Fernando Torres
Spain's Torres looks at his head coach Vicente del Bosque giving instructions during a practice session in Prague. REUTERS


Tuesday, 11 October
Spain v Scotland
Estadio Jose Rico Perez, Alicante
Kick-off: 1945 BST
Where to watch: In Scotland BBC One will broadcast live coverage and highlights from 1930 BST, BBC Two everywhere else in the U.K.

Preview: Scotland travel to Alicante Tuesday night for their final Euro 2012 qualifier in the knowledge that victory will secure them a place in next month's play-offs.

Unfortunately for Craig Levein's side they face a Spain outfit in rampant form. The World and European champions have lost just one competitive match since October 2006 and are yet to drop a point in seven matches in this qualifying campaign.

Nevertheless, Scotland impressed in the narrow 3-2 defeat at Hampden in the reverse fixture and their motivation tonight is clear: a win almost certainly guarantees a Euro 2012 play-off place.

Spain manager Vincente Del Bosque will field a weakened side for what is an inconsequential match, with qualification already secured, but that should be of little consolation for Scotland.

If Spain are the best team in the world, then they have reached that pinnacle with one of the toughest squads in world football. Competition is fierce, even for fringe players such as Juan Mata, Thiago Alcantara and Javi Martinez, who are unlikely to let an opportunity to shine pass them by.

"We still have some doubts about who to take to the competition," said Del Bosque, who is likely to name Fernando Torres in his starting XI after the Chelsea striker started in Friday's comfortable 2-0 win in the Czech Republic.

"I saw Fernando in good form with a lot of energy and enthusiasm," the Spain manager added.

"Unfortunately we didn't find the right pass for him against the Czechs. He did what I asked of him. Fernando made them defend deep and opened up space."

Valencia winger Jordi Alba could be handed his first senior cap for Spain as Del Bosque tests a number of fringe squad players in their final competitive outing before next summer's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso are both likely absentees, while Cesc Fabregas and Alvaro Negredo miss out with hamstring injuries.

Craig Levein has a number of injury concerns ahead of this evening's crucial clash. Striker Kenny Miller is still struggling with a groin complaint after missing Saturday's 1-0 win over Liechtenstein in Vaduz.

Craig Mackail-Smith (back), Barry Bannan (Achilles) and Darren Fletcher (ankle) will all face late fitness tests as Scotland look to end their 14-year absence at major tournaments.

Craig Levein moved to play down the significance of a win over the world's best team but admitted that he was relishing the opportunity to test his side against the world champions.

"You don't get into international football without dreaming of playing in a game like this," he said.

"To go into a game like this as national team manager is great. It's part of the reason I took the job."

Prediction: Spain 2 Scotland 0

Spain possible XI: Valdés; Arbeloa, Puyol, Martínez, Alba; Busquets, Pedro, Silva, Xavi, Mata; Torres.

Scotland possible XI: McGregor; Hutton, Caldwell, Berra, Bardsley; Fletcher; Bannan, Adam, Morrison, Naismith; Mackail-Smith.

Poland Ukraine