Defensive dilemma for Saez
Friday, 18 June 2004 11:23Spanish coach Inaki Saez has a defensive selection dilemma ahead of Sunday's crunch Group A match against Portugal.
Valencia star Carlos Marchena is suspended after picking up yellow cards in each of his team's first two games, so Saez has to decide between Deportivo La Coruna's star Cesar and Real Betis' in-form Juanito as a replacement.
Cesar's strength is in the air while Juanito has excellent ball control and was outstanding in Spain's friendly draw against Italy before Euro 2004.
The loss of Marchena is an additional headache for Saez, who was already forced to make an alteration to his defence with Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado ruled out through injury just a week before the tournament.
Deportivo defender Joan Capdevila was called into the squad as a replacement, while Raul Bravo made the starting line-up at left-back in Salgado's place.
Athletic Bilbao's Joseba Etxeberria, who has played on the right wing in the first two games, is uncertain after picking up a thigh injury during the side's 1-1 draw with Greece. Betis winger Joaquin was outstanding after coming on as a substitute and is expected to start against Portugal.
Spain (probable): Casillas, Cesar, Helguera, Puyol, Bravo, Albelda, Xabi Alonso, Joaquin, Vicente, Raul, Morientes.
Filed by Mark O'Neill-Cummins
