Villa calls for focus on Finland, not France

Villa came up through the ranks at his local club Sporting Gijon but he left in 2003 and for the last decade has been consigned to the visiting dressing room at El Molinon with Primera Division rivals Real Zaragoza, Valencia and Barcelona.

The 31-year-old admitted that made him feel like he was 'robbing his own home' whenever he returned to Gijon, but he is hoping for a different experience this time around.

"It's a dream come true for me," Spain's record goalscorer told reporters.

"Since I left Sporting I've dreamed of returning here as a home player, not as a visiting player, which is a different feeling. When I returned here wearing another shirt it was like coming to rob your own house."

The reigning world and European champions go into the match level at the top of Group I with France on seven points.

They meet each other in Paris on Tuesday in a match which could go a long way to deciding which nation will finish top of the standings.

However, Spain know they cannot afford to be distracted by that clash or risk suffering a potentially costly slip-up against a Finland side who are bottom of the group but have only played twice so far.

Villa said: "The most important thing is to have a good match, one that the Gijon people can enjoy. Afterwards we will think about other things.

"Finland will be a very difficult team to face, they will be determined to beat us.

"For us, right now there is only this game against Finland. We have to keep our qualifying campaign on track."

Villa is not the only Spain player for whom the match will be a special one.

If he takes the field, Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos will became the eighth Spaniard to win 100 caps for his country and, at the age of 26, the youngest to achieve the feat.

Ramos said: "I feel great pride and responsibility as it is difficult to achieve at my age but I made my debut when I was very young and have had coaches who have trusted in me.

"It's a record that I am proud of. I am 26 and am happy to have achieved so much so young."

While Ramos is set to reach three figures, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is set to be without four of his other centurions with Xavi, Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol injured and Fernando Torres unable to win a place in the squad.

That will offer some comfort to Finland, who are looking for their first win in qualifying after drawing with Georgia and losing at home to France, but their midfielder Tim Sparv knows it is still going to be a daunting test for his side.

It is one he is looking forward to, though.

"Spain are the best team in the world and have been for about five years," he said.

"It's a tough challenge for us and one that not many have in their careers. It will be a great match."