "We are so proud to be in this competition and to get a chance to be on the pitch with the stars.
"It will be a very tough game, they have so many quality players. We know we have a chance but will have to work harder than we did against South Africa."
Akram joined Holland side Twente FC two weeks ago.
Iraqi's coach Bora Milutinovic is oozing with confidence that his charges will surprise many people by reaching the semifinals.
"We are happy with the result against South Africa, we are happy to have made the Iraqi people proud," said Milutinovic.
"The game against Spain will be tough, they have an array of great players."
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