Torres scores, Spain leads Italy 1-0 at halftime

Published Jun. 14, 2012 4:34 p.m. ET

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Fernando Torres scored an early goal Thursday to give Spain a 1-0 lead over Italy at halftime at the European Championship.

Torres, who started up front over Cesc Fabregas, dispossessed Richard Dunne inside the area and scurried past Stephen Ward before sending an angled shot over goalkeeper Shay Given in the fourth minute.

Spain, which has won its last 58 matches after scoring first, controlled possession after that as Torres nearly added a second goal six minutes later.

David Silva failed to capitalize on a number of opportunities while Given saved shots from Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and Gerard Pique, who headed a clear chance wide in the 26th.

Earlier, Croatia and Italy drew 1-1 in the other Group C match.