Forward thinking: Spain coach Vicente del Bosque

That Spanish Cup final was against Athletic Bilbao and the intensive pressing style of that team which has taken its toll on their players is the reason why the likes of striker Fernando Llorente and defender Javier Martinez have played just 25 minutes between them at Euro 2012.

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque admires the concept of forwards who ape midfielders - the so-called false No9 - but the idea that not having a traditional No 9 is negative is to misunderstand the way in which football is evolving.

In addition, the finest minds in football have spent the last four years perfecting ways of stopping either Spain or Barca. No one has yet succeeded with Spain, who are on course to win a historic third successive major trophy.

And for those still craving the excitement of a kick-and rush England-Sweden match, consider the statistics of the tournament: Spain are the second top scorers, after Germany; their average of 9.8 shots on target per game is also second in the lists, behind fellow finalists Italy.

Naturally they are top of the possession stats. They have averaged 60 per cent of possession in
Euro 2012 games, just in front of Germany. England managed an average of 43 per cent, joint second bottom with Greece. The only side worse? The Republic of Ireland.

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