After his team thrashed Ireland yesterday 4-0, Coach Vicente del Bosque said he was satisfied with the way his side played.

He said what made the difference was that Spain was able to control the ball and move it from side to side, even though the Irish had packed their defense.

Vicente del Bosque had particularly flattering words for striker Fernando Torres who scored twice. “He did what we expected of him,” the Spanish coach said, not wanting to comment on the draw with Croatia.

“We’ve already discussed the game and it was said that we have to win the next two games. Nothing has changed. In such competitions you can’t afford to lose your focus.”

Irish national team coach Giovanni Trapattoni said his side allowed a very quick goal, just like in their game against Croatia. Torres scored at the 4^th minute of play.

“This meant that we had to throw our playbook out the window,” he said, adding that they made the same mistakes as in the game with Croatia.

“We came to the competition confident of our strengths, but now all of us are disappointed. In our next game against Italy, we will do our best to leave Euro 2012 with our heads held high,” Trapattoni said.

Ireland’s chances of advancing to the next round are near impossible. They’ve lost their first two games and have only scored one goal.

Photo: AFP/Getty Images