Practical Spain eye top spot after victory in Latvia

MADRID, June 3 (Reuters) Spain offered no apologies for a laboured 2-0 win in Latvia that put them within striking distance of the top of Group F in the Euro 2008 qualifiers.

''These games aren't for putting on a spectacle. We had to be effective and that's what we did,'' Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta told reporters after yesterday's the game.

Luis Aragones's side dominated but needed an own goal from home defender Arturs Zakresevskis and a deflected shot from midfielder Xavi to see off a defensive Latvia.

It was Spain's third straight victory but their first away win of the campaign after defeats in Sweden and Northern Ireland.

They went third in the group with 12 points from six games, one behind leaders Northern Ireland.

''Latvia weren't as good as us and made it difficult on a small pitch,'' said Valencia striker David Villa, who helped force the opening goal.

''It was hard work but we got three vital points. With these, and hopefully three more from the Liechtenstein game, Spain will be back where they should be in the standings.'' With Northern Ireland not playing on Wednesday, Spain could go top with a victory in Vaduz.

The match between direct rivals Denmark (7) and Sweden (12) was abandoned on Saturday with the scores level at 3-3, when a fan ran on the pitch and attacked the referee, after he had blown for a late penalty to Sweden.

Sweden are likely to be awarded the win by UEFA but Aragones was hoping for a different outcome when he said: ''The most important thing for Spain is that they complete the game and the goalkeeper saves the penalty!.'' Reuters BJR GC1620