Spain coach hails 'great era'

Coach Vicente del Bosque has hailed Spain's "great generation of footballers" after their historic win over Italy in the final of Euro 2012. 

La Roja's 4-0 victory in Kiev made them the first team to win three successive major international tournaments. "We're talking about a great generation of footballers," said Del Bosque. 

They know how to play together because they come from a country where they learn to play properly. This is a great era for Spanish football." 

 The 61-year-old added: "We have some great lads who play abroad, which was impossible before. We didn't really have players abroad and now foreign clubs want our players. "To win three titles is almost impossible. 

Congratulations to the players. "It's true we were lucky enough to play a great match. Everything worked for us. It was an extraordinary performance against a difficult opponent. 

We played our own game. There were no real external influences - we were faithful to what we've done in recent years. "I didn't really want to be the coach who wins but the coach who educates. I want to keep preparing them for the future. 

Spain were at their scintillating best as goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres - who became the first player to score in two Euros finals - and Juan Mata helped them overpower the Italians by the biggest winning margin in a Euros final. 

They also retained the crown they first won in Vienna four years ago. Between these two, La Roja have also claimed their first World title in South Africa and have now constructed a compelling case to be classed as the best team in history. 

Sunday's victory was also the perfect riposte to the critics who have suggested that Spain have abandoned attacking principles and are not entertaining to watch. Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas told BBC Sport: "It feels really, really amazing. It's one of the best days of my life. 

I don't think we realise what we've done. In time we'll see. Are we boring? People who think we are boring, I don't think they understand the game. 

Spain captain Iker Casillas, for whom Sunday's win was his 100th from 137 caps said: "There will always be some criticism as we have set the bar so high. That's what happens when you come down a step. It's been four marvellous years. 

You might think that a 4-0 margin against Italy means it was easy - but we have been gradually stepping up as the tournament went along. 

 The 61-year-old added: "We have some great lads who play abroad, which was impossible before. We didn't really have players abroad and now foreign clubs want our players. 

To win three titles is almost impossible. Congratulations to the players. "It's true we were lucky enough to play a great match. 

Everything worked for us. It was an extraordinary performance against a difficult opponent. 

We played our own game. There were no real external influences - we were faithful to what we've done in recent years. 

I didn't really want to be the coach who wins but the coach who educates. 

I want to keep preparing them for the future." Spain were at their scintillating best as goals from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres - who became the first player to score in two Euros finals - and Juan Mata helped them overpower the Italians by the biggest winning margin in a Euros final. 

They also retained the crown they first won in Vienna four years ago. Between these two, La Roja have also claimed their first World title in South Africa and have now constructed a compelling case to be classed as the best team in history. 

Sunday's victory was also the perfect riposte to the critics who have suggested that Spain have abandoned attacking principles and are not entertaining to watch. 

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas told us: "It feels really, really amazing. 

It's one of the best days of my life. "I don't think we realise what we've done. In time we'll see. 

Are we boring? People who think we are boring, I don't think they understand the game." Spain captain Iker Casillas, for whom Sunday's win was his 100th from 137 caps said: "There will always be some criticism as we have set the bar so high. 

That's what happens when you come down a step. 

It's been four marvellous years. "You might think that a 4-0 margin against Italy means it was easy - but we have been gradually stepping up as the tournament went along. 

We did a really good job in defence, but not only defence. We know we have a lot of quality up front. 

If you can have a clean sheet then it's easier to score. "It was really important for Fernando [Torres]. I know he hasn't had his best season. He had some problems and then didn't play for Chelsea. 

He scored against Ireland and then he scored again in the final. "Are we the best ever? I don't know. 

I think we have to keep winning and win more trophies. When we're retired in 10 or 15 years then maybe we can look back and say we were really good. 

Andres Iniesta was named man of the match and is one of four players - along with Casillas, Sergio Ramos and Xavi - to have started all three final triumphs. 

It's very nice to have this man-of-the-match trophy but it's especially great to be champions again," the Barcelona midfielder said. "The team played a great match and all the players were at their top level. 

Centre-back Gerard Pique added: "It's a really special feeling. I think we have to enjoy this moment. 

This team is making history but we have to keep going and keep working hard. 

There is a World Cup in two years. We're going to enjoy this moment and then keep going."

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Italy and Spain in Euro Climax

The final of Euro 2012 pits a Spain side that has already gone down as one of the most successful teams in history against underdogs Italy, who have overcome adversity to reach the final in a manner similar to their World Cup triumph of 2006. 

