Spain expecting show of strength

Sell-out crowd
A sell-out crowd at the Vicente Calderón stadium will be confident of seeing Luis Aragonés's side take a confident step towards the 2006 finals in Germany - and Slovakia coach Dušan Galis would have it no other way as his team look to spring a surprise.

'Nothing to lose'
"There is no doubt the Spanish are the favourites at home, but we have nothing to lose and want to do our best in the most important game in Slovak football history," said Galis as his side prepared to fly to Madrid on Thursday. "Sometimes it is an advantage to play away."

Small adjustment
The build-up to the big game has been reasonably calm for Slovakia, with only FC Artmedia goalkeeper Juraj Čobej disturbing the peace after withdrawing from the squad with a shoulder injury. His departure, however, has meant a call-up for CD Tenerife's Marián Kelemen.

Pleased goalkeeper
"I was very pleased with this invitation, the more so for such a historic match," said the former Under-21 international. "It is a really nice surprise. Spanish journalists have not stopped asking for my opinion of the Slovakia team since they heard I was heading to Madrid."

Mystery men
The Group 3 runners-up may be a mystery for many in Spain, but Aragonés remains reasonably confident Slovakia will be no match for his side. With Spain finishing second in Group 7 without losing a game, perhaps that faith is justified.

Confidence crucial
"The general feeling is that we are sure to play well and win and that's crucial for us," said the coach. "The players are sure of themselves because the whole country is backing them and they can't let them down. We can be our own worst enemy if we are anxious."

Fit squad
With a fully-fit squad of 22 to choose from, Aragones's only concern is that nine of his players are within one booking of a suspension. However, he is not entirely discounting the Slovakian threat, saying: "They play a different way to us but they're physically very strong and hard-working."

Calm environment
The mood in the camp is great, though, according to newcomer Alberto Rivera of Real Betis Balompié. "I've felt very comfortable and Raúl [González] has been giving me tips, as have the rest of the team - they've been fantastic," he said. "There's a very good atmosphere and they're helping me a lot."

Reyes bullish
Such an environment raises morale. Forward José Antonio Reyes said: "I am eager to convince Aragonés that I can help the national side. I think we will win by three or four goals. We have to make the most of playing at home. We won't fail and we will be in Germany next year."