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Gdansk: A powerful fourth-minute strike by Fernando Torres gave defending champions Spain a 1-0 lead over Ireland at half-time in their Euro Championships Group C match on Thursday.
Torres punished the Irish defenders who tackled David Silva on the edge of the box but failed to clear quickly.
Torres picked the ball off Richard Dunne, before slamming past Shay Given and firing it into the roof of the net.
This was his first tournament goal since scoring the winner at the Euro 2008 final.
As expected, world and European champions Spain dominated possession with Ireland struggling to keep up with the dizzying pace.
But Ireland have stood firm since conceding and have not allowed Spain many clear cut chances.
However, Spain look very comfortable and will be hoping to put the game beyond Ireland early in the second half.
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