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The Daily 5 – Confederations Cup Day 1

June 14, 2009 11:15 PM | Posted by   John Molinaro  

On each match day during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, CBCSports.ca reporter and soccer expert John F. Molinaro will breakdown the day's major events and developments in The Daily 5.

Day 1, Sunday June 14, 2009

1) Player of the day: Fernando Torres

Who else could it be? El Nino scored three times within the first 17 minutes of Spain's 5-0 thrashing of lowly New Zealand, making the Kiwis look like a beer-team league.

OK, New Zealand isn't very good - who's kidding who, here? they really should stick to cricket and rugby, and forget about soccer – so Torres' three-goal performance has to be put in the proper context.

Still, it was truly awe-inspiring to watch the Liverpool forward do his thing and toy with the New Zealand defence all game long before Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque substituted him out late in the second half.

2) Goal of the day: Fernando Torres

There were five to choose from on the day, but none were better than the first of the entire tournament, courtesy of Torres.

It took the Spanish star all of six minutes to open his goal-scoring account at the tournament when he took a pass from David Villa and curled a gorgeous shot past New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss into the top right corner.

I was working for CBC TV during the game and my colleagues Jason de Vos and Nigel Reed were absolutely raving after that goal. For good reason, too - it was a beauty.

3) Blunder of the day: Andy Boyens

David Villa made it 5-0 for Spain early in the second half thanks to some comical defending by Andy Boyens.

The Kiwi centre back whiffed at cross played into the box from the wing, and the ball found itself on the feet of a wide open Villa who easily slotted it home.

I interviewed Andy before the tournament and he told me he was confident that New Zealand could earn a draw with Spain. Not with defending like that, guy.

4) Disappointment of the day: Bafana Bafana

Host nation South Africa played Iraq to a 0-0 draw in the opening match of the tournament in a one of the dourest and dullest games I've seen in a long time - seriously, what I wouldn't give to have those 90 minutes of my life back.

But who I really feel sorry for are the raucous South African fans who packed the stadium in Johannesburg in support of the Bafana Bafana, only to see their team put in a limp performance.

OK, so Steven Pienaar didn't start because of an injury and South Africa isn't exactly loaded with stars, but I was expecting a lot more from them against Iraq. The hosts lacked urgency and quality, and didn't deserve three points.

5) Line of the day: Fernando Torres

After Spain dismantled New Zealand, Torres was interviewed in the mix zone at the stadium and was asked if going in the game he thought they would have such an easy time of it against the Kiwis.

"No, they're a good team and we took this game seriously," Torres replied.

Not sure how he managed to keep a straight face while saying that.

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