Spain wary of Hiddink factor against Russia

INNSBRUCK (Reuters) - Group D favorites Spain will be wary of the Guus Hiddink factor when they come up against the wily Dutch coach and his Russia team in their Euro 2008 opener on Tuesday.

"He (Hiddink) knows Spanish football inside out," Spain captain Iker Casillas told reporters on Monday.

"With all the teams he has coached he has done well. We have a lot of respect for him ... and for all he has achieved."

Hiddink, 61, who led Netherlands to the 1998 World Cup semi-finals and unfancied Australia to the knockout stages of the 2006 edition, has coached top Spanish sides Real Madrid, Valencia and Real Betis.

Casillas was on the losing side against Hiddink's South Korea in the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup.

"Xavi and myself were both in Korea and we suffered there against one of his teams," said the goalkeeper.

Midfielder Xavi, the only other survivor of the World Cup defeat by Korea, said Russia would be difficult opponents.

GRITTY TEAM

"They are a tough, gritty team," said Xavi. "They may not have many big European names but they play direct football, they have pace and are very skilful.

"Their coach knows us perfectly and he will do all he can to counteract our possession play. It will be very important to score the first goal.

"Teams that score first have the game under control and nearly always go on to win the game, especially the way defences work these days. Let's hope it's Spain who do that."

Spain boss Luis Aragones, who succeeded Hiddink as Valencia coach in 1995, was confident of victory.

"The first game is always dangerous but we will be going all out to win," said Aragones.

"I'm not scared about this game ... I have great confidence in the team and players."

Holders Greece and Sweden are the other sides in the group.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)