Leicester City defender Sean St Ledger once again featured for the Republic of Ireland but was unable to help prevent a 4-0 defeat to Spain, which sees them the first team to be knocked out of the European Championships.
Two goals from Fernando Torres and strikes from David Silva and Cesc Fabregas were enough for the World and European Champions as they dominated the match throughout, finishing the game with a remarkable 78% of possession and 27 shots on goal.
Ireland once again got off to a slow start, this time conceding after four minutes. After hesitation in the Irish defence, Chelsea striker Torres nipped in and shot across goalkeeper Shay Given.
Many thought that Spain would go on to score more and that the game would be over by half time, but the Irish stood firm. Spain did create chances but through wasteful shooting and Irish resilient defending by getting ten men behind the ball, the score was kept to just 1-0.
But just like the first game against Croatia, the Irish came out for the second half and had conceded again minutes later. David Silva showed great composure around desperate Irish defending to hit the ball past Given and double Spain's lead.
It was now looking almost impossible for Ireland to get anything from the game, such was Spain's dominance. The game was well and truly over when Torres scored hs second, chipping the ball past Given.
The rout was complete when Barcelona midfielder Fabregas drove from a tight angle and scored off the post.
The result, coupled with Croatia's 1-1 draw with Italy earlier in the day, means the Irish cannot qualify for the quarter finals. They will, however, have pride at stake as they play their final group game against Italy on Monday.
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Alba, Iniesta (Cazorla 79), Xavi, Alonso (Javi Martinez 65), Busquets, Silva, Torres (Fabregas 74).
Ireland: Given, O'Shea, St.Ledger, Dunne, Ward, McGeady, Whelan (Green 80), Andrews, Duff (McClean 76), Keane, Cox (Walters 46)
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