(http://www.theinfostride.com/cdn/img/afernandotorres2468754b.jpg)
Spain won by a landslide as expected but tiny Tahiti emerged with their reputations enhanced and their dignity intact despite their 10-0 loss to the world and European champions in the Confederations Cup on Thursday.
.
Fernando Torres scored four times, and missed a penalty, David Villa hit three, David Silva two and Juan Mata one as Spain scored double figures for the third time in their history.
.
The outcome of one of the most unlikely matches to take place in a senior Fifa competition was never in doubt and even Tahiti coach Eddy Etaeta said before the game his side's chances of winning were "quite impossible".
.
Despite the Group B hammering, Tahiti played some attractive attacking football against a second-string Spain side that still contained some of the biggest names in European soccer including Sergio Ramos and Pepe Reina.
.
"Often inferior teams look to break up the game and get aggressive, they play without spirit or hope.
.
Standards aside, Tahiti showed a great example of how to go about playing football," Torres told Spain's Telecinco television after a record Confederations Cup victory.
.
"We have tried to show them respect in every sense. We tried to play well, to play simple football, and to score goals and these goals will be important for the next stage."
.
Tahiti's first meeting with European opposition was more of an occasion than a match in many respects, and the fans created a superb atmosphere in the newly refurbished Maracana, the venue for next year's World Cup final.