The first game with China would be difficult, Spanish women's hockey coach Pablo Usoe said on Thursday.

Spain, ranked seventh in the world, will confront the sixth-ranked China in their first play. "I suppose it's very difficult to play China, because they are hosts and my team will get nervous since it's the first match," said Usoe.

"China is very strong, especially in short corner, and they are a quick team," he told Xinhua.

Aiming at a top-eight berth, Usoe said they would try to earn the 5th or 6th finish. "The weather here will be a problem," he said, adding that Spain was much hotter with 39-40 degrees centigrade, but the humidity here was difficult for them.

"Holland is at the top level, and they are favorites to win the gold. China, Argentina and Germany will qualify for the semifinals," he noted.

World No. 2 Argentina and the third-ranked Germany are also main contenders for the Olympic title.

The 41-year-old coach began to direct the Spanish women's team in 2003, and finished 10th at the Athens Olympics.

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2008)