A 1-1 meeting on June 10 in their first group game suggested little is between these two now as they battle to be crowned the best team in Europe. 

 In 2006, Italy came into a major tournament with the shadow of a match-fixing crisis hanging over them and pretty much written off as challengers. 

They ended up winning it. Six years later and here we are again, with the unfancied Azzurri charging their way to the final of another competition with domestic match-fixing whispers trailing in their wake. 

Good omens for the Italians or what? 

 Unquestionably it is Vicente del Bosque's team – the current holders and 2010 World Cup winners – who are expected to win in Kiev on Sunday, but football has a way of upsetting the form book, and the way Italy dominated England in the quarter-finals before seeing off a heavily-favoured Germany has many rethinking their pre-tournament predictions. 

 While they have been defensively sound, Spain have failed to light up the tournament in an attacking sense as they have done in previous years. 

With Del Bosque unsure over whom he should name as his starting striker, or indeed if he should name one at all, the options of Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres and Alvaro Negredo have all been used to varying degrees of success; no certain conclusions have been drawn, but a 4-6-0 formation seems to be the one that works the best. 

 Relying on the ball-winning skills of Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso in midfield, the guile of Xavi and Andres Iniesta has been the platform for Spain's attacks but, aside from a 4-0 thrashing of lowly Ireland, Euro 2012 has been something of a frustrating time for the champions. 

Too often their passing game has seemingly run out of ideas in the final third and, when Jesus Navas and Torres have been benched, Spain have seemed to lack their dynamism.

 Italy, too, have struggled in places and did not really look like they could challenge for the tournament before the knockout rounds began. 

Two 1-1 draws in succession against Spain and Croatia kept the points flowing before a 2-0 win over Ireland secured their place, but Cesare Prandelli's men were not showing much confidence before they overran England in normal time and then beat them on penalties.

 Key to that win was Andrea Pirlo, whose 'Panenka' penalty swayed the momentum in their favour in the shootout, and the veteran midfielder has been one of the players of the tournament, leading many to wonder how AC Milan let him join Juventus on a free last summer. 

While some had expected Italy to revert to the defensive stereotype against Germany, it was not to be the case: with Pirlo at the core, the Azzurri showed a desire to get on the front foot before defending their lead. Prandelli's men seem to enjoy the underdog status they have picked up. 

A bad omen for Spain, as they bid to become the only team ever to win three major international tournaments back to back, is that the last time anybody wrote Italy off in such a fashion was 2006. 

 Spain player to watch: Jordi Alba. For all of Spain's attacking talent, it is left-back Alba who has caught the most attention this tournament. 

Providing an outlet in a position that has historically been seen as Spain's weakest, the defender has also helped his country keep the best defensive record in the competition.

 Sealing a €14 million move to Barcelona from Valencia has put him in the spotlight and the final will provide him another platform upon which to shine. 

 Italy player to watch: Mario Balotelli. It is always him and, after his performance in netting a brace to see off Germany in the semi-finals, it can be no-one else. 

Balotelli's impact in the knockout rounds has been immense and he has shown the watching world all that he has to offer: pace, power and a finishing touch that makes him one of the most exciting young players in world football. 

He has kept his cool to ensure that he has the stage to showcase his talent – now he must use it. 

 Key Battle: Xavi v Andrea Pirlo. Two pass-masters who are soon to become past-masters; one wonders if the classy duo will be quite the same force at the European Championship in 2016, but for now they remain two of the finest central midfielders in the world.

 Boasting a great first touch and vision second to none, they are the heartbeat of their respective teams and dictate the tempo at which they play. 

The key to opening up the opposition's defence in Kiev will come from the feet of one of this pair and their vast experience will ensure that the occasion does not get the better of them. 

 Trivia: Three of the four games between Spain and Italy at the European Championship finals have ended as draws. The only one that didn't was a 1-0 for Italy in 1988. 

 Stats: With 69 shots, Italy have attempted the most so far at Euro 2012. 

Spain, meanwhile, have made 58 passes per shot at this tournament, as compared to 44 at the 2010 World Cup and 33 at Euro 2008; their last 28 European Championship goals, including penalties, have all come from inside the box.

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Barca pair in Kiev for Spain

Carles Puyol and David Villa are in Kiev as Spain make final preparations ahead of Sunday's Euro 2012 final. 

