Nigeria

0 vs 3

Spain

Played
June 23, 2013 8:00 PM WAT
Estádio Governador Plácido Aderaldo Castelo — Fortaleza, Ceará
Referee:‬ J. Aguilar‎
Attendance:‬ 51263‎

 

 

Jordi Alba 3′

 

Fernando Torres 62′

 

Jordi Alba 88′

 

Player Ratings: Nigeria 0-3 Spain

Alba, Torres and Iniesta get top marks for scintillating performances, while Joseph Akpala was wasteful as the African side head home after elimination

By Eric Gomez in Fortaleza

Comments

Nigeria

2.39

6

4

• 
  19

  2

  Vincent Enyeama

  An excellent performance from the Maccabi Tel-Aviv keeper, who repeatedly denied Spain despite being beaten three times.
• 
  9

  7

  Godfrey Oboabona

  Repeatedly tested (and beaten) by Spain's classy attackers, the Sunshine Stars man was unable to keep up with the quick attacks of the world champions.
• 
  9

  2

  Uwa Elderson Echiejile

  The Braga man struggled to hold his own against Soldado and Fabregas, who attacked his side consistently.
• 
  5

  4

  E. Ambrose

  Credited with starting most of Nigeria's attacks on the right wing, but he was completely out of sync defensively.
• 
  11

  3

  Kenneth Omeruo

  Unfortunate outing for Omeruo, who had to be subbed out after suffering an early injury.
• 
  53

  6

  John Obi Mikel

  Mikel is all class, all the time. Despite slowing down a touch in the second half, the Chelsea player was once again the main man for the Super Eagles.
• 
  5

  3

  Fegor Ogude

  Ogude was no match for Spain's trio of Barcelona midfielders in Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets in the middle.
• 
  9

  3

  Sunday Mba

  Relentless in the midfield. Mba and Mikel combined for some of Nigeria's best plays at the Castelao.
• 
  10

  11

  Ahmed Musa

  Steady on the wing, but quiet for long spells despite Nigeria's constant offensive pestering.
• 
  4

  21

  B. Ideye

  A mixed bag. Created plenty of danger up front, but constantly passed up the clear chances presented to him.
• 
  4

  18

  Joseph Akpala Flop of the Match

  The Werder Bremen striker was supplied with many passes throughout the match, but lacked the calm and steady foot to bury one.

Substitutions

• 
  7

  4

  Azubuike Egwueke

  An acceptable performance coming on for Omeruo early in the first half. Held his ground against La Roja's class.
• 
  6

  4

  John Ogochukwu Ogu

  Could have been booked for a harsh tackle on Xavi in midfield.
• 
  4

  12

  Mohammed Gambo

  Nigeria's last sub was asked to generate some effective finishing, he rarely got the chance to try.

Spain

3.25

15

0

• 
  2

  7

  Víctor Valdés

  Did the job when he was asked, and stopped a pair of good strikes in the first half that could've swayed things.
• 
  2

  7

  Piqué

  Looked to be confused at times with fellow central defender Ramos, but recovered to halt the Super Eagles' advances.
• 
  4

  3

  Sergio Ramos

  Looked overwhelmed by Nigerian speed early on but did an excellent job of closing down attackers when it mattered.
• 
  3

  4

  Arbeloa

  Quiet, effective game from the Real Madrid man offensively, but defensively, could have been more dependable.
• 
  12

  5

  Jordi Alba Top of the Match

  A brilliant brace from the Barcelona full-back, bursting through to open the scoring, and still had the energy to run on and give the scoreline extra gloss.
• 
  11

  6

  Andrés Iniesta Luján

  The midfield maestro at work. Iniesta was once again the supreme commander of Spain's offensive play, drifting seamlessly across the pitch.
• 
  4

  8

  Xavi

  Paired up with Iniesta as usual to provide the match with much-appreciated midfield flair.
• 
  6

  7

  Cesc Fàbregas

  Started out strong, but faded away as time went on, and missed a sitter, hitting the post when it appeared easier to score.
• 
  4

  7

  Busquets

  There's a reason why Nigeria seemed far more dangerous when attacking on the wings - Busquets proved to be too strong in the middle.
• 
  3

  5

  Pedro

  Great performance from the Barcelona man that would have been capped off had he put away one of his chances.
• 
  2

  9

  Roberto Soldado

  Lost out on a golden opportunity to put pressure on regular starters Villa and Torres, squandering two first half chances.

Substitutions

• 
  5

  5

  David Silva

  Excellent spell off the bench for one of the Premier League's best.
• 
  5

  5

  David Villa

  Unable to display his usual talents in front of goal thanks to Spain taking its foot off the gas pedal.
• 
  28

  6

  Fernando Torres

  The Kid's return to form continues. Spectacular goal off the bench put the game to bed. ------------------- goal.com