Spain will be hoping to repeat their 2004 victory when they face Russia in the Group D opener in Innsbruck on Tuesday. Juan Carlos Valeron's strike settled the tie in Portugal four years ago, but the two sides were eventually eliminated from the first round. Russia have concerns from injuries and suspensions, but their experienced coach Guus Hiddink has confidence in his young side. Head-to-head: Spain win: 2 Russia win: 0 Draw: 1 Spain "Hiddink knows Spanish football inside out. With all the teams he has coached he has done well. We have a lot of respect for him and for all he has achieved," Spain captain Iker Casillas said. "We were in Korea (in 2002 World Cup) and we suffered there against one of his teams."
Guus Hiddink Team News: Andres Iniesta recovered from a virus and should partner his Barcelona teammate Xavi in midfield. Spanish reports suggested that Arsenal ace Cesc Fabregas will make way for the more defensive-minded Marcos Senna. Probable Line-up: Casillas- Ramos, Capdevila, Puyol, Marchena- Xavi, Senna, Iniesta, Silva- Torres, Villa. Russia "Spain's players are known, our players are not known. I hope that will change in 24 hours," said Russia coach Hiddink. "We will try to give Spain a hard time. I don't want to see a team that was afraid to play as was the case at past tournaments." Team News: Russia's star man Andrei Arshavin is suspended for the first two games, as Roman Pavlyuchenko is set to lead the attack. Striker Pavel Pogrebnyak pulled out of the squad two days ago after suffering a knee injury. Probable Line-up: Gubalov- Ignashevich, V. Berezutski, A. Berezutski, Anyukov- Zyrianov, Semshov, Bilyaletdinov, Zhirkov- Pavlyuchenko, Sychev.
