(CNN) -- Fernando Torres rediscovered his scoring touch as Spain soared to the top of Euro 2012 Group C and knocked the Republic of Ireland out of the tournament. 

The much-maligned striker, who spurned several chances in Spain's opening game against Italy, scored twice as the defending champions cruised to a 4-0 win in Gdansk. 

Strikes from David Silva and Cesc Fabregas helped to see off Giovanni Trapattoni's Ireland, who become the first team eliminated from Euro 2012. 

In Thursday's other game in Group C, Croatia fought back to hold Italy to a 1-1 draw. 

The Italians dominated the first half and evergreen playmaker Andrea Pirlo put his side in front with an exquisite free-kick. 

But in-form striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored twice in Croatia's first match, brought his tournament tally to three with an emphatic finish to earn a point. 

Spain 4-0 Ireland 

Fernando Torres bagged a much-needed double as Spain thrashed the Republic of Ireland and cemented their status as Euro 2012 favorites. 

After being frustrated by Italy in their opening game, Vicente Del Bosque's world champions looked close to their best in a display that dazzled the Irish. 

Giovanni Trapattoni's side struggled to create a meaningful chance in the whole match and they limp out of the tournament following two defeats. 

Spain outclassed their opponents from the first whistle and led after four minutes when Torres skipped away from Richard Dunne's challenge and blasted high into the net. 

Goalkeeper Shay Given kept his side in it until halftime, making several saves as the Spanish controlled possession and created chances at will. 
Who rose to the top in the Euro 2012 Group C games?
Who did they beat?
Who helped with that?
Was Ireland the first team out of the tournament?
Was there another game that day?
Who played?
Was it a tie?
Who was described as having an exquisite free-kick?
Who scored 2 times in Croatia's first match?
Did he score again?
How many times?
What was the Spain-Ireland score?
Who sealed Spains win to Ireland?
What was Spain's status?
How long into the game was Spain winning?
Who scored?
Who was the goaly?
How many saves did he make?
Who did Torres steal away from to score?
Was someone frustrated by Italy in the opening game?
Spain
Spain soared to the top of Euro 2012 Group C and knocked the Republic of Ireland out of the tournament. 

Republic of Ireland
 Spain soared to the top of Euro 2012 Group C and knocked the Republic of Ireland out of the tournament. 

Fernando Torres
Fernando Torres rediscovered his scoring touch as Spain soared to the top
Yes
Ireland, who become the first team eliminated from Euro 2012. 
Yes
In Thursday's other game in Group C
Croatia and Italy
, Croatia fought back to hold Italy 
Yes
Croatia fought back to hold Italy to a 1-1 draw.
Andrea Pirlo
Andrea Pirlo put his side in front with an exquisite free-kick. 
Mario Mandzukic,
But in-form striker Mario Mandzukic, who scored twice in Croatia's first match
Yes
brought his tournament tally to three with an emphatic finish to earn a point
once more
brought his tournament tally to three with an emphatic finish to earn a point
4-0
Spain 4-0 Ireland 

bagged a much-needed double as Spain thrashed the Republic of Ireland
Fernando Torres bagged a much-needed double as Spain thrashed the Republic of Ireland 
Euro 2012 favorites.
cemented their status as Euro 2012 favorites. 
after four minutes
Spain outclassed their opponents from the first whistle and led after four minutes
Torres
Torres skipped away from Richard Dunne's challenge and blasted high into the net. 
Shay Given
Goalkeeper Shay Given 
several
, making several saves 
Richard Dunne
 Torres skipped away from Richard Dunne's challenge 
Yes
After being frustrated by Italy in their opening game,