Confederations Cup - Spain vow to stretch win record

Eurosport - Mon, 22 Jun 12:05:00 2009

Spain warned there are plenty more victories left in them after setting a new world record by beating South Africa 2-0 for their 15th consecutive win.

FOOTBALL 2009 Confederations Cup Spain-Iraq Villa celebra el gol de España con Torres y Sergio Ramos Foto: EFE - 0

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.

AFP

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  1. The Spanish team deserve a lot of kudos for being very­ consistent in this competition. I believe the will go­ on to win the competition. I wish them well.

    Engr­ Ephraim- NIGERIA.

    From Udosen, on Mon 22 Jun 11:17AM

  2. It's has been settled even befor e the commencement­ of the tournament that spain will cause Pain for any­ team they meet and win the cup. So other teams should­ settle for number two

    From victash4real, on Mon 22 Jun 10:02AM

  3. shaka are u joking? spain are the confederation cup­ winners....lol

    From jack, on Mon 22 Jun 7:22AM

  4. The USA can only do damage control when they face the­ number team in the world.

    From Mei, on Mon 22 Jun 1:58AM

  5. Spains unbeaten streak comes to an end on Wednesday­ when they face the USA

    From Shaka, on Sun 21 Jun 10:01PM
  6. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    That streak will come crashing to a halt in the finals­ of this tournament.

    From NorteGrande, on Sun 21 Jun 9:22PM
  7. Comment hidden due to its low rating. Show

    well done - although in this tournament they were­ paired with weak opposition!

    From pegez, on Sun 21 Jun 6:54PM

  8. Well done Spain congratulations on being very­ successful and fantastic team and may you continue on­ both you winning streak..........Viva­ Espana.....................

    From ludvik, on Sun 21 Jun 12:38PM
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