Spain 4-0 Ireland – Match Recap – Euro 2012 – 14 June 2012
Spain dominated the Irish in a very convincing and comfortable 4-0 victory. The biggest positive for Spain will be Fernando Torres scoring two goals and appearing to slowly finding his form of a few seasons ago when he was considered an elite striker.
Torres started things off quickly with a fourth minute goal and had his second in the 70th minute. Both were solid finishes and chances that he has struggled to convert during the last few years. The Irish did keep the match close as it was 1-0 at halftime but they never really looked capable of challenging Spain.
David Silva scored in the 49th minute to make it 2-0, Torres then made it 3-0, and Cesc Fabregas capped things off with an 82nd minute goal. Spain’s ability to control possession wore down the Irish in the second half and the different between the two sides was clear. It’s a great performance for the defending champions who are in good position to advance to the quarterfinals.
Ireland cannot advance to the next round and been outscored 7-1 in their two group stage matches.
Spain will finish the group stage with a match against Croatia while Ireland faces Italy. Both matches will take place on Monday at 20:45 local time.
Goals (including penalty kick chances)
| Spain | Ireland |
|---|---|
| Fernando Torres (4′) | |
| David Silva (49′) | |
| Fernando Torres (70′) | |
| Cesc Fábregas (82′) |
Teams
Spain (4-5-1) - Casillas; Arbeloa, Ramos, Piqué, Alba; Xabi Alonso (Martinez 65′), Busquets; Silva, Xavi, Iniesta (Cazorla 80′); Torres (Fabregas 74′)
Ireland (4-4-2) - Given; O’Shea, St. Ledger, Dunne, Ward; Duff (McClean 76′), Andrews, Whelan (Green 80′), McGeady; Cox (Walters 45′), Keane
Yellow Cards
Keane 36′
Whelan 45′
Alonso 54′
Red Cards
None
Match Stats
Spain Ireland
| 27(15) | Shots (on Goal) | 6(2) |
| 10 | Fouls | 15 |
| 9 | Corner Kicks | 2 |
| 5 | Offsides | 2 |
| 76% | Time of Possession | 24% |
| 2 | Yellow Cards | 3 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 2 | Saves | 11 |
