Internationals / Michael Cox / 11 November 2011 /

A slight change in the way Spain are approaching matches these days should mean they take control of the game and the scoreboard earlier than expected, says Michael Cox.

At last summer's World Cup, Spain were patient and focused upon controlling the game in the first half, before getting the breakthrough in the second. In the knockout stage, they only scored four goals and all four came after half-time.

Things have changed slightly throughout qualification for Euro 2012, with Spain more immediate with their attacks. As mentioned previously, Vicente Del Bosque has often tilted the midfield in a slightly more offensive way since the World Cup triumph, and though the intricate, passing football remains, Spain are less likely to toy with the opposition for an hour before attempting the breakthrough.

The half time / full time market is therefore worth a look - whereas at the World Cup 'draw / Spain' was the obvious choice, now it's 'Spain / Spain'. That outcome has been the case in six of their previous eight matches, although hasn't worked against the two stronger sides they've faced, Chile and Italy. Still, at [3.2], it's good value.

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