Spanish goalfest sinks spirits

“What the hell is it with the bloody third minute? Does the defence just go to sleep?” shouted one irate Irish fan seconds after the ball trundled past Shay Given for Spain’s second goal.

Yet again the boys in green had started a half by giving away a goal. Sadly two more would soon follow.

In spite of rainfall which could have re-floated an armada, there was a significant cohort of Spanish students among the thousands who flocked to clubs and pubs the length and breadth of the country.