• Euro 2012

Spain ready to overlook Torres again

Cesc Fabregas scored Spain's equaliser against Italy © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Trapattoni hoping Ireland can do a Chelsea
  

Vicente del Bosque has said Spain could again line up without a recognised striker when they face Republic of Ireland on Thursday.

Del Bosque was criticised for fielding a front three of Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and David Silva in the 1-1 draw against Italy, with Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo all on the bench.

Fabregas scored Spain's equaliser, but his side were able to fashion a series of chances after the introduction of Torres as a late substitute and some felt they looked a more dangerous side. Del Bosque, though, says he will not be swayed and may keep faith with the tactic.

"Against Ireland we will play a No. 9 - though it depends what you understand by a No. 9," he said. "David Silva is a forward. Andres Iniesta plays like one; so does Cesc. We have four options: the three everyone is aware of [Torres, Llorente and Negredo] and then that of Cesc. Those are all very good attacking solutions. I am not unhappy with the options we have.

"The only thing that interests us is what is in the interest of the team. The opinions of others surely have interests distinct from our own."

Athletic Bilbao's Javi Martinez said the players are not concerned by the public clamour for Spain to field a striker.

"They are debates for the bar, for the press, for the street," he said. "We don't think about those things. We have a coach, and what he says and thinks is what is important to us. We're okay and I think the team is fine."

Torres also came in for criticism after missing two gilt-edged chances against Italy, but Martinez is confident that the Chelsea man will not be affected.

"Fernando has been a professional for ten years," Martinez said. "He knows how these things work. The criticism about not scoring a goal in the first game will turn into praise if he scores one or two against Ireland. Then he'll be the best in the world again. Footballers know how to cope with these things."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.