Spain remain unbeaten but struggle to find the net

MADRID, May 28: Spain showed a lack of killer instinct despite extending their unbeaten run to 20 matches with a 0-0 draw in their World Cup warm-up against Russia yesterday.

In a now familiar tale, Luis Aragones's side dominated the game monopolising possession and stroked the ball neatly around the midfield. They were unable to press home their advantage with a goal, however.

Spain began the match using the new 4-3-3 formation Aragones has said he wants to employ at the World Cup with Fernando Torres, David Villa and Luis Garcia up front.

But Villa, who scored 25 goals for Valencia this season, was posted out on the left rather than in his customary central role, while Torres, who needs more than his fair share of chances before he finds the net, led the line.

The three players gave a busy and enthusiastic display but often got in each other's way and each one missed a good chance to find the net in the opening 20 minutes.

With ''Plan A'' failing to produce the expected results, Aragones twice changed tactics in the second half and ended the game with a 3-5-2 formation after bringing on wingers Jose Antonio Reyes and Joaquin in an attempt to add breadth to the congested attack.

''The best thing was the attitude and enthusiasm of the players. They made a huge effort throughout the 90 minutes,'' Aragones said.

''It is always very difficult to play against a side that only sets out to defend but when you create three of four good chances you have to score.'' Opposite number Alexander Borodyuk, Russia's caretaker coach, said that Spain lacked the killer instinct needed to win such games.

''Spain are a very skillful team but I don't think they have a winning mentality yet. I didn't see that mentality in this match.

But Spain winger Reyes, one of his side's most impressive performers on the night, believes the goals will come.

''Goals are the only thing that are lacking, because the team played well throughout the match,'' he told reporters. ''We've only been together a week and I'm sure the team will improve a lot over the next two weeks.'' Spain have further warm-up games against African champions Egypt and fellow World Cup qualifiers Croatia before playing Ukraine in their opening match in Group H on June 14. The group also includes Saudi Arabia and Tunisia.

REUTERS