Spain v Ireland - in pictures

So much for Group B, the so called group of death; the teams in Group C can hardly rub two Euros together Photograph: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar

He looks like a wally Photograph: Tony O'Brien/Action Images

And here are some more. What's with the brollies, chaps? You're as bad as 'Second Choice Steve'. Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Ireland conceded an early goal in their previous match, a 3-1 defeat to Croatia, so they'll know that defensive solidity is critical tonight Photograph: Leonhard Foeger/Reuters

As well as knowing it they really ought to enforce it. But within four minutes Spain have scored. It's Fernando Torres who poaches the ball from Richard Dunne in the penalty box, skips round his marker and blasts the ball high into the net Photograph: Kamil Krzaczynski/EPA

1-0 to Spain. The scoreline might have been predictable, but the scorer wasn't Photograph: PASCAL LAUENER/REUTERS

Ireland are fierce in the tackle, as Spain's David Silva finds out. But they can't find a riposte to Torres's goal and only a fine save from Shay Given on the cusp of half-time keeps the deficit at one goal. Half-time 1-0 Photograph: Leonhard Foeger/Reuters

What is going on with Ireland at the start of every half? For the fourth half in a row, they've conceded within minutes of kick-off. This time David Silva is the scorer. After dummying twice he slots the ball through Dunne's legs and into the net Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Ireland's methods are somewhat agricultural in comparison to Spain's. Here, Robbie Keane fells Andres Iniesta Photograph: OLIVER WEIKEN/EPA

Torres bags his second goal of the match, beating Given when facing him one-on-one in the 70th minute Photograph: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty Images

After celebrating, the Spaniard is then replaced by Cesc Fabregas ... Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

... who also finds the net with a canny drop of the shoulder and a wickedly powerful shot across the face of the goal Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

As the ball nestles in the net, Ireland's back-line look dispirited Photograph: Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

They came into this tournament with such optimism and with such strength in defence, but they've wilted under pressure Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

So, Ireland are the first team who are definitely heading home from the tournament. Glum faces all round Final score: 4-0 Photograph: Michael Sohn/AP