La Roja give Ireland the runaround

Bewitched, bothered, bewildered — and beaten out of sight.

Ireland’s early exit from Euro 2012 was confirmed by a painfully emphatic Spanish win last night, as the world and European champions turned on the style to put four past an Irish side which only had blood, sweat and, in the end, tears, to offer as an answer to sublime Iberian artistry.

Only in the stands did Ireland reign over Spain, the massive Green Army as unstinting as ever in its passionate support of the men on the pitch but, by the end, as The Fields Of Athenry rolled around the stadium, the occasion had taken on all the trappings of a wake for an Irish team. They came to this competition with hopes of springing a surprise or two but now, having shipped a whopping seven goals in just two games, must head to Poznan for Monday’s match against Italy looking only for a chance to reclaim some self-respect.