Spain 1-0 Iraq

David Villa's first-half header gave Spain a deserved victory against Iraq and saw them qualify for the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup. Spain were dominant throughout but were hampered by some poor finishing. Villa fired an early volley into the side netting with Fernando Torres also slicing wide, while Santi Cazorla sent a low drive just past the post. After the break Villa missed a near-post header but soon after powered Joan Capdevila's cross past Mohamed Kassid. Iraq rarely threatened the reigning European champions although early on, Alaa Abdul Zahra sent a low shot from the edge of the area straight at Spain keeper Iker Casillas. That was as close as the Asian champions came with Torres, Villa and Cazorla all going close for Spain in a one-sided first period Just before the break Joan Capdevila should also have done better with a close header while Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso tested the impressive Iraq keeper Kassid with a long-range drive. After half time Villa's unmarked missed header should have been a warning for Iraq. But moments later, the Valencia forward again found himself in between two defenders and he made no mistake by directing Capdevila's cross in off the post to open the scoring. The goal saw him become Spain's second highest scorer behind Real Madrid legend Raul. To their credit, Iraq went in search of an equaliser but despite enjoying more possession, they lacked the firepower to trouble the Spain defence. Alonso forced a decent save from Kassid as did Juan Manuel Mata for Spain. Late on Nashat Akram fired just wide for Iraq but Spain held on for the victory. It meant that a 14th successive win saw them equal the world record for consecutive victories. It was also Spain's 34th match unbeaten, one off the current world record held by Brazil.