Aragones cool as Spain overrun Danes
In a match Cesc Fabregas had described in the build-up as their most important since last year’s World Cup, Aragones’ men produced an impressive performance to beat the Danes 3-1 in Aarhus.
That victory kept Spain level with Group F leaders Sweden on 22 points, six points clear of third-placed Northern Ireland and eight points above fourth-placed Denmark.
But the Iberian nation have played a game more than all their rivals and must take on Sweden and Northern Ireland in their final two qualifiers.
“Until it is mathematically certain, you have not qualified and I am not going to consider that we have,” said the veteran coach.
Spain have won six of their last seven qualifiers, drawing the other, to rocket up the standings following a miserable start to their campaign.
Despite that run, Aragones has still not had an easy ride, with constant speculation about his position hounding him since the World Cup.
The 69-year-old concedes certain aspects are part of the sport, but he also feels some have gone too far.
“I accept criticism, but there have been insults which I don’t feel are correct and I don’t accept,” he said.
“I have gone through the experience with the calmness that the years have given me, but there have been people close to me who have lived through it differently.”
Espanyol duo Raul Tamudo and Albert Riera played key roles in the victory over Denmark.
Tamudo, only playing because of injuries to David Villa and Fernando Torres, put his side ahead after just 14 minutes before setting up Sergio Ramos for Spain’s second five minutes before half-time.
Substitute Riera wrapped up the win with a left-foot thunderbolt from the edge of the area late on, killing off any hopes of a Denmark fightback after the home side had reduced the deficit to 2-1 following Jon Dahl Tomasson’s 87th-minute strike.
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