The favorites scored early on an absolutely brilliant move. Jordi Alba finished it off after a great run from his left back spot and a setup by Andres Iniesta, but it was the epitome of a team goal. Spain started the attack from inside of their own half and the goal featured a four-pass sequence of consecutive one-touch passes.
Most probably expected Spain to pass in circles and comfortably hang onto their one-goal lead for a bit after that, like they did against Uruguay, but they faced a surprising amount of pressure from Nigeria. The Super Eagles were probably the better side until the half-hour mark or so, but they failed to make their chances count. Spain got it together late in the first half and Cesc Fabregas missed a great chance, putting a shot off the post off a great setup by Roberto Soldado.
Ideye Brown looked to have an equalizer in the 51st minute after a cross came into the box, but missed his attempt. That would be the last great chance Nigeria would get while in with a serious shot to win the game. In the 62nd minute, shortly after Fernando Torres entered the game for Spain, the Chelsea striker scored with a diving header off a cross by Pedro to put his team ahead 2-0 and put Nigeria away.
Alba put the exclamation point on Spain's win in the 89nd minute, scoring a tap-in on a brilliant weaving effort that saw him beat multiple defenders, then round the keeper to complete a brace.
