Clinical: Fernando Torres had a field day against the Irish

Xavi finished one of the umpteen intricate moves with a low shot Given gathered and had another shot blocked by Dunne. The last act of the first half was a superb one-handed save from Given to keep out an Andres Iniesta drive.

Ireland could say they were content with Spain keeping possession and failing to seriously hurt them, but they struggled to keep the ball on the rare occasions they had it.

And three minutes into the  second period Silva virtually walked Spain’s second into the net after Given, who had already made a save from Arbeloa, parried a Torres shot into the City midfielder’s path.

He mesmerised Dunne, Sean St Ledger and Ward in the process, then side-footed simply past the helpless Ireland No 1, through Dunne’s legs, just to add insult to the agony.

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