GDANSK, Poland — For all the talk of Spain's attack, its defense also impressed in a 4-0 rout of Ireland at the European Championship on June 14.
With veteran
defender Carles Puyol missing, centerbacks Gerard Pique and Sergio
Ramos played well together in only their second start as a unit.
Fullbacks Alvaro Arbeloa and Jordi Alba propped up Spain’s attack from
the flanks without forgetting about their duties at the back.
And
when Ireland did manage to create chances, goalkeeper Iker Casillas was
there to deny Simon Cox and Robbie Keane either side of the break —
marking his 133rd international appearance.
Fernando Torres scored
two goals to get the attack on track following an opening 1-1 draw to
Italy, while David Silva and substitute Cesc Fabregas also netted.
Spain
and Croatia both have four points at the top of Group C, with the
defending champions assured of a place in the knockout stages with a
draw.
“It’s always important to maintain concentration in all
positions, especially in defense with the two strikers they have up
front, they are two dangerous players who always fight,” Ramos said at
the Arena Gdansk. “We should give some credit to our defense tonight.”
Coach Vicente del Bosque was pleased with his improved defense with Spain on the verge of a spot in the quarterfinals.
“We
were very concentrated, the centerbacks dealt with all of the aerial
threats they had. Their play at the back kept us comfortable,” Del
Bosque said. “I think we played a complete game.”
Del Bosque had
also called on Alba and Arbeloa to join in the attack and the players
duly responded. Arbeloa often drifted in behind the defense to create
scoring chances, while Alba combined well with Andres Iniesta and David
Silva as Spain completed 779 passes in the match.
Even Pique
surged forward, with the Barcelona defender heading a clear chance wide
in the 26th before having another chance on goal.
Ireland’s
players were dominated by the World Cup winners, with defensive
midfielder Sergio Busquets also rebounding strongly from a forgettable
performance against Italy.
“Just pickpockets,” Ireland striker Jon Walters said. “We tried to keep the ball as long as we could.”
Spain goes into Monday’s final group match at the Arena Gdansk with Croatia in good shape, with the quarterfinals in sight.
“The
truth is it’s always good to win,” Ramos said. “Especially after the
opening draw, we were looking for a win. We’ll just try to win as many
points as possible (now).”
