Spain coach Aragones fears another World Cup flop

Spain's coach Luis Aragones walks off the pitch following a friendly international football match against Russia at the Carlos Belmonte stadium in Albacete. Aragones fears his team could be heading for another World Cup of under-achievement after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Russia.

Spain coach Luis Aragones fears his team could be heading for another World Cup of under-achievement after a disappointing 0-0 draw with Russia.

Despite boasting arguably the world's strongest domestic league, Spain have always struggled in major tournaments, with a fourth place finish at the 1950 World Cup their best performance in the tournament.

And Aragones is worried it could be deja vu all over again if his team can't improve upon Saturday's turgid display against Russia, who failed to qualify for the World Cup.

"I hope we don't mess up (our World Cup) like we messed up tonight," said Aragones.

And Russian coach Alexander Borodiuk did little to allay Spanish fears ahead of the World Cup, where they meet Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia in Group H.

"Spain are a team with great technical ability and it's clear they are used to playing together. But I don't think they have a winning mentality," said Borodiuk.

Unlike England, Spain do not appear to have players at the peak of their careers with Raul, 29 next month, perhaps past his best having had a poor last couple of seasons with Real Madrid.

Aragones also tried to look on the positive side following the Russia game: "There were some good things about the game. We had more chances than them but I am not worried because goals will come if we keep having opportunities."

And in contradiction of Borodiuk's negative comments on Spain's mental side of the game, Aragones added: "I was happy with our mental approach."