South Africa Advances Despite Defeat (Record 15th Straight Win For Spain) ; Iraq Eliminated

Saturday marked the conclusion of Group A play in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa:

At Bloemfontein:

Goals from David Villa (52', pictured here) and Fernando Llorente (71') guided Spain to a 2-0 win over South Africa to finish on top of Group A without surrendering a goal in three contests. The Spaniards won their world-record 15th straight contest and stretched their unbeaten streak to 35.

At Johannesburg:

Despite having already eliminated in the tournament, New Zealand held Iraq to a 0-0 draw. That's Iraq's Mohammed Ali Kareem beating the Kiwis' Leo Bertos.

Even with their defeat at Bloemfontein, the host nation still advanced to the semifinals of the Confederation Cup. They will play the winner of Group B (Brazil, Italy, or Egypt).

FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. Spain (GP: 3; GD: +8; PTS: 9)
2. South Africa (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
3. Iraq (GP: 3; GD: -1; PTS: 2)
4. New Zealand (GP: 3; GD: -7; PTS: 1)

Both photos from Getty Images.