Pitch perfect for Pique

15 June 2012 01:09

Spain defender Gerard Pique has emphasised the importance of the three points gained in the 4-0 victory over Ireland on Thursday.

A brace from Fernando Torres and a goal each from David Silva and Cesc Fabregas saw Giovanni Trapattoni's men knocked out of the competition, and Vicente del Bosque's side climb up to the summit of Group C alongside Croatia.

And the 25-year-old believes it was imperative that Spain managed to claim three points, and praised the emphatic nature of the victory.

"The pitch was very quick and that made us enjoy the game. After winning in this way we did, I have to say the three points were very important for us," he said.

"We did it playing well and got a positive result to reach next round. When the pitch is dry, it is more difficult to pay like this."

The dry pitch had came under scrutiny in Spain's opening match against Italy, with some Spanish players commenting that the surface favoured the style of Cesare Prandelli's side.

However, the point gained in the 1-1 draw and the victory against the Irish sees Del Bosque's side sitting on four points at the top of Group C, with their final group match against Croatia on Monday.