Spain knock Ireland out of Euro 2012

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Published time: June 14, 2012 20:34
Edited time: June 15, 2012 02:01

Spain have thrashed Ireland 4-0 to take lead of their group at the Euro 2012. With Hibernian officially out of the tournament, Croatia and Italy could still able to leapfrog the reigning World and European champs in the fight for playoffs.

The Spaniards effectively had no problems in their game against Ireland in Gdansk. Fernando Torres broke the deadlock already on the 4th minute as Vicente del Bosque’s charges were steadily pushing the tempo.

Their dominance brought them three more goals in the second half. First David Silva doubled the lead, elegantly firing home a hidden shot, then Torres converted a one-on-one attempt, before Cesc Fabregas fixed the final score at 4-0.

Despite the loss, thousands of Irish fans warmly welcomed the team on the stands after the game. Ireland hasn’t qualified to the major European competition since 1988, and just playing in Poland was a big achievement for Robbie Keane, Shay Given and rest of the squad.

Spanish midfielder David Silva (L) scores during the Euro 2012 championships football match Spain vs Republic of Ireland on June 14, 2012 at the Gdansk Arena. (AFP Photo / Patrik Stollarz)

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Irish fans react at the end of the Euro 2012 championships football match Spain vs Republic of Ireland on June 14, 2012 at the Gdansk Arena (AFP Photo / Patrik Stollarz)

Italy 1-1 Croatia

Italy had numerous first-half chances from Mario Balotelli, Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Cassano, but it was Andrea Pirlo who gave Italy the lead with a curving free kick in the 39th minute. The Italian veteran sent the ball over Croatia's wall and just inside the near post. Croat goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa could only get a weak hand on it when the ball was already inside his net.

Instead of capitalizing on their advantage, the Italians preferred to sit back and absorb Croatia's attacks. And they were punished for being overcautious. Mario Mandzukic found himself unmarked in the box and equalized 18 minutes from time.

Having already claimed three goals at the tournament, the Wolfsburg forward joined Russia’s Alan Dzagoev and Germany’s Mario Gomez on top of the best goalscorers list.

In the final round of group matches on Monday, Italy, with two points after two games, face underdogs Ireland, while Croatia take on Spain with both teams having 4 points.

“The squad is alive and we'll fight to the end,” Italy’s head coach Cesare Prandelli pledged.

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Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic (L) vies with Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during the Euro 2012 championships football match Italy vs Croatia on June 14, 2012 (AFP Photo / Francisco Leong)