Spain coach Aragones fears Tunisia backlash

STUTTGART, June 18 (Reuters) Spain coach Luis Aragones feared a backlash from Tunisia after the north Africans failed to live up to World Cup expectations in the 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia.

''I'm worried because Tunisia didn't play well in the first game,'' Aragones told a news conference on the eve of tomorrow's Group H match against the 2004 African champions.

''They are a better side than they showed in the first game, they have an intelligent coach (Roger Lemerre) and have a high-quality midfield.'' Aragones said he would not be underestimating his opponents.

''Tunisia are a very well organised and well-coached outfit.

Their midfield is strong, pretty skilful and very athletic.

''Up front (Ziad) Jaziri is quick, mobile and dangerous. All the teams in this competition are very evenly matched and anything can happen.'' Spain crushed Ukraine 4-0 in their first game but Aragones said his side did not get carried away.

''The euphoria was only in Spain and there was never any danger of us getting carried away,'' he said. ''I haven't had to tell the players to stay focused because they know it.

''Every game is different and every game in this tournament will be very tough.'' NEGATIVE ASPECTS Not everything went right against Ukraine, Aragones said.

''What some people haven't mentioned is there were some negative aspects to the Ukraine match, for example they had a couple of chances to score after they had a man sent off,'' he said.

''We can repeat that sort of performance but I'll be demanding the maximum from the team as the players want to achieve something big at this World Cup.'' Aragones hinted he would field an unchanged side, with captain and all-time leading scorer Raul remaining on the bench.

The 67-year-old dismissed suggestions Raul was upset with his decision to leave the striker out.

''It's understandable he is more serious because he is not playing, I'd be the same if I was him,'' he said.

''But he played 40 minutes the other day and I think people are taking it all out of context.

''I don't understand the fuss. Raul is a very humble lad and I'm not talking about this matter for another second longer.'' Reuters AY RN1915