Touch of crass: Real Madrid and Spain defender Sergio Ramos has written off Scotland's Euro 2012 hopes.
Sergio Ramos has dismissed Scotland’s hopes of causing Spain any problems in their quest to reach Euro 2012. The Real Madrid defender, who saw his country paired with Craig Levein’s side, Czech Republic, Lithuania and Liechtenstein in Sunday’s qualifying draw, believes that the Czechs will be the tournament holders’ biggest threat in Group I
Ramos, who has 56 caps for his country despite only being 23, was part of the Spain team that defeated Germany 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final in Vienna. He feels that after seeing his country avoid some perilous trips in the draw, their passage to the tournament in Poland and Ukraine will be a smooth one.
“Czech Republic will be our main rival, our biggest challenge and the toughest team to beat,” said Ramos. “Scotland have a lot of tradition but they aren’t strong in European competition any longer.
“The draw has been very kind to Spain. I don’t think we have anything to worry about. We won’t be complacent, we’ll be professional but I’d bet we will qualify as group winners.
“We don’t have to travel too far and that will be a bonus. The most important thing will be our mental approach to it.
“The games in Prague and Glasgow will be the vital ones for Spain but I am positive qualification is solely in our own hands.”
His international teammate, Barcelona’s midfield lynchpin Xavi, knows all about the challenges of playing in Glasgow, having visited both Old Firm clubs in the Champions League in recent times.
Xavi, who was named the player of the tournament at the European Championships four years ago, arguably plays with considerably more class than his club rival and was considerably more diplomatic when asked for his thoughts on Spain’s chances against the Scots.
“My first reaction to the draw was that Czech Republic and Scotland will be our rivals in the group but we believe Spain are superior to both,” he said. “Scotland are improving as nation and have a new manager while Czech Republic have players in big leagues around Europe. But we’re clear favourites.
“I know all about the atmosphere in Glasgow better than most because I’ve played there for Barcelona against Celtic and Rangers. In all of those matches, victory has been complicated even for a team of Barca’s stature.
“There are no easy games in any competition but if you analyse our performances during the past few years we feel obliged to finish as leaders in this group. But after seeing the draw and looking at other groups, we have to be greatful for the luck we’ve had.”
