Spain Reach Semis With Win Over Nigeria

[Folami David]

World champions Spain survived a first- half pounding by Nigeria before securing their Confederations Cup semifinals with a 3-0 win over the African champions who were eliminated on Sunday.
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A superb individual goal from Jordi Alba, one of eight Barcelona players in the starting line-up, put Spain ahead after three minutes before Fernando Torres took his tournament tally to five with a 62nd minute diving header, three minutes after replacing Roberto Soldado.
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Spain were given a good examination by hard- running Nigeria for most of the first half, but poor finishing cost the Super Eagles any chance of a victory. Alba rounded off Spain's win with his second goal in the 88th minute.
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Spain took almost total control after the restart and will face Italy, who they beat 4-0 in last year's Euro 2012 final, in Thursday's semifinal in Fortaleza after completing Group B with a maximum nine points.
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Nigeria finished third with three points from their win over Tahiti.

[Shola Sholaz]

They deserve that spot cos they did very well to beat Nigeria. Jordi Alba had the best performance...