 The Barcelona players, both unable to take part in the tournament because of injuries, headed to Ukraine to show support to their team-mates as they get ready to take on Italy. 

 Victory will ensure an historical treble - winning two Euros consecutively with a World Cup in between. 

We are delighted with the arrival of Puyol and Villa," Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque told Marca on Saturday. 

We are trying to make this squad a proper team. It is very positive to see them join us and we appreciate it. 

Despite being on vacation, they came and I am sure their presence will give some additional encouragement to all of us. 

Villa, 30, is Spain's all-time goalscorer and had to sit out of Euro 2012 after breaking his leg in the Club World Cup in December of last year, while Puyol, 34, suffered a knee injury playing for Barcelona.

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Xavi unsure if Euro 2012 will be his last tournament with Spain

Xavi has admitted that he does not know if he will feature in another major tournament with Spain after Euro 2012. 

 The 32-year-old has played a crucial role in La Roja's domination of international football over the last four years, which has seen them crowned both European and world champions. 

 However, the Barcelona man could neither confirm nor deny whether Euro 2012 would be his last competition with the national side, with his full focus on trying to make history in another final against Italy in Kiev on Sunday.

 "I don't know if it will be my last tournament, I feel fine and I take part of all these victories," he told reporters. "My priority is that the team win. 

The two sides battled to a 1-1 draw in their first game in Group C and Xavi believes the Azzurri are no longer defensive making possession even more important. 

Italy are not the catenaccio team we used to know," he continued. "One of the keys will be keeping the ball because both teams want it. 

We could have eliminated Italy in the group stage but we always go for the win so we will have no regrets if we lose tomorrow. 

Vicente del Bosque's side have received criticism for their displays in Poland and Ukraine so far, with some labelling their 'tiki-taka' passing style as boring. 

 The midfielder stated that the players are not concerned what others think of their tactics, which for the moment are serving them well, insisting all that matters to the team is victory. 

If we are boring but we are winning, that is fantastic for us," Xavi said.  

We are not bored. We will keep playing our game." Meanwhile, Spain keeper Iker Casillas respects Italy for their achievements this year, and insists La Roja are not favourites, while adding the Spanish side never thought they would be in their third final in as many tournaments. 

Italy are a great side and, as they showed the other day, they are worthy finalists," the 31-year-old said. 

They have shown their quality and deserve to be here. We never go into finals thinking we are favourites; we go into them as equals. "For me, this is different to four years ago. 

Back then, we achieved something nobody expected. It was the same at the World Cup, people hoped but didn't expect. We could not have imagined we'd be in a third final four years ago."

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Fabregas puts holders into final

Spain progressed to their third consecutive major final with an 4-2 penalty win over Portugal in the Euro 2012 semi-final at the Donbass Arena.


 Despite playing at far from their best and with chances to find the net at a premium, a total of 120 minutes failed to separate the two sides as the game ended 0-0. With the shoot-out level at 3-2 after Bruno Alves rattled the bar it was Cesc Fabregas who netted the winner. 


 Vicente del Bosque sprung a surprise before kick off as he made one change to the side that defeated France in the quarter-finals, electing to start with Alvaro Negredo in attack ahead of both Fabregas and Fernando Torres. 


 His Portuguese counterpart Paulo Bento also made one alteration, his first after naming the same side for their six previous competitive fixtures. 


Helder Postiga was forced to begin among the substitutes with Hugo Almeida deputising in his stead. 


 The Seleccao set about disrupting Spain's rhythm immediately by pressing their opponents high up the pitch. 


It worked for the opening few minutes as La Roja struggled to get their foot on the ball but they soon forged a chance for themselves. 


 Andres Iniesta played a give-and-go down the left flank with Jordi Alba before passing the ball into the box. 


Negredo could not get a shot away but managed to stab it back to the top of the penalty area where Alvaro Arbeloa tried to caress it into the top corner but his attempt flew over the bar. 


 But the Spaniards were by no means dominating and Cristiano Ronaldo was proving difficult for Del Bosque's men to deal with. 


However, two charging runs down the left failed to result in anything to truly test Iker Casillas with a free kick and a wild volley on the spin inside the opening 25 minutes. Bento's men continued their high-intensity pressing and Spain were unable to get the most out of Xavi when on the ball. 


A long delivery forward resulted in an opportunity for Iniesta but he failed to hit the target, and moments later Ronaldo pulled an effort wide of the goal. 


