Spain give substitutes a turn against Saudis

KAMEN, Germany, June 20: Spain's substitutes will get a run out in their final World Cup Group H match against Saudi Arabia, coach Luis Aragones said today.

The 67-year-old confirmed he would rest striker Fernando Torres, who became the top scorer in the competition on three goals after scoring twice in Monday's 3-1 comeback victory over Tunisia that assured Spain a place in the last 16.

''Torres has come to the tournament in great form, I hope he continues like this and that is why he is going to be rested for the next game,'' Aragones told reporters.

He added strikers David Villa and Raul would play a half each and he would field a completely new back four in Friday's game in Kaiserslautern.

The players had a light training session this morning before being given the rest of the day off.

Spain lead the group with six points and a goal difference of plus six, Ukraine are second on three points while Tunisia and Saudi Arabia have one each.

Aragones's men will meet Switzerland, South Korea or France in the last 16.

''I don't have any preferences,'' said Spain's coach. ''France don't appear to be in very good physical shape but can cause us problems because they are very experienced and know what the World Cup is all about.

''Switzerland are a young side like us, they play good football and they are very strong on the break. Korea, well, they run like devils.'' Korea knocked Spain out of the last World Cup on penalties.

France eliminated the Spaniards at the quarter-final stage on their way to winning Euro 2000.

REUTERS

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