Spain - the passing and movement was mesmerising - had to feel sorry for the Irish who must have been knackered chasing shadows - the thing I really noticed was how hard the Spanish press when not in possession - invariably the Irish then gave the ball away .. Spain are not just about tippy-tappy passing, there is a real work ethic ... once they have the ball back their superior technique comes to the fore .. Ireland - outplayed and outclassed on the pitch - I really felt for their players - at times it resembled an ageing pub team being asked to play again a prem sides under 21s - but their fans were truly inspirational - the noise they generated throughout the game was phenomenal; they seemed to have at least 3/4 of the stadium .. and the last 15 minutes as the 'Fields Of Athenry' echoed around the stadium raised the hairs on the back of the neck .. the Spanish fans were both applauding and even attempting to join in - not taking the piss - but with genuine respect and admiration. A marvellous example of supporting your team - and convinces me that both England and Leicester City could really do with an 'anthem' - for England I'd love to see 'Jersusalem' or 'Land Of Hope & Glory' belted out - for LCFC - well we need to come up with something don't we?
Have to agree. They are the european Brazil at the moment & I´m counting on them to make sure Germany does´nt win the euros because no one else is good enough at the mo. "COME ON ENGLAND, COME ON ENGLAND"
The truth is, these teams are fitter than us, and are schooled better than us..and are smarter than us.. and are far more disciplined than our lot...well over half our squad have had a brush with the law...that is significant..
Talk sport were talking about Javi Martinez today saying that if he was English he would have 40-50 caps by now and probably the sort of player our team would be moulded around. He's played 8 times for Spain and can't get near the starting line up. The gulf in class at International level is frightening, Rooney aside I wouldn't think that any of the rest of the England first 11 would get anywhere near the Spanish 23
Joe Hart perhaps? ... otherwise I agree ... it is quite depressing ... poor old Juan Mata can't get a game .. contrast with Milner or Downing for the best fit in a formation aiming to 'keep it tight' ....!!!!!
Ashley Cole over Jordi Alba? I'd also have Micah Richards ahead of Arbeloa if he were in the England squad.
I'm not convinced - both Spanish fullbacks looked pretty good last night - because they were playing in a team and system that suits them very well - whether Cole or Richards would be able to acclimatise to that structure is open to some question - with joe Hart it's easier to be positive because keepers are simple creatures! Also, I did notice that Debuchy of France actually went past Ashley cole quite easily on more than one occasion the other night ...
I think Spain defence might be a little suspect without Puyol. But its a case of getting the ball off their midfield and testing them. Their midfield could possible be the best midfield in the history of football. The quality and strength in depth their is simply brilliant
