Vicente del Bosque caused something of a stir before the Italy game by electing to start with Cesc Fabregas in a 'false 9' position. That move was probably with regards to Italy's packed midfield, and so he may select a striker this time around.
Fernando Torres came on against Italy and looked bright, but is clearly still lacking in confidence, letting a couple of good opportunities go to waste. He could well start up front against the Irish, though.
Meanwhile, del Bosque may see this game as a chance to rest some of his players, so there may be changes elsewhere. However, they will be keen to ensure victory against undoubtedly inferior opposition, so the changes will not be too fundamental.
After the disappointment of the defeat to Croatia in their opening match, the Irish will have to pick themselves up for their toughest match of the group stage, against reigning World and European champions, Spain.
Giovanni Trapattoni could field the same XI that started against Croatia, though he may consider Shane Long up front to add a different dimension and a bit of extra pace to his attack line.
Keith Andrews had 7 shots on goal last time out but will need to be more clinical if Ireland are to have any chance here.
Prediction
Spain will not have been overjoyed, but certainly satisfied, with their point against Italy in their first game, but will feel they need a win here to really get their Euro 2012 campaign going. They'll be hoping for a more fluid display than in their last game, and a few goals too.
Ireland would have been keen to get a result against Croatia, as it was arguably the most winnable of their group games. They now fact Spain and Italy, needing a win in at least one of those if they are to progress, and they must avoid defeat in both.
That may just be too much to ask of the Irish, though you can be sure that they will give this game their all and will not lie down easily. The passion they will show, and their fans will mirror, simply will not be enough to overcome the might of Spain's world class squad.
I am happy for Torres. He managed the shut up everyone who doubted him. I'm a huge fan of Torres and I think he will lead Spain to sweet glory. Go, Torres!
This site has way better stats than UEFA itself, which gives Man of the Match awards just to goal scorers both ignoring and disrespecting the rest of the players on the pitch. Congrats, mates.
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See all 11 commentsI am happy for Torres. He managed the shut up everyone who doubted him. I'm a huge fan of Torres and I think he will lead Spain to sweet glory. Go, Torres!
SPAIN SUPER TEAM!!!
This site has way better stats than UEFA itself, which gives Man of the Match awards just to goal scorers both ignoring and disrespecting the rest of the players on the pitch. Congrats, mates.
Who'd be a goalkeeper? Given made 11 saves (!), was by far Ireland's best player, and STILL got blamed by many people for his 'poor' performance.
Spain 10-2 Ireland.
torres 1-0
1-0
i hope spain play aggressiv and shot some goals. we dont want tiki taka >75% possesion and a 1:0 ^^
3-0
4-1