Craig Levein is confident Spain's quality will shine through against Czech Republic to keep Scotland's Euro 2012 dream alive.
Scotland boss needs victory from world and European champions
Craig Levein is confident Spain's quality will shine through against Czech Republic to secure the victory which will keep Scotland's Euro 2012 dream alive.
The Czechs are two points clear of Levein's men with both countries going into their final two Group I games and a win against the world and European champions, who have already qualified, would all but end Scotland's hopes of a play-off spot.
The Scots face Liechtenstein on Saturday evening in Vaduz before a trip to Spain on Tuesday night concludes their fixtures.
"It is still out of our hands because if the Czech Republic win both their matches they qualify no matter what we do," Levein said.
Determination
"The big problem for them is that they have a very difficult match tonight. All being well, though, Spain will be at their best.
"In a friendly match recently the Spanish team was 2-0 down to Chile and came back to win it 3-2. They have a real determination to win every match they are involved in.
"You just need to look at the squad they have assembled for these games - apart from a couple of little niggles, all the big-hitters are there.
"I'm expecting them to do their best. In fact, I know they will."
The former Scotland defender refuted suggestions that the Czechs might be the more motivated team.
Winners
"I don't even entertain that thought in my head because I look at what Spain have done recently, the pride they take in their performances and their victories," said Levein.
"They are winners, aren't they? And that becomes a habit. Just look at [Rafael] Nadal in the tennis.
"Once they get into that habit they want to win every single match. That's the way this Spanish team is.
"They will want to finish this group having won every single game, to end up with maximum points.
"Now that might cause us a problem of our own on the Tuesday, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
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