Record win for Spain

Spain collected their record-breaking 15th consecutive win tonight as they saw off hosts South Africa in the Confederations Cup.

Goals from David Villa and Fernando Llorente took Spain past Brazil, Australia, and France, while also moving them level with Brazil’s record of 35 games unbeaten.

For South Africa, there was the consolation of a semi-final place, despite a nervous second half, as the other Group A game between Iraq and New Zealand finished goalless.

The game changed five minutes after the break when Aaron Mokoena, beaten for pace by Cesc Fabregas, launched into a reckless dive to bring the Arsenal man down and concede a penalty.

Itumeleng Khune made a good save to deny Villa to his left, and was then alert to hold Fernando Torres’ follow-up.

But South Africa had barely stopped celebrating the save when Albert Riera dinked in a cross and Villa – with a hint of handball – brought it down before placing a fine shot inside the right-hand post.

Spain then made sure of the win with Llorente’s close-range finish in the 72nd minute.

In Johannesburg, Iraq could have gone through at South Africa’s expense with a 2-0 win, but New Zealand stood firm to claim their first ever Confederations Cup point in nine attempts.