Spain v Ireland Preview

Warsaw: A debate about whether to field a real forward or not is overshadowing Spain′s second Euro 2012 game against Ireland, whose seasoned coach Giovanni Trapattoni would never be without a real striker.

Trapattoni has built his reputation in true Italian football style based on a firm back line, but the 73-year-old also said in the run-up that he would never field a team without a striker.

‘I have never (played without one),’ the 73-year-old said. ‘I am said to a defensive coach but I have worked with (Michel) Platini, (Roberto) Bettega, (Zbigniew) Boniek and (Paolo) Rossi (at Juventus), four great strikers,’ Trap said.

The oldest coach in Euro history could clearly not fully understand why Vicente del Bosque, coach of holders Spain, had not fielded a proper forward in the opening 1-1 draw against Italy.

The fake forward Cesc Fabregas got the Spanish equalizer, and Fernando Torres did come on late to miss two great chances, but the debate raged on in the buildup to the Thursday round.

‘We support the decision of the coach. There is always debate and criticism if you don`t win,’ said Spain`s Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets.

Busquets and Torres were on opposing ends recently when Chelsea`s ultra-defensive game plan gave them a semi-final victory over Barcelona en route to a surprise Champions League title.

Now the Barcelona contingent around Busquets, Xavi and Andres Iniesta - and maybe Chelsea`s Torres, but then again, maybe not - could find themselves against a firm Irish back line.

Both sides need to win to enhance their quarter-final chances, as Spain have one point and Ireland none after crashing 3-1 in their opener against Croatia.

That put the Croatians top of group C but Slaven Bilic`s team now runs into the Azzurri who will also have plenty of morale after their draw against the world and European champions Spain.

BDST: 1400 HRS, June 13, 2012
Edited by: Manoz Halder, Newsroom Editor