Spain desperate to hang around

Over the next 24 hours thousands of rockers will depart Gothenburg following Sunday's eagerly-awaited AC/DC concert. Finland's Under-21 side will be reluctant additions to the exodus and Spain are determined to do everything in their power to avoid a similar fate – but it may not be enough.

Lucky break
The likelihood of Spain pipping Germany to Group B's remaining semi-final place appears slender. They need to beat a team they have never before faced at this level, hope Germany lose to section-leaders England and engineer a four-goal swing to have any chance of progressing. That is two more determinants than Juan Ramón López Caro would like, yet he is determined his side will keep up their end of the bargain. "We have a chance but it will be difficult," he said. "Anything can happen in the other game where we need England to do us a favour, but we really need to concentrate on what we can control. We've been really unlucky in terms of converting our chances until now and I hope we'll get our good fortune against Finland."

Finland changes
For Finland, eliminated after defeats by England and Germany, this represents not only an opportunity to bow out on a high but also to get the measure of a side they will face again in 2011 qualifying. "Obviously that is a completely different campaign and will be, by and large, a whole new set of players," said Kanerva. "But mentally, showing the players and our fans that we can beat Spain would be huge." The Finnish team that turns out in November may actually contain a few familiar faces. One of four players in the squad eligible for the next finals in Denmark, Kanerva confirmed that goalkeeper Jukka Lehtovaara will start in place of Anssi Jaakkola, and Joona Toivio and Sevilla FC's Teemu Pukki may also join Jukka Raitala in the starting XI.

Patient game
A good sign, perhaps, for Spain, though López Caro believes it will make little difference. "Finland's strength lies with their collective ability and that is not going to change against us," said the former Real Madrid CF coach. "You cannot go all-out attack because otherwise Finland will hurt us. We need to keep faith with our usual approach, play all over the pitch." With Kanerva making similar noises from the Finland camp, urging "patience" as his side attempt to end their maiden finals with a maiden win, it could become a waiting game. "We have to be wary of counterattacks, as they're very strong on the break," he added. "I expect Spain to be a lot more attacking than they have been – they have to score so many goals."

Encore?
The streets around Gamla Ullevi are awash with black t-shirts, long hair and a multitude of piercings as – with AC/DC in town – rockers from far and wide have descended on the city, putting the Goth back in Gothenburg. Yet with some 8,000 Finnish supporters expected on Monday night it is far from the only gig in town. Whether their beloved Suomi go out with a bang or Spain get their coveted encore remains to be seen.