Spain Vs Republic of Ireland: Head to head stats

14 June 2012 16:46
Following Ireland's capitulation to Croatia in their opener, fans and media expect Spain to crush the Irish in tonight's late kick-off. Even the history is stacked against the boys in green and it will take some form of heroics to qualify from this position.

Head-to-head

- This is only the second time the two nations have met at a major tournament. Their encounter at the last 16 stage of 2002 World cup, which Spain won on penalties, was the last time the nations met.
- The Irish have not beaten Spain competitively since a 1-0 World cup qualifying win at Lansdowne Road in April 1989 - in the days of Jack Charlton - courtesy of a Michel own goal.
- Goalkeepers Shay Given and Iker Casillas have 255 internationals caps between them.

Match stats

- Ireland have won only four of their 24 official meetings against Spain, losing 13.
- Spain have kept a clean sheet in eight of their last 12 meetings against Ireland.
- Xavi against Italy, became just the second player to make over 100 passes in one European championship game - the first was Pep Guardiola.
- Ireland are in danger of losing back-to-back matches at a major tournament for the first time.
- Ireland conceded three goals at a major tournament for the first time in their history last time out.
- 14 of Spain's last 15 goals in the European championship finals have been scored from open play, the other from a corner situation.
- The last nine goals scored by Spain at a major tournament have all been netted by Barcelona players, since Fernando Torres, then of Liverpool, scored the winner in the Euro 2008 final.
- Trapattoni failed to qualify from the group stage the last time he was head coach at a European championship, in 2004 with Italy.
- Spain made 733 passes against Italy, almost twice as many Ireland did against Croatia. (368)
- The Irish have never won the second match of the group stage at a major tournament before (three draws, one defeat).


Spain Vs Ireland - 2002 World Cup

Source: DSG