Spain set to threaten Argentine U-20 dominance

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Spain, led by FC Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta and several other members of the 2002 Under-19 European championship-winning team, enters the U-20 worlds with a strong chance to reclaim the title.

Spain won the U-20 title in 1999 when it beat Japan in Nigeria. Two years later, the Spaniards missed the tournament in Argentina when it failed to qualify.

This time, Barcelona and Atletico de Madrid have provided the most players for the squad, four from Barca and three from Atletico. But it's the Barcelona duo of striker Sergio Garcia and Iniesta that will likely be the team's key players.

Garcia is a prolific goal-scorer who has already made an appearance for the Catalan club's first 11.

But it's the creativity of Iniesta, who has played at under-21 level and occasionally for Barcelona's first team, that will be at the heart of Spain's team.

"You don't teach Iniesta about football, he teaches you," Inaki Saez, now Spain's senior team coach, was quoted as saying on FIFA's Web site.

Both Iniesta and Garcia played in Saez's under-19 team, which lifted the European title last year in Norway. The triumph secured Spain's place in the Emirates.

Mallorca goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya, Barcelona defender Carlos Pena, Espanyol forward Ferran Corominas and Betis defender Juan Alberto "Melli" Andreu were also in that team.

Forwards Fernando Torres of Atletico and Jose Antonio Reyes of Sevilla are unavailable for the tournament in the Emirates because they now play for the senior side.

Iniesta captained Spain at the U-17 world championship in Trinidad and Tobago two years ago. In a vital group match against Argentina, Spain lost and was eliminated.

Many of the players will be on the field again when Spain plays its first Group B match against defending champion Argentina.

"I don't see Argentina as a revenge match but we know their capabilities and style of play," Iniesta said. "We will need to be fully focused on the match and not make any mistakes."

While Argentina looks to present the toughest test, Spain striker Javier Arizmendi said Mali, which it beat in the semifinals in 1999, will be the principal threat.

"More than Argentina, we must be careful of Mali, which is sure to be very strong physically. The two teams to qualify will come from us, Argentina and Mali," Arizmendi said.

Uzbekistan is also in Group B.

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Roster:

Goalkeepers: Ruben Martinez (FC Barcelona), Miguel Angel Moya (Mallorca), Asier Riesgo (Eibar)

Defenders: Juan Alberto "Melli" Andreu (Betis), Iago Bouzon (Celta de Vigo), Carlos Garcia (Espanyol), Alex Goikoetxea (Athletic Bilbao), Carlos Pena (FC Barcelona), Alexis Ruano (Malaga)

Midfielders: Victor "Vitolo" Anino (Tenerife), Gabriel "Gabi" Fernandez (Atletico de Madrid), Jaime Gavilan (Valencia), Andres Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Jorge Pina (Zaragoza), Manuel Tello (Real Madrid), Juanfran Torres (Real Madrid)

Forwards: Javier Arizmendi (Atletico de Madrid), Ferran Corominas (Espanyol), Sergio Garcia (FC Barcelona), Manuel "Manu" del Moral (Atletico de Madrid)