Torres scored twice, Spain defeated Ireland

It was a rain of goals in Gransk as Spain thrashed Ireland 4-0 in their second Group C match at the EURO 2012 finals, with Fernando Torres scoring twice. The emphatic victory saw Spain top Group C on goal difference ahead of Croatia, who drew 1-1 with Italy. Spain now need only a draw with Croatia to secure their place in the next round, while Ireland have become the first team to be eliminated after losing their last two matches.

Despite the game being played in heavy rain, it only took Spain four minutes to open the scoring through Torres. The Chelsea striker repaid coach Vicente del Bosque's faith by returning to the starting line-up with some fine handling in the box before unleashing a decisive shot past Shay Given, after a mistake by the Irish defenders.

Torres quenched his thirst with a double (Source: AP)

Compared to the match against Italy, Del Bosque decided to put Torres on the field to replace Cesc Fabregas, and clearly the presence of a true striker helped Spain appear sharper when approaching the opponent's goal.

But it must be admitted that Ireland were too weak compared to the defending champions. After conceding an early goal, Giovanni Trapattoni's team did not give up and fought back fiercely. But they could only hold out until the end of the first half.

In the beginning of the second half, David Silva quickly raised the score to 2-0 and this goal completely defeated the opponent's will.

So it was no surprise that Spain continued to increase the pressure and easily scored two more goals. After completing his double from a fast run in the 70th minute, Torres left the field to make way for Cesc Fabregas.

The Barcelona midfielder did not have to wait long to get his name on the scoreboard again with a cross-angle shot.

Thus, of the 5 goals that Spain has scored since the beginning of the tournament until now, Torres and Fabregas have scored 2 goals each, the remaining goal was scored by Silva. That impressive number is also a warning that Spain sends to all opponents who want to usurp their throne.

Meanwhile, with two losses and seven goals conceded, Ireland have officially had to say goodbye to the tournament. However, the result of their final match against Italy still has a direct impact on the two tickets to the quarterfinals of Group C.

Spain - Ireland 4-0

Spain: Iker Casillas (capt) - Alvaro Arbeloa, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba - Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso (Javi Martinez 65) - David Silva, Fernando Torres (Francesc Fabregas 74), Andres Iniesta (Santiago Cazorla 80)

Ireland: Shay Given - John O'Shea, Richard Dunne, Sean St Ledger, Stephen Ward - Damien Duff (James McClean 76), Keith Andrews, Glenn Whelan (Paul Green 80), Aiden McGeady - Simon Cox (Jonathan Walters 46), Robbie Keane (cap)

Goals: Torres 4, 70, David Silva 49, Fabregas 83

According to (TTXVN) - DT