DERMOT CORRIGAN: La Roja prepare for crucial week

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has plenty to think about this week as he readies his previously all-conquering side for their crucial upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Finland in Gijon on Friday, and then France in Paris three days later.

Reigning world champions Spain had been expected to stroll through Group I, but slipped up by drawing 1-1 with France in Madrid last October, a game which featured a missed Cesc Fabregas penalty and a shock injury- time equaliser from Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud.

The return clash at the Stade de France tomorrow now looks a direct head-to-head decider for whether Les Bleus or La Roja secure direct qualification for next year’s finals in Brazil.