Spain sitting pretty in Euro qualifying

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque insists he fielded a strong side in their 3-1 win over Lithuania in their Euro 2012 qualifier on Tuesday.

Despite making five changes to the starting line-up that beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Friday, del Bosque denied it weakened his team at the S.Darius and S.Girenas Stadium in Kaunas.

“I do not think that this team was weaker than the one who played in Granada (against the Czechs),” he said.

“We now have won both the games and this gives us peace of mind.”

Sergio Ramos, Joan Capdevila, Andres Iniesta, Jesus Navas and Sergio Busquets were all rested for the Lithuania game, after being in the starting XI that beat the more-fancied Czechs five days earlier.

The pitch quality – or lack of – in Lithuania was a point of contention prior to kick-off, and midfielder Xavi reiterated that doubts over the scratchy surface were warranted.

“It was all sand. That in 2011 we have to play on a pitch like this is sad for football,” he told Spanish daily Marca.

“Although the pitch was regrettable, the team did a good job and played good football. We have now collected six points (in five days) and have one foot in the European Championships.”

Spain have won all five of their Euro 2012 qualifying matches so far, sitting on top of Group I in their quest to defend their crown at the finals co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine next year.