In a hectic start, Ireland put it up to Spain and sounded an early warning when Robbie Keane broke down the left and curled a shot just wide of the far post after two minutes.

Spain looked menacing in front of the Ireland goal and got in easily after just seven minutes when Morientes headed in from an Enrique cross from the right wing.

Ireland kept their heads after the early disaster and continued to push. Kilbane came close after 12 minutes - his shot going narrowly wide - while Keane continued to look dangerous.

However, Spain were all class going forward and began to get on top of the game towards the middle of the half as they got to grips with Ireland's twin strike force, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane.

It looked like they had doubled their lead on 26 minutes, but their goal was ruled out for offside.

The shock seemed to wake Ireland up, and they enjoyed a spell of pressure which saw good work from Duff and Keane, but yielded nothing in terms of goals.

Keane did have a half chance shortly before the break but his attempt to chip the keeper went well over.