- The biggest problem we had against Croatia was that they out muscled us around the box. Spain however rarely hit lofted balls into the penalty area, and if they do they won't be able to match us physically.
- In contrast, we will be able to impose our physicality on them during attacking set pieces. A good bet might be Richard Dunne, or Sean St Ledger to score any time at 20/1 and 19/1 respectively.
- Although they seemed to be showing no signs of fatigue against Italy, surely the Spanish players are starting to tire after four years of playing pretty much constantly.
- The Spanish defence are used to the continental style of play. Although this can work against us, as we will struggle to get possession, when we do get the ball our direct style may cause them trouble. Don't be surprised to see McGeady and Duff often getting in behind the full backs when we catch them on the counter attack.
- It's 90 minutes of football where anything can happen. Yes we're massive underdogs, but this is what football is about. Life isn't about getting by, swimming in a sea of mediocrity. It's about striving to be the best that you can be. No child dreams of one day getting to play at the Euro's, drawing an easy group, and hopefully sneaking through to a quarter final. They dream of nights like tonight. It will be the pinnacle of each Irish players' career. This is what all the years of training, and hard work have been building up to. Time to make it count.
