Joaquín makes peace with Spain

Winger Joaquín Sánchez is determined to seize the "second chance" offered him by coach Luis Aragonés after leaving the Spain camp under a cloud eight months ago.

Angry response
The 25-year-old Valencia CF player, who has 42 caps, was dropped from the squad and responded by saying the national team were in disarray under Aragonés. He later backtracked, but said yesterday: "I don't regret what I said. I never meant to cause a problem but I suffered for the reaction it caused."

'Second chance'
As Spain's players gathered in Madrid to prepare for UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying Group F games in Latvia and Liechtenstein, Joaquín was hoping to turn over a new leaf in his relationship with Aragonés. "It's a second chance," he said. "We have known each other a long time - he knows what I am like and vice versa. I am pleased to be back, it is important." The former Real Betis Balompié hero's form at Valencia has eased him back into Aragonés's good books although the Mestalla side have dropped out of Primera División title contention in recent weeks. "I knew that first I had to work hard with Valencia and that the opportunity would arise again," he said. "Luckily I am here and I want to make the most of it."

Vital matches
His rehabilitation will be complete if he can help Spain pick up six points on the road in Riga and Vaduz, the team having lost their previous Group F away matches against Northern Ireland and Sweden. Spain remain third in the section, three points adrift of Sweden and four behind leaders Northern Ireland, who have played a game more. "If we want to qualify for the finals, these next two games are vital," said Joaquín.