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<SPAN class=art-title2>Spain gearing up for qualification campaign</SPAN> <TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=5 width=150 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
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<SPAN class=textblack11px_normal>Juan Santisteban, the coach of Spain's U-17 side, has worked for more than 20 years with youth teams. He has great hopes for his side qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007.</SPAN><SPAN class=textblack11px_bold>(FIFA.com)</SPAN> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">(FIFA.com)</SPAN> <SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">26 Jan 2007</SPAN>
<SPAN class=art-text>Juan Santisteban is unquestionably an expert when it comes to spotting young talent and getting the best out of them on the international stage. Since he began working with Spain's youth teams back in 1988, he has been responsible for finding and nurturing a host of young players with whom he has won an impressive list of titles along the way.
This week, the U-17 coach was in Madrid working with the latest generation of youngsters as they continued their preparations ahead of the qualifiers for the 2007 UEFA European U-17 Championship. The tournament will take place between 2-13 May in Belgium, where the continent's elite will be competing for five berths at the FIFA U-17 World CupKorea 2007.
However, before Santisteban and his squad can start planning for Belgium, there is the not inconsiderable matter of their Group 7 qualifying games against Poland, Sweden and Switzerland, scheduled for 26-31 March. "At first glance this might look like an easy group for us, but I don't see it that way," the coach tells FIFA.com. "For example, two years ago we lost out on a place at the finals to Switzerland on goal difference. Physically speaking, these are also very strong teams," he adds.
With no fewer than six UEFA U-16 titles to his name, Santisteban has made Spain the most successful European side at junior level. However, since the tournament age limit was raised to 17 in 2001, he has not yet managed a repeat of past glories.
"Your past record gives you confidence but also puts you under pressure. Having won those titles makes people expect you to repeat the feat, but I think that would be living in the past. This qualifying phase is in the here and now, and we have high hopes, especially given the fact that we have a very good squad. That said, we'll also need a little bit of luck," says the former Real Madrid player.
Santisteban's charges showed all their potential at a mini-tournament last October in Belgium, where they comfortably saw off the challenge of the hosts (6-1), England (3-2) and Portugal (3-1). "I'm getting a really good feeling about this group of lads. They play with great skill, and that makes me very hopeful," the coach says proudly.
The veteran tactician also admits it can be difficult working with teenagers, especially those who are fighting for their careers. "You have to tread very carefully and treat everyone equally. Having said that, they're very well-mannered kids, and they're well aware of the position they're in and what is needed of them."
The next chance for La Selección to measure their progress will be against Korea Republic, who they will face in two friendly games on 13 and 15 February. Taking on the hosts of next year's FIFA U-17 World Cup should help bring into focus Spain's ultimate goal of appearing in the Far East. "We missed out on the [2005] World Cup in Peru and so we're desperately want to make it to Korea - something I believe we're capable of doing. We have a good squad, although with youngsters there are never any guarantees," he adds.<TABLE id=IMGTAB height=150 cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=0 width=150 align=left summary="" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><IMG id=SECIMG21213 height=150 alt=- src="http://www.fifa.com/images/cms/fifa/s
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