A brace from Jordi Alba and a comprehensive team performance from Spain saw them beat Nigeria 3-0 in their Group B 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup match at the Estadio Castelao on Sunday night, and consequently sent the Africans home.

The result sees Spain top the group and into the semifinals where they will face Italy.

For Nigeria, they knew nothing but a win over the Spaniards would see them with a chance of qualifying for the semifinals.

The writing, though, seemed to be on the wall from as early as the third minute when Alba gave Spain the lead.

Some slack defending from the Nigerians saw Alba skip past a number of players to leave himself with just the keeper to beat and he made no mistake with a clinical finish, 1-0.

After going behind, however, Nigeria pulled up their socks and managed to hold their own for the rest of the half. Still, they struggled to create chances in front of goal as Spain’s defence proved hard to crack.

The second 45, though, saw Nigeria’s concerted effort come to an end as Fernando Torres doubled Spain’s lead with a clinical header after latching onto a Pedro cross, 2-0.

The result was put beyond doubt two minutes from time when Alba completed his brace after breaking the offside trap before rounding the keeper and slotting home, 3-0.
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