 Spain continued to look uncomfortable on the ball and just nine minutes after the restart Del Bosque had to concede that his pre-match gamble had not paid off as he replaced Negredo with Fabregas. 


 Portugal were getting a lot of joy from putting the Spaniards under pressure in their own half but Almeida failed to make the most of it in the 57th minute. After his side won the ball back he could have passed to Nani or Ronaldo but instead produced an ambitious shot from 35 yards that did not work Casillas. 


 Shortly after the hour mark Spain began to have their best spell of possession in the opposing half but there remained little to separate the two sides as the tension mounted. 


Xavi got the game's first shot on target with a drilled attempt that was straight at Rui Patricio, shortly followed by a Ronaldo free kick that flashed over the bar. 


 In the 90th minute Portugal found themselves in a four-on-one but when the ball was shifted to the left, Ronaldo failed to make a solid connection and blazed his well off target in what was the last opportunity of normal time. 


 As the Seleccao grew tired they were no longer forcing their opponents to play from deep, instead allowing them to control the ball in their own half during much of extra time. 


Del Bosque's side dominated the extra 30 minutes but Rui Patricio brilliantly thwarted both Iniesta and Jesus Navas either side of the interval to ensure the game went to a penalty shoot-out. 


 Both teams got off to the worst start possible as Patricio and Casillas both saved from Alonso and Moutinho respectively. 


Iniesta, Pepe, Pique, Nani and Ramos all scored - including a Panenka from the latter - before Bruno Alves hit the bar to make the score 3-2 to Spain after four spot-kicks each. It offered Fabregas the chance to book their spot in the final and he obliged, scoring via the post and setting up a date in Kiev for the final with either Germany or Italy on July 1.

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Spain confident of stopping Ronaldo

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso believes there is no need to make a contingency plan to deal with Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. 

 Spain have attracted criticism from some quarters for their apparent below-par displays at Euro 2012 so far, but have conceded just once and are the second-highest scorers left in the competition with eight goals. 

 Ronaldo had a lacklustre start to the competition, but has come to the fore in his country's last two games, scoring all three goals and going close to adding more on numerous occasions.

 Alonso, though, believes there is no need for the Spanish camp to become obsessed about his Real Madrid team-mate, and feels the side must defend as a unit and play as they do normally to progress to Sunday's final. 

Do you plan anti-Ronaldo? We have nothing planned, we always play with the same idea independently of the rival," Alonso said. "We can analyse and make small adjustments. 

The best way to stop players is by being together and leaving no spaces. 

Team-mates Sergio Busquets and Xavi agreed, and believe they are capable of reducing Ronaldo's impact when they meet Portugal in the Euro 2012 semi-finals. While the Barcelona pair are aware of the forward's attacking prowess, they are confident they have the ability and personnel to marginalise him. 

It's not Barcelona versus Madrid, it's Spain versus Portugal," Busquets said. 

And we all know what a great player Cristiano is. "He will mostly be in the zone defended by Alvaro (Arbeloa) and Alvaro knows him better than anyone (they are Madrid team-mates). But to stop a player of this kind you need the whole team to work. 

Xavi believes he and his defensive partners can limit the space the former World Player of the Year has to operate in. 

We will have to be very attentive," Xavi said. "We will try to cover as well, (to) make Cristiano uncomfortable and not allow him to turn."

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Nasri in four-letter outburst at journalist after Spain defeat

Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri exited Euro 2012 with a foul-mouthed tirade aimed at a French journalist following his side’s quarter-final defeat against Spain.

 Nasri, who has courted controversy throughout the tournament, was among the first of the French players to enter the post-match interview area after a contest that was dominated from start to finish by the reigning European champions.

 The 24-year-old initially walked off hastily in the direction of the team bus and refused to answer any questions from journalists who were seeking his reaction to the 2-0 defeat. But he soon returned, apparently having forgotten one of his personal belongings, when the confrontation occurred.

 When pressed for an answer by a reporter working for a French news agency, Nasri responded with an astonishing foul-mouthed outburst which culminated in him offering the journalist in question outside for a fight.

 An extraordinary flurry of insults ladened with four-letter words kicked off his rant, in which he claimed the press always wrote "c**p stories" about his team.

 Then the former Arsenal man shouted: "Now you can say that I've been badly brought up! Come over there and let's fix this.

 The Manchester City midfielder had been dropped to the substitutes’ bench by France coach Laurent Blanc for his part in the row that broke out following the defeat against Sweden in Kiev on Monday, which meant Les Bleus surrendered the opportunity to top Group D.

