Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was delighted with their thumping win over the Republic of Ireland.

Chelsea striker Fernando Torres struck twice in the victory.

"We played well, regardless of everything that was done by Ireland, who were great on the pitch and in the stands," he told Tele5.

"We can be proud to have seen our best game against an opponent who refused to give up.

"We are strong and competing well."

De Bosque also defended his system against Italy.

"We pick our players for them to score," Del Bosque added. "I know football well, I am not a novice. I know that I have to be prepared for criticism.

"The players feel just as comfortable with or without a No.9. They have no preference for Torres, [Alvaro] Negredo, [Fernando] Llorente or Fabregas."