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   June 14, 2002 | 1530 IST
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No margin for error, warns Camacho

Reuters
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Kevin Fylan

Spain coach Jose Antonio Camacho has warned his side there is no room for error in the knockout phase of the World Cup against Ireland on Sunday.

Spain took a maximum nine points from first phase matches against Slovenia, Paraguay and South Africa, scoring nine goals thanks to dazzling forward play.

In all three matches they gave the ball away far too cheaply, though, allowing the opposition back into games they should have had sewn up, and Camacho is anxious to see an end to his side's generous streak in the second round.

"We can't afford to give away anything at all against Ireland," Camacho said after leading his squad in a 90-minute training session at their Ulsan base.

"We haven't made such a good start at the World Cup for 52 years. It's been great but another tournament starts now.

"In the first phase you have a second chance if things don't go your way but here there is no margin for error."

Camacho believes patience will be the key against an Irish side that will do everything they can to put the Spaniards off their stride.

"We have to play our own game and make sure we keep the ball," the coach said.

"We can't afford to go rushing in against them, looking for goals with seven players in attack and then leaving them to hit us on the break.

"We've got a winning mentality but sometimes that can make you rush things."

Camacho made eight changes to his starting line-up for the South Africa game. The competition for places is fierce but the coach said he had no real selection dilemma.

"I'm not so bothered about which players play," Camacho said. "The important thing is how the ones who are in the team perform.

"Anyone in this squad could play against Ireland. Some have played better than others so far but they're all working hard and I'm happy with that.

"I do have the team in mind but it's my habit to announce it on the day of the game."

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