FIFA Confederations Cup 2013: Spain vs. Tahiti Preview

Spain ambled their way into this match with a comfortable 2-1 victory over Uruguay in their first game. Goals from Barcelona winger Pedro and Valencia hit-man Roberto Soldado gave La Roja all three points. The world and European champions were untouchable at times against Uruguay, enjoying a staggering 75% possession rate and had 17 chances to the South American’s four, and are expected to hammer Tahiti regardless of which players they play.

For del Bosque it provides an opportunity to tinker with the team and give fringe players like Torres and Mata some game time. And, with all due respect to Tahiti, the former Real Madrid boss will have no reason to expect anything other than a record win and all three points in the kitty. The win will give Spain the maximum of six points from the first two games and ensure a semi final berth.

It would not be bizarre to think that Spain could eclipse their own record win, 13-0 against Bulgaria 80 years ago, and inflict humiliation on Tahiti with their biggest ever defeat, which currently stands at 10-0 against New Zealand.

That score was under the threat even against Nigeria had they been more clinical on Monday. Don’t expect Spain to be as wasteful, but Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta is not expecting a humiliation.

“Spain are not interested in finishing the game at 10-0,” he pleaded. “Spain are very respectful and they respect the small teams. I do not think we will lose by an historic scoreline.”

In any case, Tahiti has already achieved their pre-tournament objective via a Jonathan Tehau’s emphatic headed goal against Nigeria. However, Etaeta is dreaming of more, revealing: “We said that scoring a goal in this tournament would be exceptional, but scoring against Spain would be grandiose.”

Nevertheless, Eteata is well aware that unless there is significant improvement, his side would not stand a chance. The defence was predominantly poor against Nigeria and he will expect more organisation and commitment from his back four.

It seemed the home nation has embraced Tahitians as there was enthusiastic support from the entire stadium in their last match and can expect the same level of backing in this game as well. Will that be enough to cause the biggest upset in the history of football… possibly even all sport? No chance. But it should make for a brilliant atmosphere and a cracking game tonight.

Head-to-head

Spain have never played Tahiti in a senior international.

However, they did clash at the 2009 Under-20 World Cup. Spain won 8-0 in a group stage match at that time as Tahiti ended the tournament pointless and conceding 21 goals.

Match Facts

Current Spain squad players Jordi Alba and Cesar Azpilicueta both started that match in Egypt.

Tahiti’s goal against Nigeria was only their third in their last seven competitive matches.

Jonathan Tehau became the first player, in the Confederations Cup, to score a goal and an own goal in the same match against Nigeria.

Spain are unbeaten in 23 matches (W18, D5). Their last defeat was the 1-0 loss to England back in November 2011.

The all time record victory margin for Spain is 13-0 over Bulgaria in 1933.

Pedro has scored 11 goals in his last 10 games for Spain.

Alvaro Arbeloa is in one short of winning his 50th Spain cap against Tahiti.

Juan Mata could play his 72nd competitive match since the Community Shield last August.

Probable Lineups

Spain (4-3-3): Casillas (GK); Azpilicueta, Albiol, Martinez, Monreal; Fábregas, Cazorla, Mata; Silva, Torres, Villa

Tahiti (5-4-1): Samin (GK); Simon, Ludivion, Vallar, Caroine, Vero; Bourebare, Tehau, Chong-Hue, Vahinua; Tehau

Prediction: Spain will hammer Tahiti but expect them to respect their opponents! So the score-line will be a respectable one, Spain 8-0 Tahiti.