Spain National football team

Last night's game between Spain and the Faroe Islands leaves Spain seven points clear in their group and was a fitting tribute to Quini, writes Alfredo Relaño.

A steady game, neither fast nor slow, a kind of ‘allegro ma non tropo’ in contrast to the moderately slow ‘andante’ of those happy years of Xavi, Iniesta and co.

For some years we have looked upon these phases of qualification as being too easy, but we must not lose perspective.

Up until around the 60s, you'd often hear Spaniards say "uno cero, y Zamora de portero" when the first hand was won in the card game Mus.

We're used to seeing refereeing that favours the tournament hosts. It's just how it works...