Group D, if not Euro 2008 favourites Spain are wary of the threat posed by Guus Hiddink, the coach of Russia, their opponents for their first game of the European Championships.

The reputed Dutch manager, who has coached a whole host of teams, including Real Madrid, Valencia, Real Betis, Holland, Australia and South Korea, has a good record against Spain.

Spain and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas said, “He (Hiddink) knows Spanish football inside out. 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.”

Apart from Casillas, midfielder Xavi is the lone survivor of Spain’s humiliating loss to South Korea at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder said “They are a tough, gritty team. 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 its Spain who’ll do that.”

Ironically, Hiddink’s successor at Valencia is none other than Spanish coach Luis Aragones.

Aragones said, “The first game is always dangerous but we will be going all out to win. I'm not scared about this game. I have great confidence in the team and players.”

Apart from Russia, Spain have to fight against Sweden and Greece for qualification from Group D.