With Spain up next, Iraqs chances of advancing to the Confederations Cup semifinals will likely come down to its final Group A match against New Zealand.

European champion Spain is only two shy of matching Brazils record 35-match unbeaten streak, and Iraq is under no illusions that a place in the next round will likely be decided after Wednesdays game in Bloemfontein.

This game is important but the next game against New Zealand is more important because its a better chance to go through, Iraq coach Bora Milutinovic said Tuesday. We know that with four points we can advance to the next round.

Spain, which leads the group with three points after beating New Zealand 5-0, can clinch a spot in the semifinals with a victory on Wednesday, which would be its 14th straight.

That feat would see Spain match Brazil, France and Australia for the longest winning streak in history. No country has ever won 15 in a row.

Its an extra stimulus for us to be able to reach the level of a national team like Brazils, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. But our principle objective is to reach the semifinals.

Iraqs 0-0 draw against host South Africa has given it a good chance to claim the second spot with another victory, and the team wont give up at the Free State stadium even though its enormous underdog tag has the players looking ahead.

We have to play for our reputation here, Iraq striker Imad Mohammed said. We will fulfill the demands of our people in Iraq and play a good match against Spain and hope for a good result.

Milutinovic said he wont change the teams defensive tactics just to appease critics after Iraqs opening match stalemate.

Id be happy to play much more negative but to win one more point, the Serbian coach said. Iraqis have no fear. But we have respect for a great team. My players are going to do all they can to achieve a positive result.

Del Bosque, who has won all 11 matches since replacing Luis Aragones after last years European Championship, said he will tinker with his starting lineup because the Spanish looked sloppy despite Fernando Torres quick hat trick.

Whoever says Group A is easy are completely wrong, Spain defender Carlos Marchena said. Theres no such thing as an easy match.

Milutinovic has told his players not to be in awe of an attacking lineup that includes David Villa, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi Hernandez.

You need to have confidence in yourself. You need to have belief if you are going to have good results, Milutinovic said. Good organization, good position on the ball, good team spirit and take care of your emotions.

Neither team trained on the stadium field Tuesday in a bid to help it recover from Brazils 4-3 win over Egypt on Monday.

Last years Euro 2008 victory ended 44 years of futility at major tournaments for the Spanish, who have havent managed to get past the quarterfinals of the World Cup in the modern era. The Confederations Cup is another opportunity to ditch the underachiever label that seems to accompany it at every tournament.

Spain has traditionally had very pessimistic fans and now we suddenly find ourselves with exaggerated optimism, Del Bosque said.

Were talking about winning the 2010 World Cup when we still havent qualified, the Spanish coach added. Since the Euros weve kept our feet on the ground.

Posted on June 18th, 2009 by admin
Filed under: Soccer news