Spain coach believes Scotland are strong as a unit
Spain national team coach Vicente del Bosque has spoken of his belief that Scotland will play to the strengths of the collective rather than the individual when the sides meet in a UEFA 2012 European Football
Championship qualifying clash on Tuesday.
Scotland national team coach Craig Levein opted to field a 4-6-0 formation for his team’s qualifying match away to Czech Republic on Friday in a bid not to lose, but the Scots were defeated 1-0. However,
for the majority of the game, Scotland’s work rate in defence withstood a barrage of attacks and frustrated the Czechs.
Del Bosque told FIFA’s official website that he believes the greatest strength of Levein’s men is their ability to work well as a team despite having several talented players within their rank.
“We know they've got excellent individuals, people like Alan Hutton and Darren Fletcher, who both play south of the border [in England], and Kenny Miller, who plays with Rangers. We also know they've got
one or two key injuries and people missing, like Barry Robson and James McFadden, who are important individuals for them. But, as I say, it's the strength in unity they've got as a team, which is Scotland's thing," said Del Bosque.
'Special game'
"It is a special game for every opponent that we play but now it is something we are used to and have learnt to deal with. This is another challenge which the players always look forward
to, not back at what they have already achieved."
Meanwhile, with the game taking place at Hampden Park, Del Bosque will be returning to the stadium where he won the 2002 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, but insisted that thoughts of that game
would be at the back of his mind as he attempts to lead the world and European champions to victory.
He said that: "I am not particularly nostalgic and I don't live in the past. Obviously they are nice memories but we are here for a vital three points."
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