 The former Arsenal player has been involved in a long-running dispute with his national press that had already boiled over during France’s first game of the tournament against England.

 After sports newspaper L’Equipe had criticised his recent performances, Nasri responded with a controversial celebration, putting his finger to his lips and pointing at the reporter who had written the article, saying "shut your mouth" after he had scored the equalising goal against Roy Hodgson’s side.

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Spain 2-0 France: Alonso's double sinks France

Spain set up an all-Iberian semi-final with Portugal as they earned a 2-0 win over France with a workmanlike display in the last eight at the Donbass Arena.

 La Furia Roja bossed the game in large parts, opening the scoring midway through the first half as Xabi Alonso headed in as he completed a century of international appearances.

 Despite an improved performance in the second half Les Bleus failed to find a breakthrough and received a sucker-punch when Alonso slotted home from the penalty spot in second-half stoppage time.

 Following Fernando Torres' disappointing performance against Croatia, Vicente del Bosque reverted to the striker-less formation which garnered so much criticism after their opening group game with Cesc Fabregas rejoining the forward line.

 In an attempt to stifle the typically fluid and creative Spaniards, Laurent Blanc opted to begin with Mathieu Debuchy in front of Anthony Reveillere on the right in order to help protect against Andres Iniesta and Jordi Alba.

 Samir Nasri started among the substitutes amidst rumours on infighting for a fairly conservative looking French team. 

 Spain controlled the ball from kick off, passing it across the field and probing for an opening that proved elusive until the 19th minute.

 Blanc will have been furious that when Spain did create an opportunity it came down his side's supposedly fortified right.

 Iniesta threaded a pass to the overlapping Alba and he looked up and picked out Alonso at the back post who headed the ball back across goal and into the far corner.

 Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema were doing their best to provide a moments respite for their side but for all their endeavour they frequently found themselves running into dead ends and handing the ball straight back to the opposition.

 In the 35th minute Les Bleus got their first shot on target from a free kick after Sergio Ramos felled Benzema. 

Yohan Cabaye struck the ball from 35 yards and it looked destined for the top left corner but Iker Casillas got a palm to it to stop it from hitting the net.

 For all their possession La Roja were once again creating very little.

 A give-and-go between Iniesta and Fabregas enabled the former to get in behind the defence but his effort was blocked by a recovering Laurent Koscielny on his competitive debut for France.

 France returned from the break in a far more positive manner, they were combative in midfield and began to commit greater numbers forward when on the ball. 

With an hour played Ribery worked some space on the left and clipped a cross into the middle. Debuchy met it in the centre of the box but his header sailed narrowly over the bar.

 With Spain reducing their urgency and the tempo of the game Blanc sensed the momentum swinging the way of his side made two attacking substitutes, replacing Debuchy and Florent Malouda with Jeremy Menez and Nasri. 

 All night France had allowed Alvaro Arbeloa a lot of freedom on the right in an attempt to provide Ribery with more space in behind him on the left flank.

 This almost paid dividends in the 71st minute when the Bayern Munich winger charged forwards and drilled a dangerous cross into the six-yard box but Casillas got a hand to it and gathered at the second attempt.

 The substitutes failed to have the desired impact on the game however as the Spanish defence remained tight.

 Del Bosque's side were awarded a penalty in stoppage-time when Reveillere brought Pedro down in the area. Alonso stepped up and converted from 12 yards, sending Hugo Lloris the wrong way.

 Spain now have three days of rest until they return to Donetsk to face Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in the semi-final.

 France will turn their attentions to the World Cup qualifying campaign where they will face La Roja twice, with the first fixture coming in October.

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France fight for their finals future

"After the game I've seen tonight it's difficult to imagine us beating Spain.

 France coach Laurent Blanc made no attempt to hide his disappointment after defeat to Sweden in their final Group D game condemned them to a quarter-final date with world and European champions Spain.

 It's not the way it was supposed to be. 

Above England going into the game with the pointless Swedes it was thought France would pick up a regulation win and avoid the last-eight tie no one wanted.

 The defeat led to confrontations between French players in the changing room after the match - with Hatem Ben Arfa and Blanc said to have clashed.

 The doom and gloom of Tuesday night has now given way to at least a glimmer of positivity.

 Assistant coach Alain Boghossian insists the squabbles have been forgotten and "the fire's been put out.

