Ireland knew how difficult it would be to even claim one point against the Spanish. An early goal from Fernando Torres made things even more difficult a very poor Irish side.
Spain had periods of the game against Italy that they did not look great, but in the end they still managed one point against the Italians. The Italian's could be, or at least should be considered Spain's biggest threat in Group C. WIth that said, claiming one point after the first match was not looked at as a poor result for the Spanish.
Expectations will have quickly shifted for Vicente Del Bosque as Spain now prepared for their second group match against an Irish side that was defeated 3-1 against Croatia. After coming under some criticism for not fielding a striker against Italy, Del Bosque opted to give Fernando Torres the start over Cesc Fabregas.
The very criticized Fernando Torres took his opportunity well and put Spain ahead 1-0 just under four minutes into the match. A difficult task for Ireland had just turned into an extremely difficult task in a matter of four minutes. The way the Spanish keep the ball and knock it around the pitch, it almost seemed impossible for Ireland.
Spain's dominance over the Irish was clearly evident from the get go with Ireland unable to connect more than three or four passes over midfield. As many teams tend to do against the Spanish, the Irish were caught ball watching on a number of occassions.
With a plus three goal difference for Spain, they now find themselves in first place, tied on four points with Croatia. The Spanish will take on Slaven Bilic's Croatian side in the final match of the group stage.
This match against Ireland may have brought back that confidence in the Spanish side that appeared to be missing against Italy. Today they passed freely and confirmed the inevitable for Ireland, which was elimination. Not only did Spain win convincingly, they also may have brought back some confidence for Fernando Torres who found the net a second time just before being replaced by Fabregas.
The final match day in Group C will be interesting to say the least, considering Croatia and Spain can go through if Ireland are able to draw or defeat the Italians. Del Bosque will now have another good headache having to decide who will start-up top considering Fabregas scored Spain's fourth goal after being on the field for just a few minutes.
Will Spain and Croatia play it safe and hope for the Italian's to slip up, or will the Spanish take it to Croatia and look for the three points?
Expectations will have quickly shifted for Vicente Del Bosque as Spain now prepared for their second group match against an Irish side that was defeated 3-1 against Croatia. After coming under some criticism for not fielding a striker against Italy, Del Bosque opted to give Fernando Torres the start over Cesc Fabregas.
The very criticized Fernando Torres took his opportunity well and put Spain ahead 1-0 just under four minutes into the match. A difficult task for Ireland had just turned into an extremely difficult task in a matter of four minutes. The way the Spanish keep the ball and knock it around the pitch, it almost seemed impossible for Ireland.
Spain's dominance over the Irish was clearly evident from the get go with Ireland unable to connect more than three or four passes over midfield. As many teams tend to do against the Spanish, the Irish were caught ball watching on a number of occassions.
With a plus three goal difference for Spain, they now find themselves in first place, tied on four points with Croatia. The Spanish will take on Slaven Bilic's Croatian side in the final match of the group stage.
This match against Ireland may have brought back that confidence in the Spanish side that appeared to be missing against Italy. Today they passed freely and confirmed the inevitable for Ireland, which was elimination. Not only did Spain win convincingly, they also may have brought back some confidence for Fernando Torres who found the net a second time just before being replaced by Fabregas.
The final match day in Group C will be interesting to say the least, considering Croatia and Spain can go through if Ireland are able to draw or defeat the Italians. Del Bosque will now have another good headache having to decide who will start-up top considering Fabregas scored Spain's fourth goal after being on the field for just a few minutes.
Will Spain and Croatia play it safe and hope for the Italian's to slip up, or will the Spanish take it to Croatia and look for the three points?
