Spain vs. Ireland - Watch Live Stream Online of Euro 2012 Here
Spain vs Republic of Ireland takes place today in Group C's clash for Euro 2012. This will be only the second time the two sides have met at a major tournament; the last being at the 2002 World Cup, where Spain had to go to penalties to get past Ireland. The game will be live in ESPN 2, and can be watched online through live stream on ESPN 3 (details and link below).
It is nearly a quarter of a century since Ireland have beaten Spain in a competitive soccer game; a 1989 1-0 World Cup qualifying win at Lansdowne Road. Irish soccer legend Jack Charlton was playing at that time.
It has also been a decade since the Republic of Ireland last qualified for a major tournament, and in that 2002 World Cup their hopes were in fact ended by Spain. Spanish goalkeeper and most capped player, Iker Casillas, was a 21 year old rookie in that tournament, and he was the main man responsible for knocking the Irish out. He saved a penalty in normal time as well as during the penalty shoot out. He is the only surviving Spanish player from that 2002 team against Ireland, and he will play again today.
Ireland will not be in confident mood, and will have to pick themselves up quickly following their embarrassing performance against Croatia in their opening game, which they lost 3-1. Ireland must now ideally win this game, or at least draw, to keep their Euro 2012 dream alive. Their final game will be against Italy, so there will be no let up for the Irish.
A loss today will see Ireland become the first team to be eliminated from the Euro 2012 tournament, and they will be doing all they can to cause an upset against the world champions.
Irish defender, John O'Shea, has said, "We can beat Spain, but we are going to need a lot of luck along the way."
Will the luck of the Irish thwart the best team in the world today? Watch ESPN 2, or watch online through live stream on ESPN 3 from 2.45 p.m EST by clicking HERE.
