17 Jun 2009

All Whites lose to Spain

8:01 am on 17 June 2009

New Zealand's been given a football lesson from the world's top team Spain, who've beaten the All Whites 5-0 in their opening Group A match at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Spain took only five minutes to score against the 82nd-ranked New Zealanders at Rustenberg with the Liverpool striker Fernando Torres completing his hat-trick in the 17th minute.

Cesc Fabregas saw Spain to a 4-0 half-time lead and David Villa scored three minutes into the second spell.

After giving the World Cup holders Italy a fright in their final warm-up match, the All Whites had no answer to speed and skills of Spain, who dominated possession.

Earlier South Africa blew several chances to beat the Asian champions Iraq and the game ended in a goalless draw.