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Spain secures semifinal spot

Wed 17th, June 2009

Bloemfontein, South Africa (Sports Network) - Spain became the first team to lock up a spot in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup on Wednesday as they downed Iraq, 1-0 on a goal from David Villa in the 54th minute.

Iraq was very well organized in defense and did well to hold out for as long as they did against the European champions, but after a few missed opportunities, Villa finally cashed in on a cross from Joan Capdevila.

The win leaves Spain two points clear of second-placed South Africa in Group A after the hosts beat New Zealand, 2-0 on Wednesday in their second match.

The top two teams will play their final match of the group stage on Saturday with South Africa needing a draw to advance, while Iraq needs a big result against New Zealand and a South Africa loss.

Iraq's defense held out for a 0-0 draw against South Africa in the opening match, and they were able to keep the high-powered Spain attack off the scoreboard in the first half despite a few decent chances.

Sergio Ramos delivered a good cross from the right wing in the 25th minute to Villa at the back post, but he fired his open volley off the outside of the net from eight yards.

Five minutes later, Spain came close again as Santi Cazorla found space 30 yards from goal and sent a shot skipping just wide of the right post.

Villa could have given his side the lead in the 52nd minute, but he shot the ball straight at goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid from six yards, but he atoned for his earlier misses three minutes later.

Capdevila took the ball on the left wing and floated a cross to the front of goal for Villa, who turned a header inside the right corner from eight yards.

Kassid's goal came under pressure in the 79th minute as the keeper made a save on Mata at close range, while Ramos nearly found the net in the 87th with a well-struck volley that sailed over the crossbar.

Iraq had a chance to equalize late in the match, but Nashat Akram drove a shot wide of the left post with two minutes to play, extending Spain's unbeaten streak to 34 matches, which is just one short of Brazil's record of 35 set from 1993-96.