FORTALEZA, Brazil — World Cup champion Spain defeated Nigeria 3-0 on Sunday behind two goals from Jordi Alba and another from Fernando Torres, setting up a semifinal showdown with Italy in the Confederations Cup.
Spain extended its unbeaten string to 25 matches. Italy will be trying to avenge a humiliating 4-0 loss to Spain in last year's European championship final.
Alba scored in the third minute to set the wide-open tone for the match. The goal capped a series of one-touch passes — Pedro backheeled a ball to Andres Iniesta, who found Alba. His low shot beat goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.
Torres scored with a header in the 62nd minute and Alba's second goal came in the 88th.