 But when things go wrong in the pressure cooker of tournament football it is difficult to dismiss friction so easily, as Netherlands once again found out to their cost this summer.

 France will have to replace Philippe Mexes, who is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament against Sweden.

 Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny is set to come into the centre of defence.

 At least Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri, two important components of France's forward line spearheaded by Karim Benzema, have shaken off knee and foot injuries respectively and should be fit to take their places in the team. 

Ribery, Benzema and Nasri are world class," Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque said in his pre-match press conference. 

They'll make things difficult for us." Spain have found themselves on unfamiliar ground in recent days, with some beginning to question their tactical approach. 

Del Bosque has had to bat away questions about his preference for playing without a striker, with either David Silva or Cesc Fabregas as an advanced midfielder in an attacking role. 

 He's not about to change, though, with "keeping hold of the ball and being incisive" remaining the central ploy, while the coach also insisted there is "nothing new or abnormal" about playing without a striker.

 That may be true, but Spain's desire to hold possession and force opponents into mistakes by shear frustration and relentless probing may not be enough to win them a third successive major title.

 It remains to be seen if Fernando Torres will keep his place in the team, having started the last two matches against Ireland and Croatia.

 De Bosque could opt to revert to the 4-6-0 formation he used against Italy, looking to make sure Spain command the midfield against what is perceived to be a far more dangerous opponent.

 And that is shown in the countries' head-to-head record too, as Spain have never won a competitive game against France - drawing once and losing the other five.

 The two sides last met at the 2006 World Cup, in the first knock-out round with France winning 3-1.

 Spain player to watch: David Silva.

 Whether or not Del Bosque chooses to go with Fernando Torres, Silva will have a vital role to play in the Spanish side.

 He either plays as the orchestrator behind the striker or in the advanced role from the packed midfield.

 With a goal and three assists, Silva was the architect of success for the holders in the group stage.

 France player to watch: Karim Benzema. As Croatia found out to their cost, you have to take your chances against Spain whenever they come along.

 In Benzema, France have a player who plays in Spain, for Real Madrid, and scored 21 La Liga goals last season.

 But Benzema has not managed to find his form in this tournament and has had 17 shots without scoring - the most of any player yet to hit the back of the net.

 Key battle: Franck Ribery/Samir Nasri v Jordi Alba.

 As one of the breakthrough players in the Spain team, and with a mooted €15 million transfer to Barcelona set to be completed after Euro 2012, Alba is expected to have the left-back berth sewn up for years to come.

 But the Valencia defender, who came though Barca's La Masia academy, had only five caps prior to the finals and will have to cope with switching attacks from both Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri.

 A true test of his development on the international stage.

 Stats: Franck Ribery was involved in more duels than any other player in the group stages (75) and won 45% of them. Spain have won just one of their nine previous European Championship or World Cup quarter-finals outright. 

 Trivia: France have only ever won one European championship finals match without either Michel Platini or Zinedine Zidane in the side - and that was against Ukraine in the group stage.

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Torres keeps Fabregas consigned to the bench as Spain face Croatia

Fernando Torres retains his position in the starting XI for Spain in their Group C decider with Croatia in Gdansk.

 A win for La Furia Roja would secure top-spot in the group while a draw could also be enough to ensure progression. 

Following the his two goals as Spain dismantled Republic of Ireland 4-0 in their previous group game Torres has been rewarded with the lone striker position.

 Cesc Fabregas therefore remains on the bench despite scoring in both of Spain's previous two games.

 Vicente Del Bosque has decided to field Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Torres despite the trio all being one yellow card away from missing a potential quarter-final.

 Slaven Bilic received much praise for switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation that proved the catalyst for a Croatia come back from one goal down to draw level with Italy last Thursday.

 He is largely expected to maintain that tactic that will see Mario Mandzukic move out to the right with Ivan Rakitic dropping into a deep-lying midfield role alongside Ognjen Vukojevic.

 Nikica Jelavic missed training on Saturday with a fever but is declared fit to lead the line for the Vatreni for whom a draw could be enough to qualify depending on the result between Italy and Ireland.

 Luka Modric, Niko Kranjcar and Gordon Shildenfeld could all miss the next game, should Croatia qualify, if booked.

Croatia (4-2-3-1): Pletikosa; Srna, Corluka, Schildenfeld, Strinic; Vukojevic, Rakitic; Mandzukic, Modric, Perisic; Jelavic.

