Champions off and running

Spain - 4, Liechtenstein - 0

World champions Spain began the defence of their European Championship title with a thumping 4-0 win over outclassed Liechtenstein in Vaduz this evening.

Fernando Torres struck twice while David Villa and substitute David Silva were also on the scoresheet as the world's top-ranked side, who this summer added the World Cup to the European crown they won two years ago in Austria and Switzerland, kicked off their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in impressive style.

Vicente del Bosque's side, who have now won 52 of 57 matches since 2006, scored two brilliant goals in the first half through Torres and Villa but could have had many more after cutting open the home defence time and again.

They added the gloss in the second half to get their Group I campaign off and running in style.

In tonight's other game, Scotland failed to capitalise on their territorial advantage in Lithuania as Craig Levein's competitive debut as manager ended goalless.

The Scots looked solid and comfortable in possession but they failed to find the breakthrough despite some decent opportunities.

Barry Robson forced several saves from long range, Kenny Miller headed straight at the keeper from 12 yards and Steven Naismith lacked conviction when presented with a shooting chance on the edge of the box.

Czech Republic, the fifth team in Group I, are not in action until next week's midweek matches.