3 areas where Spain might be vulnerable

Central defence in the air

AT present, over 30% of the goals in this tournament have been headers. Given that the general figure in a league season is around 12%, it’s a huge increase.

And yet, still, it should have been higher. And Spain should have conceded them.

It was only poor finishing that prevented Italy plundering more aerial efforts last Sunday as the Spanish offered them ample opportunity. In short, Spain miss the physique of Carlos Puyol. Worse, Gerard Pique and Sergio Ramos are not exactly perfect partners. In fact, they greatly dislike each other. There are many examples of similar duos in football history that still managed to work together but, so far, their lack of an amicable relationship has been reflected in a lack of cohesion.

There are often huge gaps between the two and it’s here that Ireland might find some joy. Indeed, more so than ever under Giovanni Trapattoni, set-pieces might prove a route to success. You would fancy Richard Dunne, for example, to boss both Pique and Ramos physically.

Split Xavi from the rest of the midfield

Inevitably, Spain’s midfield is the most celebrated, defining part of the team. But, oddly, it’s the one area where Vicente Del Bosque has created something of a problem. Compare, for example, how fluid Spain were in 2008.

With Xavi directly in front of Marcos Senna and Andres Iniesta and Silva ahead of him, there was a seamless, scintillating passage of passes. However, when opposition teams started to congest the midfield and try and hit Spain on the break, Del Bosque responded by adding a second ‘pivot’.

Xabi Alonso was placed ahead of Serio Busquets and Xavi was moved further forward. The idea is that Spain’s backline is bolstered against opposition attacks. The reality, however, is that it actually puts increased pressure on the Spanish defence because their more ponderous movement means moves break down a little easier. This also exaggerated by the fact that, for one, Del Bosque has placed a Real Madrid player in the middle of a Barca core, disrupting their deeper integration. Two, the repositioning of Xavi means he is moved away from where he does the most damage. A little further forward, he’s denied the same panoramic view of the opposition half and, as such, can’t quite pick the same passes. Ireland can make this even more pronounced by targeting the area between Xavi and the more defensive two.

Long punts forward

It’s not pretty, it’s not refined but – against Spain – it has proven to be productive. Indeed, the simplicity of its effect actually borne from a combination of the above complexities Spain have created for themselves. Look at Switzerland’s goal against them at the start of the 2010 World Cup.

The Spanish had, naturally, been dominating possession around the edge of the Swiss box. The rather laboured nature of the movement with Xavi more advanced and the less mobile Alonso picking the passes, however, meant one of those long passages broke down. Suddenly Switzerland powered the ball up the pitch. With the majority of Spain’s numbers at the other end. Desperate Spanish defenders missed a series of tackles and the Swiss bundled the ball into the net. And, although somewhat more sophisticated, Arjen Robben’s chances in the 2010 final were forced from broadly the same route.

Trapattoni’s Ireland have often been criticised for too many long balls. Today, it might be perfect.