With four goals in the first half and four in the second, it was Spain’s biggest win at a FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Luis Milla’s side showed why there are considered one of the tournament favourites with a dominant display in the first half including a share of over 70 percent of possession and three goals inside the first 20 minutes.
The opening goal came in the 11th minute after tidy work by Jordi Alba down the left flank. Alba’s cross found Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida whose shot cannoned off the boot of Tahiti goalkeeper Teheipuarii Hauata and into the path of Niguez, who gratefully sidefooted home.
The Celta Vigo player made it two six minutes later when Sergio Asenjo’s clearance was misjudged by a Tahiti defender, presenting Niquez with a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper – and made no mistake.
The goalscorer turned provider for Spain’s third and fourth goals in the 17th and 32nd minutes of the game, supplying Real Sociedad striker Emilio Nsue.
The pace of the game slowed after the restart, with Spain again enjoying the majority of possession. When Tahiti did receive the ball, they equipped themselves well, attempting to pass the ball fluently and push forward whenever possible.
The Tahitians held strong for 25 minutes but couldn’t stop the brilliance of Merida who grabbed his second – and Spain’s fifth – with a long range effort that flew past the outstretched dive of Hauata.
Kike netted a swift brace in the 79th and 86th minutes while Ander Herrera completed the rout a minute from time.
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