Spain secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup and continued their remarkable unbeaten run after easing past Iraq 1-0 in Bloemfontein.

David Villa struck the only goal of the game just after half-time as the European champions made it two wins from two in Group A following Sunday's 5-0 victory over New Zealand.

Villa's goal was his 30th for Spain and saw him take over sole possession of second spot in the Iberian nation's goal-scoring charts, one clear of Fernando Hierro and 14 behind leader Raul.

The result means Spain also extended their unbeaten streak to 34 games, leaving them just one behind the world-record mark of 35 set by Brazil between 1993 and 1996.

Although the latest victory was not as comprehensive as their mauling of New Zealand, Spain rarely looked in trouble against an Iraqi side who started their Confederations Cup campaign with a draw against host nation South Africa.

Villa was given acres of space inside the box to score his winner, and glanced a header into the corner of the net.