Spain's Torres sparkles as Irish eliminated

Spain's Fernando Torres celebrates after scoring a goal against Ireland during their Group C Euro 2012 soccer match at PGE Arena in Gdansk, June 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Stylish Torres

Torres quickly made an impact on his recall to the Spanish side when he was quickest to a loose ball after defender Richard Dunne tackled Silva. He rounded Stephen Ward and hit an angled shot high into the net past the helpless Given.

It was his first tournament goal since scoring the winner against Germany in the Euro 2008 final.

Silva got the second when Given parried an Andres Iniesta shot into his path, and then played Torres clean through for him to slot his 30th international goal into the bottom right corner. He is now Spain's third highest all-time scorer.

Fabregas fired Spain's fourth goal in off a post from a tight angle nine minutes after replacing Torres, whose name was chanted by the Spanish fans as the final whistle neared.

Ireland's Aiden McGeady falls down during their Group C Euro 2012 soccer match against Spain at the PGE Arena in Gdansk, June 14, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

Russia to appeal

Russia said they would do all they could to head off any punishment over their Group A match against the Czech Republic in Wroclaw last Friday after Russian fans set off and threw fireworks and displayed illicit banners during the 4-1 triumph.

UEFA, European soccer's governing body, also meted out punishment to the German and Portuguese football associations over incidents during a Group B match on Saturday.

The German federation was fined 10,000 euros ($12,600) after Germany fans threw what appeared to be rolled up pieces of paper at Portugal players on several occasions during the first half.

The Portuguese association was fined 5,000 euros for delaying the start of the second half in Lviv.