Spain may repeat no forward tactic

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has hinted that he could yet again play without a striker in his starting line-up against Ireland.

The defending champions opened their Euro 2012 Group C campaign without a recognised forward against Italy, with midfielder Cesc Fabregas playing in a more advanced role and Del Bosque has said that he could line-up the same way again. "Against Ireland we will play a number nine - though it depends what you understand by a number nine," Del Bosque said. "David Silva is a forward; Andres Iniesta plays like one, so does Cesc."