Dave Craven: Supporters’ pain in Spain is felt just as keenly as in England

Sat in a Mallorcan bar last weekend, I was quietly looking forward to watching Spain v Italy with a few of the locals.

You know, immerse yourself into the culture and all that sort of thing while, at the same time, sampling what it is like, for once, to be part of a successful footballing nation.

I even ordered Estrella instead of Stella.

Anyway, the shirts of Spain were there, all out in force, as red as my two-day sunburn, and the action began. However, it soon emerged that the Spaniards are no different to the English when it comes to supporting their team. Mallorca? It may as well have been Morley.

Disappointment, dismay, disbelief. They gesticulate with more passion and flair but the general messages aimed at the screen are just the same. The withering looks regarding their players are all too familiar as well.

But their team is Spain, for heaven’s sake. They are reigning European and world champions. They have Iniesta. They have Xavi. They have Fabregas. Should they really be complaining so much if the 37th consecutive pass to one of their own team finally goes slightly astray?

What would they do if they had Carlton Palmer, Andy Sinton and Geoff Thomas ‘bossing’ midfield? I was a little baffled to say the least and afforded myself a wry smile. Our host for the evening, a rather rotund, ageing figure who clearly has issues with Spain boss Vicente del Bosque, was at pains to explain where it was all going wrong.

“Negredo, he needs to play Negredo. Idiot.”

Idiot? What would he have labelled Steve McClaren?

Granted, Spain did opt for a 4-6-0 formation against the Azzurri, choosing to do away with that age-old concept of strikers.

I tried to say if it is good enough for Craig Levein’s Scotland in the Czech Republic, why not the Spaniards too, who are actually good enough to carry such lunacy off, but something was certainly lost in translation.

Negredo remained kicking his heels and mein host was not happy although the sight of Jesus (Navas) off the bench did raise spirits slightly.

But then Fernando Torres emerged, missed (twice) and we were in unison once more.

There is something about a certain look which crosses all language barriers. This one said, ‘What on earth has happened to this once legendary player to turn him so quickly from genius to complete buffoon?”

Neither of us has the answer. He added more hilarity by saying England could win the tournament – “Chelsea won the Champions League...” – before admitting the Germans will probably come good, a thought which put us both off our beer. Anyway, it’s the Irish for Spain tonight. Wonder if we will see Negredo? Or perhaps an auxiliary midfielder for 3-7-0?