Spain worried by Lithuanian pitch
VILNIUS, Lithuania -- Spain will hope to overcome an unconvincing start to their World Cup qualifying campaign with a confident performance against Group Seven leaders Lithuania.
Spain, who have four points from their opening two games but failed to impress in a draw with Bosnia and a victory over nine-man Belgium, have worries over the state of the pitch in Vilnius, being used for the first time by the national side since 1999.
Luis Aragones's side cancelled Monday's training session because of the poor facilities.
"An uneven playing surface will affect us more than them," said Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. "They play more of a more direct, aerial game and we prefer a passing game so we are bound to suffer if the pitch isn't in good condition."
Aragones has said he will be making changes against Lithuania, hinting that he will bring in an extra midfielder and play one striker.
The rugged Valencia midfielder Ruben Baraja is likely to move into the centre alongside club colleague David Albelda or Alonso, while Albert Luque and Victor will probably displace Jose Antonio Reyes and Joaquin on the wings because of their more direct style.
Atletico Madrid striker Fernando Torres is likely to join the Andalucians on the bench, leaving skipper Raul as the lone front man.
Deportivo Coruna winger Victor says his side have no room for excuses.
"In the end what really matters is the opposition. The pitch can't score goals against you. We just have to adapt to the circumstances that face us and do everything we can to gain a what would be a very important victory."
Lithuania, who top the group on goal difference having thrashed San Marino and drawn with Belgium, will be without three key players.
Striker Robertas Poskus, hurt in a car accident, and midfielders Deividas Semberis and midfielder Edgaras Cesnauskisare are absent.
"Our tactics are already planned, but now we must choose the actors as the loss of Poskus and Semberis is truly being felt," said coach Algimantas Liubinskas.
"Although the Spanish team is powerful, there will be a battle on the pitch. We aren't going out to lose, that can't happen. We'll strive for a positive result."