 Subs: Kelava, Subasic, Simunic, Buljat, Vrsaljko, Vida, Pranjic, Badelj, Dumjovic, Kranjcar, Kalinic, Eduardo.

 Spain (4-2-3-1): Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Alonso; Silva, Xavi, Iniesta; Torres.

 Subs: Valdes, Reina, Albiol, Martinez, Juanfran, Fabregas, Mata, Cazorla, Navas, Pedro, Llorente, Negredo.

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Spain and Croatia to decide their fate tonight

Spain and Croatia head into this match knowing that a 2-2 draw will be enough to secure both teams a place in the quarter-finals and, not surprisingly, it has been suggested in some quarters that's exactly what they'll play out at the PGE Arena in Gdansk.

 Level on four points, top spot in the group and a supposedly easier opponent in the quarter-finals awaits the victor.

 But defeat carries a hefty penalty and could leave either side heading home, provided Italy, who trail the duo by two points, beat already eliminated Ireland.

 However, both camps have furiously denied that there'll be even a slight hint of collusion. Asked if Spain would consider playing for the draw, midfielder Xavi Hernandez said: "Absolutely not.

 We only know how to play attacking football so a draw would not suit us. Our aim is always to go out for victory and against Croatia it will be no exception.

 We will play to get three points from the first minute until the last.

" Spain will be at full strength for the pivotal match with midfielder Sergio Busquets recovered from a minor foot injury.

 Manager Vicente del Bosque is likely stick with striker Fernando Torres in attack after the No. 9 showed signs of rediscovering his long lost form with two goals in the confidence-boosting 4-0 win against Ireland.

 With La Roja looking close to their best, Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has admitted his team will need the "game of their lives" against the defending European champions.

 It's expected that Bilic will drop striker Nikica Jelavic and play Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric in support of front man Mario Mandzukic in order to pack out the midfield.

 Croatia player to watch: Mario Mandzukic. All eyes will be on the Wolfsburg forward after a brace against Ireland and a strike versus Italy made him joint-top scorer of Euro 2012 with three goals. But goals aren't all that Mandzukic brings to the team.

 The 26-year-old's link-up play provides a constant threat and if he is to feature as a lone striker this will be an asset he will have to exploit to the maximum.

 Mandzukic can also play as winger and his ability to prod and probe all along the Spanish back-four should allow him to fully exploit any weakness in what is supposed to be their Achilles heel.

 Spain player to watch: David Silva.

 The Manchester City star was part of the trio of midfielders who made up the front line of Spain's controversial 4-6-0 formation against Italy and laid on the goal for Cesc Fabregas.

 However, he was much more at home when a recognised No. 9 was restored to the side, he played a part in both of Torres' goals and popped up to score on himself.

 With Torres due to lead the line again, Silva should be at his best.

 Key Battle: Luka Modric v Sergio Busquets Modric has adapted to a deeper role as playmaker for club and country but against Spain he will be thrust further forward, providing the link between midfield and Croatia's sole striker. 

The tricky forward is certainly good enough to do the job but Spain know that if they keep him quiet they will nullify Croatia's attack. That will be the job of Busquets, Spain's destroyer, such as it is.

 Stat: Mario Mandzukic has had only four shots for Croatia at Euro 2012 but has scored with three of them, so watch out.

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Gomez resigned to playing Spain

Mario Gomez said he believes Germany will have to go through Spain if they are to realise their dream of winning Euro 2012.

 Germany have made a strong start to the tournament, winning their opening two games, but after watching Vicente del Bosque's men rout Republic of Ireland on Thursday, the Bayern Munich forward acknowledged that the defending champions remain the team to beat in Poland and Ukraine.

 "We have won two games but we have not reached anything," Gomez told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

 "And we have been following the other games very closely. For example, Spain yesterday (against Ireland). Our aim must be to defeat them.

" Fernando Torres netted twice in the 4-0 rout of the Irish and Gomez - who was heavily criticised for his wasteful display against Chelsea in the Champions League final - is pleased that his fellow forward has rediscovered his goalscoring touch. "Torres had the same problems as me," the 26-year-old Gomez said.

 "So I was very happy that he scored twice after a very hard season with Chelsea.

" Gomez has scored all of his country's tournament goals to date, netting the only goal of the game against Portugal before striking twice in the 2-1 win over Netherlands.

 The former Stuttgart front man is now the clear favourite to top the goalscoring charts for the tournament, but he insisted that he is not thinking about individual accolades.

