Torres scores hat-trick as Spain beat NZ 5-0 in Confed Cup

red rush! Spanish players celebrate after Fernando Torres' (grounded) first goal against New Zealand yesterday. Torres scored a hat-trick as Spain won 5-0. pic/AFP

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick within 17 minutes of kick-off as tournament favourites Spain routed New Zealand 5-0 at a half-full Rustenburg Stadium.
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In Johannesburg, the hosts wasted several scoring chances as Iraq held out 0-0.

Down to business
Spain wasted little time getting down to business, forcing a corner on four minutes and Torres scored off a Cesc Fabregas pass soon after to trigger a rout of the All Whites. He curled the ball into the net for his first, sidefooted it home for the second, and headed the third before Arsenal midfielder Fabregas was set up by Juan Capdevila for the fourth midway through the opening half.

"We did what we had to do, we started with a good rhythm and played good football and were leading 4-0 after 24 minutes. The second half was a question of saving energy for our next match," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. Torres added: "It was great for the team and for me it is always important to score. I got three so I'm very happy."

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