GDANSK, Poland (AP) ― Fernando Torres scored a goal in each half Thursday to give Spain a 4-0 win over Ireland and eliminate the Irish from the European Championship.

David Silva and substitute Cesc Fabregas also scored second-half goals as the defending champions improved to four points in Group C, the same as co-leader Croatia.

Spain dominated the tempo and scoring opportunities through its quick combinations, taking 26 shots and putting the team on course for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Torres, who scored in the Euro 2008 final, put Spain ahead early after dispossessing Richard Dunne inside the area and scurrying past Stephen Ward before sending an angled shot over goalkeeper Shay Given in the fourth minute.

“We wanted to win, to make a better impression than we did against Italy,” said Torres, who became Spain’s third leading scorer with 30 goals in 95 appearances. “The performance of the team was really good. It was great.” 

Torres started over Fabregas as the World Cup champions fielded a traditional striker after the attack was led by six midfielders against the Italians.

The goal was the start of Spain’s assault on the Irish, who had started well with Simon Cox forcing Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas into a tricky save in only the second minute.

Italy held to 1-1 draw

POZNAN, Poland (AP) ― Italy sat back and paid for it Thursday in a 1-1 draw with Croatia at the European Championship.

Andrea Pirlo gave Italy the lead with a curving free kick in the 39th minute but Mario Mandzukic was left unmarked to equalize in the 72nd.

Italy had numerous other first-half chances from Mario Balotelli, Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Cassano, but the Azzurri lacked finishing quality.

Balotelli, in particular, appeared hesitant and missed one opportunity after another. And this time, second-half replacement Antonio Di Natale never really had a chance to score.

“If you can’t finish it off, of course you’re going to have regrets,” said Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, who will likely be questioned for sticking with Balotelli up front.