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Record-setting day for Spain

Sat 20th, June 2009

Bloemfontein, South Africa (Sports Network) - Spain secured a record 15th consecutive win on Saturday as they finished up Group A play at the Confederations Cup by beating South Africa, 2-0.

The 15 straight wins sets a new record, topping the previous mark of 14 straight shared by Brazil, Australia and France, and it also allows Spain to extend its unbeaten streak to 35 games, which equals the record set by Brazil from 1993 to 1996.

The result leaves Spain on top of Group A, while South Africa still advances to the semifinals because Iraq was held to a 0-0 draw by New Zealand in the group's other match.

David Villa missed a penalty kick in the 51st minute, but he turned around and scored the opening goal just one minute later before substitute Llorente doubled the lead with 20 minutes to play.

Spain will now meet the second-placed team from Group B on Wednesday, while the hosts will face the winner of Group B in the other semifinal on Thursday.

Neither side had allowed a goal entering the match, and it showed as both defenses proved tough to break down.

Albert Riera tested South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the fourth minute with a well-struck shot from 35 yards, while the best chance in the opening half belonged to Fernando Torres, who took a pass inside the box from Cesc Fabregas, but had his shot from a tight angle turned away by the keeper.

The hosts managed to get Bernard Parker into the box, but he fired over the net, while Teko Modise's effort two minutes later was also off target.

The second half started well for Spain with Fabregas drawing a penalty kick on Aaron Mokoena, but Villa was stopped from the penalty spot by Khune as he tried to hit the bottom right corner, while Carles Puyol's rebound was also saved.

However, it took just one minute for Spain to crack the scoreboard as Riera floated a ball into the box that Villa took down off his chest and volleyed past the keeper.

The European champions then made it 2-0 with 20 minutes to play as Xavi played a low corner kick into the box for Fabregas, who scuffed his shot towards goal and had the ball stabbed inside the near post by Llorente, sealing the win.