Exposed by a team of awesome quality

Just two minutes into last night’s match, Andres Iniesta was given ample space and time to turn on the ball without any pressure and then pick a through pass for Xavi, who was just yards from the Irish box.

In most other international games they’ve played since effectively declaring their hand at Euro 2008, Spain have been denied that option.

Opposition sides have long realised that the only way to have any chance against them is to congest that supply line by throwing in bodies. It was the root of repeated Champions League final defeats for Manchester United against Barcelona.