Carvajal targets fast start

   

Newly capped defender Dani Carvajal has urged Spain to catch Macedonia unaware and make an early statement in UEFA European Championship qualifying Group C.

Spain remain the reigning European champions despite surrendering their world crown in a meek fashion this summer, yet they will still need to prove they deserve to participate at UEFA EURO 2016 in France. First up are Bosko Gjurovski'sMacedonia in Valencia and, following last week's friendly defeat to France, Carvajal knows La Roja have to start brightly if they are to avoid further disappointment.

The Real Madrid right-back, who made his senior debut at the Stade de France, told sefutbol: "They'll be closed up at the back so we need to get out there and try to score soon so we can take control of the game." Referring to the 1-0 loss in Paris, Carvajal added: "We created chances. It was a good game and we still felt that way even when we were leaving (France)."

Spain must cope without the services of prolific Chelsea striker Diego Costa against Macedonia after the Brazil-born hitman injured his hamstring against the French. "He plays with his back to you and enriches the side," Carvajal added. "Any team would like to have him. He probably does not like being sidelined, but he will recover soon."

Macedonia have never qualified for a major tournament but may fancy their chances of grabbing third place and a shot at the play-offs. Despite the retirements of defender Nikolce Noveski and forward Goran Pandev, head coach Gjurovski is optimistic his team can outperform at least one rival from Ukraine, Slovakia, Belarus and Luxembourg.

Midfielders Arijan Ademi and Ostoja Stjepanovikj are unavailable at the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia due to injury while winger Ivan Trickovski is struggling for fitness.