Martinez makes case for Spain's WC qualifier defense

 Martinez makes case for Spain's WC qualifier defense¹

MADRID, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Spain's defender² Javi Martinez said Tuesday that he would have no problems dropping back to partner Sergio Ramos in the heart of the Spanish back four for the forthcoming World Cup qualifying matches.

Martinez, who joined Bayern Munich from Athletic³ Club Bilbao over the summer, was recalled by coach, Vicente del Bosque for the reigning⁴ champions' trip to play Belarus in Minsk this Friday and then the vital game at home to France next Tuesday.

Although Martinez spent most of last season as a central defender, his move to Bayern has seen him step back into his role as a midfielder.

"At first it was hard for me to adapt to play in defense, but I adapted with games," said Martinez. "I don't know plans the coach has for me, but it wouldn't be hard for me to go back into defense, " he added.

Martinez also discussed his experiences after slightly over a month playing in Germany.

"I have been lucky to go to a big club where everything is very different -- the city, the language, the people and the club. I have been pleasantly surprised how people have received me as it gives you confidence. I hope the best is yet to come," he said.

Bayern recently defeated BATE⁵ Borisov in the Champions League and given that the Belarus side contains nine members of the BATE side, he was asked about his experiences against players who will line up against Spain.

"They are a side that looks to play on the break. Physically⁶ they are strong and they concede many chances," he explained.

Martinez is now a companion of French international Frank Ribery at Bayern and although Spain defeated France 2-0 in the European Championships in the summer, he believes they will be the side to beat.

"They have the basis of the side from last year with young players who are all very promising⁷. I speak a lot to Frank (Ribery) and he has said that they have a great team and they are going to make us sweat," he added.

1 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

2 defender   

n.保卫者，拥护者，辩护人

参考例句：

• He shouldered off a defender and shot at goal.他用肩膀挡开防守队员，然后射门。
• The defender argued down the prosecutor at the court.辩护人在法庭上驳倒了起诉人。

3 athletic   

adj.擅长运动的，强健的；活跃的，体格健壮的

参考例句：

• This area has been marked off for athletic practice.这块地方被划出来供体育训练之用。
• He is an athletic star.他是一个运动明星。

4 reigning   

adj.统治的，起支配作用的

参考例句：

• The sky was dark, stars were twinkling high above, night was reigning, and everything was sunk in silken silence. 天很黑，星很繁，夜阑人静。
• Led by Huang Chao, they brought down the reigning house after 300 years' rule. 在黄巢的带领下，他们推翻了统治了三百年的王朝。

5 bate   

v.压制；减弱；n.（制革用的）软化剂

参考例句：

• The cruel landlord would bate him no rent.那个狠心的地主不肯给他减租。
• I was unable to bate my enthusiasm.我无法抑制自己的热切的心情。

6 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。

7 promising   

adj.有希望的，有前途的

参考例句：

• The results of the experiments are very promising.实验的结果充满了希望。
• We're trying to bring along one or two promising young swimmers.我们正设法培养出一两名有前途的年轻游泳选手。