Spain to stretch record

Goals from David Villa and Fernando Llorente were enough to tame the Confederations Cup hosts late Saturday and ensure the European champions top their group.

Real Madrid target Villa broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute and Athletic Bilbao's Llorente sealed the win with 18 minutes left.

They now play the runner-up in Group B, likely Italy or Egypt, in the semi-finals in Bloemfontein next Wednesday.

The win meant Spain have posted 15 victories in a row, surpassing the old record of 14 held by Australia, Brazil and France.

They also matched the 35-match unbeaten streak held by Brazil between 1993 and 1996, with Spain's run stretching back to November 2006 when they lost to Romania.

"Winning 15 matches in a row is a huge success by this team and we want to go on like this," said coach Vicente del Bosque.

"We've played a very good first part of this competition and we are now heading to the semis. We don't know yet who we will meet but we will certainly have an opponent with huge potential."

Barcelona midfielder Xavi, the man-of-the-match, paid tribute to Del Bosque, who has won all 13 matches since he replaced Luis Aragones after Spain's Euro 2008 triumph.

"Of course we are very happy with the way the team is playing and Vicente is doing a tremendous job," he said.

"The idea is to continue this run and try and make it better."

The team's star striker, Liverpool's Fernando Torres, said the reason Spain was on a roll was due to the fantastic spirit in the squad.

"This record is thanks to a group effort," he said.

"To win 15 in a row is not as simple as just playing well. You must have more. And this group, as humans, are fantastic. The spirit in the team is great."

Despite losing, South Africa still make the last four and a potential clash with Brazil after Iraq failed to beat New Zealand in the other group game being played simultaneously.