Spain thrash Niger 4-0, Guinea hold Costa Rica 2-2

The reigning European champions suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of South American giants Brazil in their opening encounter last Saturday, but recovered swiftly to open their account in the tournament. Spain was up 1-0 when Abel Ruiz's tap-in found the back of the net in the 21st minute. Ruiz was at the right place and easily converted Juan Miranda's cross from the left flank, leaving the Nigerian defence napping.

Spain doubled the lead just before the half time, and again it was Ruiz, who was in the thick of things as the Barcelona youth player scored off a Sergio Gomez free-kick in the 41st minute.

Niger's agony did not end there as Spain added one more goal in the first-half injury time through Cesar. Ruiz's attempt was palmed away by the goalkeeper and Gomez sent in a curling cross towards the ball and even before the keeper could make a clearance, Cesar placed it in the roof of the net. The second half began on better note for the Africans as went without conceding till Gomez hit the target in the 82nd minute.

Meanwhile, Goalkeeper Ricardo Montenegro's heroic effort under the bar helped Costa Rica hold Guinea to a 2-2 draw in a Group C match in Goa. Guinea dominated the match creating several scoring changes but were denied by rival keeper Ricardo Montenegro until Fondje Toure restored parity in the 30th minute.