Spain 4-0 Rep of Ireland: Irrepressible Spain inspired by Fernando Torres

STV

Spain struck early in both halves before turning their dominance into goals against the Republic of Ireland.

Spain raced in to an early lead as Fernando Torres struck in the fourth minute, before a David SIlva goal early in the second period gave Spain breathing space.

Torres struck a second time before being replaced by Cesc Fabergas, who added a fourth goal himself.

Chelsea forward Torres was returned to the starting line-up after missing the Group C opener against Italy. He repaid coach Vicente Del Bosque's faith with a superb finish from ten yards after Richard Dunne struggled to keep up with him.

Ireland had been first to show, a Simon Cox shot testing Iker Cassilas low to the Real Madrid stopper's right.

After the goal, Giovanni Trapattoni's side stabilised the defence but the reigning world and European champions enjoyed the vast majority of possession.

After surviving to half-time at 1-0, Silva's goal gave Ireland a mountain to climb. The Manchester City attacker gather the ball ten yards from goal and curled an effort through three green shirts and beyond Shay Given after 49 minutes.

Xavi could have extended the lead further on 55 minutes, a stunning diving save by Given repelling the Barcelona playmaker's half volley.

After 70 minutes the match was dead as a contest, as Torres raced on to a Silva through-ball to curl the third goal past Given.

Ireland were second best all night and the Spanish toyed with the men in green before striking a fourth time. Fabregas made is first telling contribution, lashing a strike from a tight angle past Given with just seven minutes left on the clock.

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