Confed Cup: Forlan Ends Super eagle's Unbeaten Run

Mikel Obi

Diego Forlan marked his 100th international appearance with the winner as Uruguay beat Nigeria at the Confederations Cup.

The former Manchester United's strike brought to an end Stephen Keshi's long 18-match unbeaten run in competitve games.

Uruguay captain Diego Lugano opened the scoring in the first half with a scuffed finish from Forlan's cross.

Chelsea's John Mikel Obi equalised just before the break with a curled finish.

But Forlan ended a 12-game international drought with a powerful strike from the edge of the area early in the second half.

The win, Uruguay's first at the tournament, could have been more comfortable but Napoli striker Edinson Cavani was guilty of spurning a couple of decent chances.

Uruguay move level on three points with Nigeria in Group B, three behind leaders Spain.

They take on Tahiti on Sunday in their final group game, while Nigeria play Spain.

Meanwhile, in the first game of the group, Fernando Torres scored four goals and David Villa grabbed three as Spain completed a resounding Confederations Cup win over Tahiti.

Chelsea's Torres beat Tahiti goalkeeper Mikael Roche and waltzed past Roche again after David Silva's finish.

Villa then scored either side of half-time before the Spanish forwards sealed their hat-tricks from crosses.

Juan Mata made it 8-0 and Torres ran in a fourth after missing a penalty before Silva pinched a second late on.

Spain are not assured of their place in the semi-final just yet but they look odds-on to reach the last four after this record win in the competition.

And although the scoreline marked the gulf in class between the two sides, Tahiti once again won new fans with their willingness to get on the scoresheet rather than defend in numbers.

The defeat matched a record loss for the South Pacific islanders, who lost by the same scoreline against New Zealand in 2004, but their endeavour and undoubted class made this occasion far more than a straightforward thumping.