‘The Irish are still stuck in the stone age’

Spain’s 4-0 win over Ireland convinced a previously wavering Madrid media that La Roja were on track to win Euro 2012.

On the morning of the game Spanish coach Vicente Del Bosque was out of his depth tactically and did not know his best starting XI. Twentyfour hours later the veteran was a master at marshalling his resources and getting the most out of a multi-talented squad.

“It was glorious,” wrote AS editor Alfredo Relaño. “The debates were cleared away with the early opening goal from Fernando Torres, and all that remained was to enjoy ourselves. It was an exhibition — 898 passes, 815 completed, 27 shots, 15 of those on target, 4 converted into goals. A great night.”