Spain dazzles to equal Brazil's unbeaten run

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) - On the verge of setting more football history, Spain's dazzling attack appears to be the defining trait that sets it apart from a Brazil team whose undefeated record it is on the cusp of breaking.

Spain's 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday was a record setting 15th straight victory that also represented a 35th straight game without a loss, a feat that only Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning team managed.

Hungary (1950-54) and Argentina (1991-93) both went unbeaten for 31 games but only Spain and Brazil have managed to surpass that mark.

And in quite contrasting fashion.

Anchored by midfielders Dunga and Mauro Silva, Brazil was criticized for a defensive style of play that many labeled boring and surprisingly went on to win football's showcase event.

Spain has based its quick-touch possession game - that has won plaudits from rival teams after last summer's European Championship win - around creative midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta delivering to strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa.

"It's important that we leave a good image here in all senses and I think we're achieving that," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.

Torres believes football fans are enjoying Spain's exciting brand of football.

"Above all there is a hunger to keep winning, which stays with us for every game," the Liverpool striker said. "We should value the work of this team and in a few years time we can look back and see what we have achieved."

Following an early exit at the 2006 World Cup, coach Luis Aragones reshaped the play to be led by his Barcelona-led midfield and Spain ended a 44-year major trophy drought at Euro 2008.

Del Bosque has stayed true to that formula, with Spain winning 13 straight under the former Real Madrid coach to stay top of FIFA's world rankings. Spain's last defeat was a 1-0 friendly to Romania at Cadiz in November 2006.

"Now we need to focus on winning the Confederations Cup and what happens after we'll see," Torres said.

Under coaches Carlos Alberto Parreira and Mario Zagallo, Brazil began its run against Mexico in December 1993 and ended it with a Gold Cup final loss to the same opponent in January 1996.

With Zinho and Mazinho rounding out a staunch midfield, Parreira ultimately led Brazil to victory at the World Cup in the United States.

But it wasn't until soon after their defeat to Mexico that Zagallo began to return the beautiful game to a bruising Brazil team with Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho introduced in the coming years as Brazil's exciting play returned.

"Now, (Spain) have good strength because they have a good team. But they still need time," South Africa's Brazilian coach Joel Santana said. "At the moment I need to see Spain win the best competition, the Confederations Cup and World Cup."

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Spain's achievement has been a psychological shift.

Spain's European win last year has shaken its perennial underachiever tag as it continues on course as favorite to win the Confederations Cup.

"We still haven't won anything yet," Del Bosque said. "You have to know how to win and how to lose."

But at the end of the day, Del Bosque was pleased to be among exclusive company.

"The Brazilians, I'm not sure if I'm exaggerating, are the fathers of football. To share something with them is stupendous," Del Bosque said.