GDANSK, Poland (Sporting Alert) — Fernando Torres has been handed a starting place in Spain XI for their Euro 2012 Group C clash against Ireland on Thursday night.
The 2012 Euro tournament started on Friday, June 8 – games will be televised live on ESPN and its networks, including live streaming on
Barcelona attacking midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who scored the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Italy in the first game, has made way for the Chelsea forward, who continues to struggle this season.
Spain, which played a bizarre 4-6-0 formation in the opening game, also included Barcelona’s trio Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Xavi in the starting team, while Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso and Manchester City’s playmaker David Silva have also been included.
Meanwhile, as expected, have dropped forward Kevin Doyle to the bench and he makes way for Simon Cox, who will partner Robbie Keane in the front line.
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Spain vs Rep of Ireland
Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Alonso, Silva, Torres, Iniesta
Subs: Valdes, Albiol, Javi Martinez, Juanfran, Pedro, Fabregas, Negredo, Mata, Llorente, Santi Cazorla, Jesus Navas, Reina
Rep of Ireland: Given, O’Shea, St, Ledger, Dunne, Ward, Duff, Andrews, Whelan, McGeady, Cox, Keane
Subs: Westwood, Doyle, Kelly, McShane, Walters, Gibson, Hunt, O’Dea, Long, Green, McClean, Forde
Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)
