Republic of Ireland have become the first team to be eliminated from Euro 2012 after a brace from Fernando Torres helped Spain to a 4-0 victory in Gdansk.
The Chelsea striker grabbed his first goal of the game in the fourth minute. He dispossessed Richard Dunne on the edge of the area before striking right-footed past Shay Given.
Despite a number of attempts at goal, Spain had to wait until the second half to stretch their lead.
Some quick one-touch passing in and around Ireland's box saw the Spaniards queuing up to shoot, and it was David Silva who kept a cool head to roll the ball past a despairing Given.
Spain might have gone even further ahead moments later had it not been for a great stop from Given, who sprung into action to deny Xavi.
Torres doubled his tally in the 70th minute after running onto Silva's through ball and slotting confidently past Given, putting the game beyond any doubt.
Cesc Fabregas came off the bench to replace Torres, and added insult to injury with a sweetly-struck fourth in the 83rd minute.
The winning margin means that Spain now leapfrog Croatia at the top of Group C with a better goal difference.
Michael Penkman
