Iniesta ready for 'vital' qualifier

Posted Sunday, September 06, 2015 by

Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta admits the national team are in need of a win when they face Slovakia at Estadio Nuevo Carlos Tartiere in Oviedo on Saturday.

La Roja sit second in Euro 2016 qualification Group C, three points behind leaders Slovakia - who beat the Spanish 2-1 earlier in qualifying - and three ahead of third-placed Ukraine.

Another defeat against the Slovaks would see Jan Kozak's side open up a six-point lead at the top of the group and allow Ukraine to draw level with victory over Belarus

As the top two teams in the group qualify directly for next year's finals in France, with the third-placed side going through a play-off, Barcelona playmaker Iniesta is determined to get a win on home soil.

"We know what happened in the away match and we've prepared really well," he said. "Winning tomorrow is vital for qualifying. They're a side who stuff the central area to make things difficult.

"We need to move the ball fast and well and get it up to the attackers. They're good on the break and we'll need to be utterly focused. It's necessary to win tomorrow to get into a good position.

"There's no doubt it's easier to work when the results are positive and things feel good, but we're focused on doing well against a rival who will make things difficult for us. We need to take advantage of our chances."