Fernando Torres was back to his best as Spain routed Republic of Ireland 4-0 to go top of Group C in Gdansk.
Torres, left out of the starting line-up in the previous game against Italy, scored two wonderful goals to guide Spain to an overwhelming victory against a sloppy Irish team.
In the earlier game, Croatia drew with Italy 1-1.
The Chelsea striker grabbed the first in the fourth minute after latching onto a loose ball in the penalty area and then smashing an unstoppable striker past Irish goalkeeper Shay Given.
Spain created chance after chance in the first half, having 14 shots with 10 of them on target. However, somehow, the Irish held on as the game headed into the second half with Spain just 1-0 ahead.
That changed quickly enough. A hard drive from Andres Iniesta, was parried by Given straight to David Silva, who took his time before placing it into the bottom corner.
Torres got his second with 20 minutes remaining, when he was sent clear by the excellent Silva. The 28-year-old, who missed two one-on-one chances against Italy, made no mistake this time, coolly slotting it past the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Substitute Cesc Fabregas completed the hammering in the 83rd minute, with a fierce shot that went in off the post from an acute angle.
Ireland midfielder Keith Andrews was disappointed by his side's defending. "We tried to say before the game let's learn our lessons but we shot ourselves in the foot again.
"They were silly goals and we didn't learn, but they're such a top side any lapse in concentration is going to hurt you. For the majority of the game we were chasing shadows and we couldn't get near them. They are a fantastic side."
Andrews also paid tribute to the Irish fans, who never let their voice levels go down. "The fans were an absolute credit to their country and unfortunately we have not been able to give them what they deserved.
"We're playing (against Italy) purely for the fans and for our own pride. They've travelled in their thousands.
"With seven or eight minutes to go all you can hear is the Irish fans and we're losing three or 4-0."
Former Ireland captain Roy Keane, however, said the Irish fans deserved more. "I think the players and supporters have to change their mentality. It's just nonsense to say how great the supporters are. The supporters want to see the players do a lot better and not give daft goals away like that.
"Let's change that attitude towards Irish supporters. Let's not kid ourselves, they want to see their team winning. Let's not just go along for the sing-song now and again."
"It was a wake-up call for these players. The goals they gave away tonight at any level were absolutely shocking."
