Spain's national football team have crushed Ireland in a Group C match at Euro 2012.

Fernando Torres scored a goal in each half, and David Silva and substitute Cesc Fabregas added the others as Spain beat Ireland 4-0 and eliminated the Irish from the European Championship with its most lopsided loss in 41 years.

Spain, which leads Group C along with Croatia with four points, dominated the tempo and scoring opportunities through its quick combinations and precise passing. The defending champions completed an incredible 779 passes and took 26 shots - 20 of them on goal - in a performance that put it 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.

While Ireland enjoyed a brief spell of chances in the second half, with Casillas stretching to save a shot from Robbie Keane in the 75th, it was Torres who ran on to Silva's pass and held off Dunne's pressure to shoot around Given in the 70th.

Fabregas, who scored against Italy while playing in an unlikely attacking role, received Silva's corner at the near side and sent a shot off the inside of the far post to complete the rout in the 83rd.

Ireland will play its final match against Italy, which has two points and needs of a victory to advance to the quarterfinals. Spain can advance with a draw against Croatia on Monday.

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