Balancing act: Ronaldo shows off his skills before the Spain game

As for Spain, they are hearing peculiar noises about their style of play. The football that was lauded so enthusiastically as Del Bosque’s players conquered first Europe in 2008 and then the world two years later is now being derided in some quarters as boring.

Having encouraged so much discussion by starting two of their games without a centre forward — and Cesc Fabregas is expected to start in the ‘false striker’ role — the World Cup holders have subsequently been criticised for playing too much football too far from goal.

‘We don’t want to stagnate,’ said Del Bosque. ‘I want us to move forward. But winning two trophies does show our quality. We have found the style that suits us, it is our style. People may not like it but it’s the style that brought us success.’

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