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Spain wary of Lithuania quagmire

The world and European champions top Group I by six points with a 100 percent record from four games after coming back to beat their closest challengers, the Czech Republic, 2-1 at home on Friday.

They visit the Baltic nation, however, with concerns over the playing surface at the Darius and Girenas stadium, which has barely any grass on it after a harsh winter.

"From the pictures we have seen it reminds me of the dirt pitches we used to play on when we were young," Andres Iniesta, the scorer of Spain's winner in the World Cup final last year, told a news conference on Sunday.

"Whether to play or not isn't our decision, that's up to the referee and UEFA. Obviously they aren't the best conditions, but if we have to play we will be ready to do so."

"They're a team who stick to you and don't let you breathe," Iniesta said. "They defend from deep, which is habitual from many teams now. We are away from home, in conditions which perhaps aren't the best...it will be tough."

"The team implemented a game plan very well on Friday by counter-attacking on the wings," Zutautas told Reuters by telephone.

"We don't need any special motivation for the match against Spain, it's already enough that we will be playing against world champions.

"We would be happy to win or draw, but we would not be very disappointed if we lost."

"I am sad about the conditions in which we are receiving teams such as Poland and Spain," he said. "It's a shame for Lithuania."