SIDEBAR: Historic night for both Spain, South Africa

By Brendon Hanley Jun 20, 2009, 23:32 GMT

Bloemfontein, South Africa - Although Spain ran out deserved 2-0 victors over South Africa in Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium, both sides celebrated historic achievements Saturday evening.

Most significantly, Spain now proudly hold the mark for most consecutive international victories, having won their last 15 matches on the trot to eclipse the record previously shared by Brazil, France and Australia.

They also extended their unbeaten run to 35 matches, equalling Brazil's mark set in the mid-1990s. In that time, they have won 32 contests and drawn three.

'We have won 15 in a row, but the strength of this team is that we have the ambition to keep going,' said Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, who opened the tournament with a hat-trick against New Zealand. 'We want to win every game, and we want to lift the Confederations Cup.'

It was a sentiment echoed by man of the match Xavi.

'We're very proud of the record,' he said. 'But the best thing for us to do is to keep playing how we have been, and that way we will win more trophies. Our objective is to continue winning.'

Despite the defeat, the hosts had something to celebrate of their own after getting out of the group stage for the first time at a FIFA competition. Bafana Bafana qualified for the last four after drawing 0-0 with Iraq in their first match and beating New Zealand 2-0 on the previous match day.

'It's a complicated moment for the team,' said Steven Pienaar. 'The guys aren't happy because we lost, but now we're looking forward to the semi-final. A lot of people said we couldn't do it, and it's something we can be proud of.'

The 1996 African champions fell at the group stages of both World Cups they've qualified for in 1998 and 2002, as well as at the 1997 Confederations Cup.

'It means a lot to get out of the group for the first time,' said Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena. 'It's good for us to keep going and play these big teams.'

The 2008 European Champions, who have not tasted defeat since a 1- 0 friendly loss to Romania in November 2006, are currently the world's number-one team and are early favourites to win their first World Cup next year in South Africa.

'The best team in the world right now is Spain, and their streak is very impressive,' said Brazilian-born South Africa coach Joel Santana, when asked whether La Furia Roja should be compared to the great Brazilian team of the 1970 World Cup. 'But look, this is the Confederations Cup. Brazil have five World Cups.'

Looking at his own side, who lost their only previous match against Spain 3-2 at the 2002 World Cup, Santana was delighted to go through despite the defeat.

'It was very important for us to reach the semi-final,' he said. 'It's good for my players and for the country. This is the best way for us to get the experience we need before the World Cup next year.'