Spain confident of breaching Serbian defence

Spain hope to become the first side in Group Seven to unlock the Serbia & Montenegro defence and thereby reclaim top spot when the two sides meet today.

The Serbians have not conceded a goal in seven qualifying matches and moved two points clear of second-placed Spain with three matches to play after their 2-0 win at home to Lithuania on Saturday.

Spain were also in action in a friendly with Canada at the weekend, but did little to inspire confidence before the potential group decider when a team made up largely of reserves claimed an unimpressive 2-1 win.

"It was a poor performance," said Spain coach Luis Aragones. "We were off the pace and did nothing to make people believe in us."

Despite his disappointment, Aragones believes his team will beat Serbia and has confidently predicted a 3-1 win over the Balkan side.

Spain have not lost under Aragones, who took charge after a disappointing first round exit at Euro 2004, but they have done little to excite the fans or suggest they will be a force to be reckoned with if they do qualify for next year's World Cup in Germany.

Four draws

Usually accomplished qualifiers, Spain have drawn four of their seven games, including 0-0 away to Serbia & Montenegro in March.

However, skipper Raul believes Spain will step up a gear in Madrid today, become the first side to score against the Serbians and take a major step towards qualification.

"The time has come for someone to score against them," he said.

"I think that we are ready to play a big game and turn in a big performance that will help take us to the World Cup.

"I believe that we have the better players and that we are a better team, although we will have to be very careful because they also have some good players and they are a strong unit."

Raul will spearhead the Spain attack with Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres who will play in front of his home crowd at the Calderon.

Torres is expected to be named in the starting formation after striker Fernando Morientes suffered an injury yesterday.

Torres's Atletico Madrid strike partner Mateja Kezman is also likely to start for Serbia.

The former Chelsea player scored one and set up another against Lithuania and is aiming to notch up his first goal at his home stadium.

"The Lithuania game has given me a lot of confidence and I'm really looking forward to it," he told sports daily Marca. "It is a very important game for us and I hope the crowd will forgive me if I do score."