Torres leads Spain's surge against All Whites

A sublime Fernando Torres hat trick inside 17 minutes headlined a Spanish footballing masterclass today as the European champions routed New Zealand 5-0 in their Confederations Cup opener in South Africa.

The world No 1 ranked side simply toyed with the All Whites, loping to an early lead on the back of the Liverpool striker's triple strike before sitting back and indulging in a virtual training run at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Optimistic after holding world champions Italy to a 4-3 margin in their final warm-up game last week, the All Whites were powerless to prevent the tournament favourites notching a 13th straight victory -- though New Zealand at least avoided a catastrophic defeat.

Once Torres had skewered New Zealand's defence with a combination of untouchable passing, deft footwork and a powerful header, and Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas added a fourth in the 24th minute, a massive defeat loomed.

However, Spain graciously relaxed and New Zealand's defence committed only one more glaring error before the contest lost its shape.

Spain needed just six minutes to guarantee their 32 match unbeaten run would be extended when Torres casually placed the ball past Moss after Fabregas threaded a perfect pass to the striker from the edge of the box.

Torres effortlessly held off Andy Boyens and curled the ball past a diving Moss.

New Zealand's defensive frailty was exposed again in the 14th minute when slick passing between Albert Riera, David Villa allowed Torres to sidefoot past Moss at close range.

Torres was denied a hattrick two minutes later when Moss held his weak header but he would not be denied when Spain made their next probe into the New Zealand penalty box.

Joan Capdevilia's cross was met with a far greater connection as Torres outjumped Tony Lochead to again leave Moss grasping at thin air.

The quickest hattrick in Confederations Cup history raised the prospect of New Zealand suffering a defeat similar to the 13-0 margin the Spanish inflicted on their All White counterparts at the under-17 World Cup in Egypt in 1997.

While Spain threatened at will before dropping their intensity, New Zealand had precious few opportunities to grab a consolation goal.

David Mulligan forced Iker Casillas to make a rare save from a free kick a minute before halftime.

The All Whites forced another dead ball possession early in the second half but a series of glaring errors only succeeded in gifting the Spanish their final goal.

Valencia's Villa was the beneficiary, leaving the forlorn Moss stranded in the 48th minute.

After winning a free kick outside the Spanish box, New Zealand surrendered possession meekly when Jeremy Christie's pass to David Mulligan was pushed out of bounds near halfway.

From the throw in, Torres waltzed past three defenders before central defender Boyens made a dreadful hash of a regulation clearance.

Boyens, under no pressure, swished at the ball deflecting it into the path of Villa who tapped past Moss.

Spain continued to push forward but New Zealand's defensive alignment survived, with the assistance of the match officials who frequently judged Torres and company marginally offside.

Torres was spelled in the 70th minute while a minute later Simon Elliott drew another rare save from Casillas.

New Zealand's next group A match is against Iraq, who drew 0-0 with hosts South Africa in the tournament opener, on Sunday (NZT).

Spain (Fernando Torres 6, 14, 17; Cesc Fabregas 24; David Villa 48)

New Zealand 0

Halftime: 4-0