 "Being top scorer is not important for me. What's important is that we win the cup," he said.

 Gomez will be hoping to continue his impressive run in Sunday's final Group B fixture against Denmark.

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Spain send Irish home

Fernando Torres dumped the Republic of Ireland out of Euro 2012 as defending champions Spain eased into top gear.

 Torres, left out of the starting line-up for the Group C opener against Italy, returned with a vengeance to spearhead an impressive display by the Spaniards.

 The Chelsea striker fired them ahead after just four minutes and then, after David Silva had mesmerised the Irish defence to make it 2-0 four minutes after the restart, helped himself to a second to complete a good night's work.

 It proved a chastening experience for the Republic, who conceded a fourth late on when substitute Cesc Fabregas collected his second goal of the tournament, as their worst fears were realised.

 Spain will head into Monday night's showdown with Croatia with top spot in the group at stake, while Giovanni Trapattoni's men will have only pride to play for when they face Italy, who need to win to progress, in Poznan.

 Ireland had gone four games unbeaten before they arrived in Poland, but have tasted comprehensive defeat in both the fixtures they have played in their first trip to major finals in a decade.

 The sound of Europe's The Final Countdown thundering from the stadium's PA system 15 minutes before kick-off seemed prophetic at the time, and as Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca brought an end to the opening 45 minutes, the Republic's hopes of extending their stay in Poland and Ukraine were hanging by a thread.

 They ran out knowing they needed to avoid defeat to have any chance of reaching the last eight, and that an unlikely win would give them a real chance with Italy and Croatia having drawn earlier.

 However, just as they had done against the Croatians in Poznan on Sunday evening, Trapattoni's men found themselves behind barely before they had broken sweat, and the source of the damage was entirely predictable.

 Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque had outraged his critics by lining up against the Italians without a recognised striker.

 Trapattoni had predicted he would not do the same and would restore Torres to the starting line-up, and the Chelsea frontman needed just four minutes to make his mark.

 Silva's fleet-footed burst into the penalty area prompted Richard Dunne to make a desperate and successful sliding challenge, but the ball dropped nicely for Torres to round full-back Stephen Ward and smash a right-foot shot from a tight angle high past goalkeeper Shay Given and into the roof of the net.

 It was the last thing Ireland needed, although it came after Simon Cox, preferred to Kevin Doyle in a 4-5-1 formation, had tested Iker Casillas with a second-minute drive from distance.

 But Irish forays into enemy territory were to prove a rare occurrence as Spain, not unsurprisingly, dominated the middle of the field to lay siege to Given's goal.

 The Aston Villa keeper was peppered from distance as Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso and Xavi laid the foundation for Silva, Andres Iniesta and Torres to go about their business.

 Given, who had already got down well to claim an effort from Silva, had to beat away a piledriver from Iniesta and in a flurry as the half-time whistle approached, blocked full-back Alvaro Arbeloa's skidding attempt with his legs and tipped another stinging strike from Iniesta over his bar.

 By contrast, Robbie Keane, who had worked tirelessly in an attempt to give his side an out-ball, was starved of meaningful possession and found himself chasing a series of lost causes.

 Whether Trapattoni felt his decision to use Cox had worked or not, he abandoned the experiment at the break to send on the more physical Jon Walters. But the game was effectively over within four costly minutes as Spain once again flexed their muscles at the start of the second half.

 Given had already repelled another effort from Arbeloa - he and fellow full-back Jordi Alba were effectively playing as wingers - when the keeper's attempt to keep out Iniesta's powerfully-struck shot dropped to the feet of Silva.

 The Manchester City midfielder still had plenty to do, but he tip-toed his way through the wreckage of the Irish defence before slotting the ball calmly into the bottom corner.

 Given produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Xavi with 55 minutes gone, but would have been picking the ball out of his net once again seven minutes later had Busquets managed to bend his shot only marginally more.

 But further damage was inflicted with 20 minutes remaining when Torres once again ran clear of a static defence to fire expertly past Given and finally kill off hopes of a fightback.

 Torres departed to rapturous applause from his compatriots with 18 minutes remaining as Fabregas took his place with Spain already looking towards Monday night.

 There was an equally warm welcome for James McClean when he was handed a second cap and a first competitive appearance as 76th-minute substitute, but Ireland's woes increased seven minutes from time when Fabregas blasted home a fourth as Trapattoni's men slept at a corner.

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