Spain vs. Ireland: What La Roja Must Do to Pick Up Crucial Euro 2012 Victory

Since Spain only earned a draw against Italy in its first Group C match, the elite squad must pick up all three points against Ireland to feel confident about moving on to the next round. La Roja are a more talented side but still need a complete performance to emerge victorious.

Let's take a look at the three biggest keys to the match for Spain. If they are able to accomplish all of these goals, La Roja should cruise past the Boys in Green and eliminate any concerns fans may have after a lackluster opener.

Feature True Striker

David Villa's absence has put manager Vicente del Bosque in a tough spot since he doesn't have an in-form striker to rely on. Instead of starting Fernando Torres, he decided to feature six midfielders at two different levels.

While it wasn't a bad idea considering the team's amazing midfield depth, the team wasn't able to generate as many scoring opportunities without a true target up top. That should lead to Torres getting inserted in the starting lineup.

The Chelsea star has suffered through his fair share of struggles in recent years but started playing better near the end of the campaign for the Blues. He needs to have success if La Roja are going to win another major title.

Create More Chances

Spain usually prefers a steady build up leading to one really good look at goal. Against a team like Ireland, which was easily dispatched by Croatia in its first game, La Roja would be better off going with a quantity over quality approach.

The team's numerous offensive weapons have to get forward early and often to put pressure on a back line that looked shaky on Sunday. The more time Ireland has to spend defending, the more likely it becomes that Spain will find an opening.

It's not an easy adjustment for players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Silva since they love to move the ball around, but it will give La Roja the best chance to break down Ireland's defense. An all-out attacking approach is the way to go.

Shut Down Robbie Keane

The Boys in Green don't have many players who can trouble Spain, but Keane is one the defending champions need to watch. The wily veteran has 53 goals in 118 international games for Ireland and still has a few tricks up his sleeve at age 31.

No other player on the roster has more than 10 goals, so it's clear where the Spanish focal point should be when defending. Keane knows he'll have to have an amazing performance for his team to earn at least one point, so look for him to take plenty of attempts toward goal.

Iker Casillas won't be a busy goalkeeper, but he must be aware of Keane at all times because he'll unleash a shot from anywhere. If Spain can keep him off the score sheet, they should be able to pick up the much-needed victory.