Euro 2012: David Silva and the Men of the Match from Spain vs. Ireland

Luck ran out for the Irish today as they were thrashed 4-0 by Spain and promptly eliminated from the tournament—the first team out.

It never looked like a contest, with two goals coming from under-fire Fernando Torres and a goal each for David Silva and substitute Cesc Fabregas. Ireland rarely attacked; even when the Irish went forward, they rarely looked threatening. 

So, after a dominating performance from Spain, here are the Men of the Match from Ireland vs. Spain.

Let's do it. 

Honorable Mention: Shay Given, Ireland

Yep. The guy who let in four goals tonight gets an honorable mention. It's a testament to how poorly Ireland capitulated to big scary Spain.

To be fair, Given was screened on David Silva's goal and you'll be hard-pressed to find a keeper that could've kept out Torres' second goal.

The Aston Villa goalie also has some good saves throughout the game, including a brilliant instinctual save in the 55th minute. 

However, four goals is four goals. Torres' first goal could have been tipped and Fabregas' shot went between Given's arm and leg. 

Bummer man. 

Honorable Mention: Aiden McGeady, Ireland

Aiden McGeady represented Ireland's best chance to launch counterattacks against the organized Spanish defense and play Robbie Keane and Simon Cox/Jon Walters into the box.

Unfortunately, Spain dominated possession so much during the game that Ireland couldn't get a hold on the game.

McGeady showed flashes of why he has been so successful in Russia, but failed to make an impact on the wing. 

Honorable Mention: Richard Dunne, Ireland

Richard Dunne is going to have soccer ball imprints all over his body tomorrow; he had so many blocked shots, I cringed every time a ball bounced back.

Dunne was Ireland's best player tonight, attempting to hold together a crumbling back-line that was just leaking goals. 

Third Place: Andres Iniesta, Spain

It really is unfair to single out any of the Spanish players. It was such a complete effort from every member on the pitch.

With that being said, Andres Iniesta performed as he always does—dominating in midfield, forcing every single Spanish attack. 

Runner-Up: Fernando Torres, Spain

Finally, the Fernando Torres of old.

Torres put away two goals in Spain's 4-0 win. After his second goal, you could see the confidence had returned for the Spanish striker.

After putting up with a striker's hell on Earth—unwanted media attention, a long goal-drought, fans of Chelsea and Spain alike voicing their disappointment and outrage—it finally looks like Torres can get his career back on track.

Well done, El Nino. Bravo.

Man of the Match: David Silva, Spain

In a midfield that is dominated by big names such as Iniesta and Xavi, David Silva bossed the game from start to finish.

He constantly found himself in pockets of space behind the holey Irish defense and exploited oodles and oodles of space all over the pitch.

His goal showed off his coolness and exquisite touch in front of goal. 

Silva definitely legitimized his place in the side today.  

Your Thoughts?

Ireland is eliminated, Spain is back to its dominating ways and David Silva gets Man of the Match honors.

Who was your Man of the Match? Let me know in the comments section!

Happy Euros and cheers!