SuperSport

SuperSportUefa Euro 2012

Spain's Fernando Torres defied his critics with a brace on Thursday, as the European and world champions outclassed the Republic of Ireland 4-0 to move level on points with Croatia, who drew with Italy.

Entertainers

General view of the entertainment before the game © Reuters Images

Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo takes a free kick for Italy's first goal © Reuters Images

David Silva

David Silva (L) celebrates after scoring the second goal for Spain © Reuters Images

Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo celebrates his goal for Italy © Reuters Images

Ognjen Vukojevic and Ivan Perisic

Croatia's Ognjen Vukojevic (L) and Ivan Perisic as a flare is set off during © Reuters Images

Mario Mandzukic and Mario Balotelli

Battle of the Super Marios: Mario Mandzukic and Mario Balotelli © Reuters Images

Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres celebrates scoring the third goal for Spain © Reuters Images

Mario Balotell

Italy's Mario Balotelli looks dejected after being substituted © Reuters Images

Mario Mandzukic

Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring the first goal for Croatia © Reuters Images

Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas

Spain's Fernando Torres (L) is substituted by Cesc Fabregas © Reuters Images

Cesc Fabregas and Gerard Pique

Spain's Cesc Fabregas (2nd R) celebrates with Gerard Pique after scoring a goal against Ireland © Reuters Images

Richard Dunne and Keith Andrew

Ireland's Richard Dunne (R) and Keith Andrews (L) look dejected during the match © Reuters Images

General view of the entertainment before the game © Reuters Images

Andrea Pirlo takes a free kick for Italy's first goal © Reuters Images

David Silva (L) celebrates after scoring the second goal for Spain © Reuters Images

Andrea Pirlo celebrates his goal for Italy © Reuters Images

Croatia's Ognjen Vukojevic (L) and Ivan Perisic as a flare is set off during © Reuters Images

Battle of the Super Marios: Mario Mandzukic and Mario Balotelli © Reuters Images

Fernando Torres celebrates scoring the third goal for Spain © Reuters Images

Italy's Mario Balotelli looks dejected after being substituted © Reuters Images

Mario Mandzukic celebrates after scoring the first goal for Croatia © Reuters Images

Spain's Fernando Torres (L) is substituted by Cesc Fabregas © Reuters Images

Spain's Cesc Fabregas (2nd R) celebrates with Gerard Pique after scoring a goal against Ireland © Reuters Images

Ireland's Richard Dunne (R) and Keith Andrews (L) look dejected during the match © Reuters Images