Spain, Italy qualify for Euro 2012; Netherlands, England close in on berths

As the Euro 2012 qualifying round winds down, the cream is rising to the top.

Defending champion Spain and Italy joined Germany as powerhouses to qualify for next summer's tournament finals after victories over Lichtenstein and Slovenia, respectively, on Tuesday.

David Villa and Alvaro Negredo each netted braces in Spain's 6-0 victory that cemented the nation's place atop Group I, while Giampaolo Pazzini's late goal gave Italy a 1-0 win and guaranteed first place atop Group C.

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