Saudi game was good for fringe players - Juanito

KAISERSLAUTERN, June 23 (Reuters) Spain goalscorer Juanito said the 1-0 World Cup win over Saudi Arabia today proved valuable experience for the fringe players in the squad.

''The game didn't have a lot of importance because we had already qualified but it was a chance for the other players to impress,'' he told Spanish radio.

With qualification for the last 16 assured, coach Luis Aragones fielded an entirely new team for their final Group H match.

''We all did the best we could and I was pleased with my performance because it isn't every day you can score a goal in a World Cup,'' added Juanito.

''We played well enough in the first half but lost too many balls too easily in the second half.

''I don't care who we get in the next round, though France are clearly the strongest side we can come up against.'' Reuters KD RS2229