Goal.com

Full-backs Allan Hutton and Steven Whittaker will be given the task of pushing on and driving Spain back into their own territory, but will not be over-adventurous; the intent will be to close the space as much as possible, and isolate each opposition player, to avoid the likes of Andres Iniesta forming triangles of movement and passing that is virtually impossible to defend against when in motion.

Spain will recognise the approach from the opening exchanges; the home crowd will be vibrant, vocal, and unequivocal in their backing of the team. It will be a difficult situation for the World Champions to comprehend, but there is nothing in the Scottish side that should hold any fear. Their reputation, collectively, on home soil, will ensure that there will be no straightforward victory, or laying down of arms at the hands of a superior footballing force. If Spain are to win the match, they will know they have been in a contest by the final whistle.

Like Scotland, the Lithuanians are aware of their status and will set-up to defend their way through the arduous early stages whilst remaining intact. As both of the opposition showed when they recently fought out a 0-0 stalemate, defending in numbers is their default setting, and it will be Spain’s responsibility, minus Xavi of course, to pass intricately through the gaps.

The ex-Soviets will undertake the same approach when they travel to Salamanca this evening [Friday], but the match will play out differently to the blood-and-thunder expected at Hampden.

Spain visit Salamanca, and the locals will be looking to enjoy a vintage performance from their national side that rarely venture to the area. They will want to provide a memorable masterclass to the public, but will be wary of the Eastern European’s surprise 1-0 triumph against the Czechs last month. Coach Raimondas Zutautas proved on that occasion that they were wholly capable of setting up to counter-attack, while hold the ability to defend in numbers.

In recent away fixtures, they have held then-World Cup holders Italy to a 1-1 draw, before succumbing to a late Franck Ribery goal against France during the 2010 campaign to South Africa. Conversely from Scotland, they appear better equipped to handle the superior nations away from home, and therefore Spain should, and will be, weary of their regimented, protective characteristics that stand them in good stead against teams of a higher calibre.

Furthermore, there is no denying their experience in certain departments; Maris Stankevicius is now at Valencia having spent last season with Sevilla, while Deividas Sembaras has excelled during his decade-long spell in Russian football.

The overall feeling, though, remains abundantly clear. Spain are the World Cup winners, and fixtures likes these represent a run-out that barely deserves their representation. While nothing unique opposes them, the matches must be won, and the job of Del Bosque is to ensure that the elite continue to rise to the top.