Spain will meet Italy in next Thursday's second semi-final after beating Nigeria 3-0 in their last group game. Del Bosque's side needed at least a draw to be sure of avoiding a premature meeting with hosts Brazil, and they couldn't have had a better start when Jordi Alba picked up an Iniesta pass and battled through to beat Enyeama with only a couple of minutes on the clock.
Soldado brought a couple of good saves out of the Nigerian keeper and Fàbregas hit the post later in the first half, but the African champions also had their opportunities, Mikel having a shot deflected over the bar and Valdés having to save from Ideye and Akpala.
Ideye failed to convert an easy chance soon after the restart, and Del Bosque turned to Silva and then to Fernando Torres, who had scored four of the goals in the last match against Tahiti. It proved to be an inspired move as the Chelsea striker scored with virtually his first touch of the ball, getting in front of his marker to head in Pedro's cross.
Torres and Pedro went close again later on, but Gambo missed a sitter at the other end when free on goal, and with the match coming to an end Alba ran on to a long clearance to round Enyeama and score his second of the night. (23.06.13)