Spain defender Gerard Pique has admitted the condition of the pitch helped his side record a 4-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland on Thursday evening.

A double from Fernando Torres and a goal each from David Silva and Cesc Fabregas saw Giovanni Trapattoni’s men knocked out of the competition, and Vicente del Bosque’s side climb up to the summit of the group alongside Croatia.

And after complaints that the pitch was too dry in their match against Italy, the 25-year-old Barcelona star believes the conditions were perfect this time around.

Speaking to the media after the match, he said: “The pitch was very quick and that made us enjoy the game. After winning in this way we did, I have to say the three points were very important for us.

“We did it playing well and got a positive result to reach next round. When the pitch is dry, it is more difficult to play like this.”

Some Spanish players had commented that the surface in their opening match favoured the style of Cesare Prandelli’s side. However, the point gained in the 1-1 draw and the victory against the Irish see Del Bosque’s side sitting on four points at the top of Group C, with their final group match against Croatia on Monday.