Euro 2004 play-offs/second leg:Spanish coach Inaki Saez shrugged off snow on the eve of tonight's Euro 2004 second-leg play-off against Norway with both sides predicting victory whatever the weather.
"The snow could be a handicap but it will be the same for both teams," Saez told a news conference in Oslo, where the first heavy snowfall of the season fell on Tuesday. "We will win no matter what."
Weather forecasts suggest temperatures will be milder with no snow today.
"We can beat Spain if we play at our best," Norway coach Nils Johan Semb said as his team try to overturn a 2-1 deficit from Saturday's first leg in Valencia. "We're only one goal behind and we're at home."
Semb, whose contract runs until after the championships, has said he will quit if Norway do not qualify. "It's the result that counts, not the performance," he said in response to criticism Norway may play defensively even though they have to win to qualify. The Norwegians may place their hopes on a goal against the run of play.
Norway defender Ronny Johnsen played down a remark to a Norwegian newspaper on Monday that the home fans should bring "small stones, eggs and tomatoes" after Spanish supporters threw oranges and other objects in Valencia. "I meant it as a joke."
Norway coach Nils Johan Semb has called in defender Vidar Riseth and midfielder Magne Hoset to plug gaps for absentees. Riseth is likely to replace Henning Berg, (suspended) while Hoset comes in for injured Roar Strand. Johnsen is doubtful after a leg injury.
Spain coach Inaki Saez is set to make several changes. With centre back Carlos Marchena suspended, Cesar is expected to step in, though Saez could move Carles Puyol in from the left and opt for Raul Bravo.
Midfielder Joaquin should play on the right wing at the expense of Joseba Etxeberria, with Jose Antonio Reyes remaining on the left. Midfielder Juan Carlos Valeron could also start in Oslo.
If he does play, the playmaker is likely to slot in behind lone striker Raul, while Fernando Torres drops to the bench.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS
NORWAY: Espen Johnsen; Basma, Lundekvam, Riseth, Solli; Stensaas, Riise, Andresen, Ronny Johnsen, Iversen; Flo.
SPAIN: Casillas; Salgado, Helguera, Cesar, Puyol; Joaquin, Albelda, Baraja, Reyes; Valeron; Raul.
Referee: Pierluigi Collina (Italy).
