Spain east past Nigeria, set up Italy semifinal

Reigning world and European champions Spain overcame a plucky Nigeria side in their third and final group game to keep a 100 per cent record, going into their semifinal clash with Italy in the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. La Roja won against the Africans 3-0, with Jordi Alba netting twice, and Fernando Torres continuing his rich vein of form in front of goal with his fifth goal of the tournament.

However, the Chelsea man and David Villa were left out for Roberto Soldado in Spain’s starting lineup, while Victor Valdes kept in goal ahead of Pepe Reina and Iker Casillas. A host of changes were made throughout the side, as first-team regulars returned, leaving out most of the players who were a part of Spain’s romping of Tahiti.

Valdes’ club teammate Alba broke the parity early in the game, as the Barcelona leftback played his way past a swarm of Nigeria defenders before sliding the ball into the net in the third minute.

However, Nigeria managed to pass a multitude of chances thereafter, starting with John Obi Mikel, who almost got his second in two games, only for his shot to be deflected by Gerard Pique over the post.

Joseph Akpala headed straight at Valdes from Efe Ambrose’s cross, while Jospeh Ideye could have done better with an Ambrose cutback seven minutes before half-time.

Ideye failed to finish on 52 minutes after Valdes fumbled Ahmed Musaab’s cross, and Gambo mishit a volley wide after being played in by the dangerous Musaab, the team’s best chance of the game.

Torres scored his goal from a diving header in the second half off Pedro’s cross, while Alba found himself splitting the offside trap from a deep David Villa freekick before rounding the keeper and slotting the ball home.

Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi said after the game that while the 90 minutes were a “learning curve against a very good team, a three-goal victory did not reflect the game.”

Del Bosque said: “It was a difficult match. [Nigeria] were excellent opponents who really challenged for the ball. Though we finally won, both teams should have scored more goals.”

Teams:

Nigeria: Enyeama, Oboabona, Echiejile, Ambrose, Omeruo, Mikel, Ogude, Mba, Musa, Ideye, Akpala…subs: Ogu, Egwueke, Gambo

Spain: Valdes, Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pique, Jordi Alba, Xavi, Busquets, Iniesta, Pedro, Fabregas, Soldado..subs: Villa, Torres, Silva

Final Scoreline:

Spain 3 – 0 Nigeria