DPA

GDANSK, POLAND WITH a striker reinstituted into their starting line-up, title-holders Spain cruised to their first victory at Euro 2012 on Thursday, beating Ireland 4-0 on two goals by Fernando Torres and eliminating the Irish from group C
After Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque did not include an attacker in his first XI of the opening draw against Italy, Torres began the game up front and opened with a tally in the fourth minute. David Silva doubled the Spanish lead after 49 minutes. Torres struck again in the 70th minute and substitute Cesc Fabregas finished the scoring after 83 minutes in steady rain at Arena Gdansk in Gdansk, Poland.

The reigning champions, who had 66 per cent ball possession in the game, now have four points in group C, even with Croatia, while Italy have two points and Ireland were eliminated from the tournament with two losses.

The final group matches are on Monday as Spain faces Croatia and Italy tackles Ireland. Del Bosque spent the past few days being asked why he didn’t include a striker against Italy and fending off speculation about who would start if there was an attacker in the first XI.

Torres took the honors and re-paid his coach’s trust.