Camacho changes Spanish fortunes

A year later, the situation of the Spanish national team has been transformed. Optimism has replaced disillusion, positive attacking football has replaced a hit-and-hope approach, excellent results have replaced disappointment and excuses.

Camacho’s record at club level was patchy, but at national level is little short of staggering: Played nine, won eight, drawn one, lost none, with 37 goals scored and just six conceded. He has taken the new Spain to the top of Group Six with five straight wins.

His most impressive win came onSaturday in Vienna, against an aggressive Austria keen to avenge the 9-0 thrashing suffered in March. Otto Baric’s tough team did their best to throw Spain out of their stride, but Camacho’s team continued to play good football through mid-field and deservedly triumphed.

Victory at home to Cyprus on Wednesday will guarantee Camacho first place in the group and direct qualification for Euro 2000, with one game to spare. Spain are top with 15 points from six matches, three points above Cyprus — who beat Israel 3-2 on Sunday — and five points ahead of Israel.