Confederations Cup - Villa seals win over Iraq

Eurosport - Thu, 18 Jun 09:27:00 2009

David Villa's goal sealed a 1-0 win for Spain over Iraq in Confederations Cup Group A as the European champions secured their 14th consecutive international victory in Bloemfontein.

FOOTBALL 2009 Confederations Cup Spain Spain-Iraq Villa - 0

Valencia striker Villa was unmarked to steer home a header 10 minutes into the second half from Joan Capdevila's cross.

The goal was Villa's 30th for his country, meaning he moves up to second in the all-time goalscoring charts for his country, one ahead of Fernando Hierro but still 14 short of Raul's total of 44.

It secures Spain's place in the semi-finals and stretches their unbeaten run to 34 matches - one short of the world record of 35 held by Brazil.

Spain had to work hard for their victory against the ultra-defensive Asian champions who, despite drawing their opening match against South Africa and losing this one, are still in with a chance of reaching the last four.

They dominated possession throughout, with Liverpool man Xabi Alonso given as much time as he needed to dictate the play in midfield, and Villa could have got his name on the scoresheet earlier than he eventually did.

In the first half, Real Madrid full-back Sergio Ramos curled an inviting cross to him at the far post, but his volley only found the side netting.

And, moments before the goal, Villa headed right at the goalkeeper from a Santi Cazorla cross.

Brazil, France and Australia are the only other countries to win 14 straight matches, according to official FIFA statistics.

Follow LIVE commentary of every Confederations Cup match at eurosport.yahoo.com!

Tony Mabert / Eurosport / Reuters

Comment 1 - 13 of 33

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  1. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Bad Iraq go away from football

    From Jim, on Wed 17 Jun 5:47PM

  2. some people here Don't know anything about football­ and they add comments :s very sad...

    When Iraq have to­ play against big teams, they play a lot better then­ when they play against poor teams.

    And 1 - 0 is the­ best for Iraq.

    Dont compare Iraq with New Zeland.

    From siaband, on Wed 17 Jun 5:38PM

  3. Spain r set to lift the cup

    From bacharlie2003, on Wed 17 Jun 5:27PM

  4. Spain r set to lift the cup

    From bacharlie2003, on Wed 17 Jun 5:26PM

  5. 1.only just. very poor spain should of wipe the floor­­ with iraq seens that they are the fav 2 win the whole­­ lot. Come on Italy bring on the spain in the semi's

    From Gman, on Wed 17 Jun 5:26PM
  6. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    This will be another rain of goals for Spain

    From ozoneutb, on Wed 17 Jun 3:59PM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    I do't think that the iraq national team can stand­ a chance to withstand the attacking force of the­ spanish team cos there deadly and their record speaks­ for them

    From uchozi, on Wed 17 Jun 10:48AM

  8. Iraq they will play their best even if they lose they­ should be proud playing with the best team in the­ world. All the best for IRAQ. GOOD LUCK

    From DA_PuNi$HER, on Wed 17 Jun 7:20AM

  9. Against all odds the Iraqi team has lifting the latest­ Asian Cup . So no worries will ride the torros this­ time too?? Good luck Tigers?

    From jalelah, on Wed 17 Jun 7:17AM
  10. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    Spain will crush them like HELL(Iraqu) they will safer­ a humiliating defeat hahaha :D

    From SasaS, on Tue 16 Jun 8:00PM

  11. Yes, they did just fine. I mean the Pharoahs!

    From Luxy, on Tue 16 Jun 6:07PM

  12. Please play positive football Iraq and not negative­ football like against south Africa, Go Spain..........

    From ludvik, on Tue 16 Jun 5:58PM
  13. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    7 - 0 to spain Iraq wont stand a chance in hell

    From liam, on Tue 16 Jun 5:56PM
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