Spain may not be drinking in the last-chance saloon just yet, but few can doubt the importance of the next week as they look to get their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign back on track.
With two defeats in their opening three qualifiers, Spain find themselves struggling down in fifth place in Group F with just three points heading into their home double-header against Denmark and Iceland.
The Spanish are already nine points adrift of leaders Sweden, who have won all four of their matches - including a 2-0 win over Spain, while Luis Aragones' side are four points behind opponents Denmark, having played the same amount of matches.
With seven fixtures still remaining after Wednesday's clash with Iceland, Spain still have time to save themselves, but they need to start picking up points - and quickly.
"We know that we have to win against Denmark, which will be difficult and complicated, and then to beat Iceland," said goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
"The responsibilities are with us, with the coach and with the fans."
Failure to beat both Denmark and Iceland may not mean the end of Spain's European Championship hopes, but it could spell the end for coach Aragones.
The veteran boss has suffered widespread criticism for some poor results since last summer's World Cup, and it remains to be seen how many more setbacks Spain can suffer before changes are made.
The pressure on Aragones is there for all to see, but Casillas insists the 68-year-old is focused on the job in hand.
"Luis is very calm and he has total confidence for the two matches," the Real Madrid custodian said.
Aragones will be without defenders Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos for tonight's match against Denmark at the Bernabeu because of suspension.
Puyol also left squad training on Friday due to a family bereavement, although he is set to return on Sunday ahead of next week's match against Iceland at Real Mallorca's Ono Estadi.
With Puyol and Ramos absent, Spain are set to line-up with a back-four of Angel Lopez, Javi Navarro, Carlos Marchena and Joan Capdevila.
Up front, Valencia pair David Villa and Fernando Morientes could get the nod ahead of Atletico Madrid ace Fernando Torres.
Villa said: "An early goal would help us a lot."
Despite Spain`s dismal start to the competition, Denmark defender Michael Gravgaard is still overawed at the prospect of playing such a talented side at the Bernabeu.
"There is a healthy nervousness and a good deal of excitement in the squad," he said.
"But we can`t forget the joy of the occasion. There aren`t many players who have previously had the chance to be a part of the national team for a match such as this.
"The game in Madrid is going to be one of the best in my career."
Morten Olsen`s men will be looking to close the five-point gap on group leaders Sweden, but must do so without defender Per Nielsen, who was ruled out of the match on Friday because of a back injury.
Midfielder Martin Jorgensen has however recovered from the dead leg which forced him to miss training in midweek.
The Spanish are already nine points adrift of leaders Sweden, who have won all four of their matches - including a 2-0 win over Spain, while Luis Aragones' side are four points behind opponents Denmark, having played the same amount of matches.
With seven fixtures still remaining after Wednesday's clash with Iceland, Spain still have time to save themselves, but they need to start picking up points - and quickly.
"We know that we have to win against Denmark, which will be difficult and complicated, and then to beat Iceland," said goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
"The responsibilities are with us, with the coach and with the fans."
Failure to beat both Denmark and Iceland may not mean the end of Spain's European Championship hopes, but it could spell the end for coach Aragones.
The veteran boss has suffered widespread criticism for some poor results since last summer's World Cup, and it remains to be seen how many more setbacks Spain can suffer before changes are made.
The pressure on Aragones is there for all to see, but Casillas insists the 68-year-old is focused on the job in hand.
"Luis is very calm and he has total confidence for the two matches," the Real Madrid custodian said.
Aragones will be without defenders Carles Puyol and Sergio Ramos for tonight's match against Denmark at the Bernabeu because of suspension.
Puyol also left squad training on Friday due to a family bereavement, although he is set to return on Sunday ahead of next week's match against Iceland at Real Mallorca's Ono Estadi.
With Puyol and Ramos absent, Spain are set to line-up with a back-four of Angel Lopez, Javi Navarro, Carlos Marchena and Joan Capdevila.
Up front, Valencia pair David Villa and Fernando Morientes could get the nod ahead of Atletico Madrid ace Fernando Torres.
Villa said: "An early goal would help us a lot."
Despite Spain`s dismal start to the competition, Denmark defender Michael Gravgaard is still overawed at the prospect of playing such a talented side at the Bernabeu.
"There is a healthy nervousness and a good deal of excitement in the squad," he said.
"But we can`t forget the joy of the occasion. There aren`t many players who have previously had the chance to be a part of the national team for a match such as this.
"The game in Madrid is going to be one of the best in my career."
Morten Olsen`s men will be looking to close the five-point gap on group leaders Sweden, but must do so without defender Per Nielsen, who was ruled out of the match on Friday because of a back injury.
Midfielder Martin Jorgensen has however recovered from the dead leg which forced him to miss training in midweek.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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