Raul is a big doubt for Spain (Allsport).
RAUL IN DOUBT
Click here to place your World Cup bets!
Click here for Spain team section
Click here for teams index
Click here for latest World Cup headlines
Click here for World Cup photo gallery
Click here for World Cup Bettingzone
Spain could be without striker Raul for their
World Cup quarter-final after he revealed his thigh injury could be more serious
than first thought.
He was forced out of the action against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, but
was expected to make a quick recovery for the match against Italy or Korea.
The Spanish have never reached the World Cup semi-finals, having been knocked
out at the last-eight stage a staggering five times.
And Raul fears he could miss out as they bid to qualify.
"It is a strain on my thigh. There are six days left until the next match,
the time is short, and I see it as difficult," he said last night.
Although Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho is hoping for the best, he is not
short of quality alternatives to partner Raul's Real Madrid team-mate Fernando
Morientes up front.
Deportivo La Coruna striker Diego Tristan should be fit after a knock, while
Real Mallorca's Albert Luque battled gamely as a substitute against the Irish.
Raul, however, has not given up hope.
"I am optimistic, we are one step away from making history," he said, adding
that both Italy and Korea would be formidable.
"Italy have a national team with history and Korea are one of the hosts. Both
teams are very difficult."
|
