Form team Spain win again and finish top

The Spaniards only needed to draw to clinch top spot in European Championship qualifying Group F but went for a win right from start, and obtained it thanks to a 51st minute goal from Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez.

 The latest win means that Spain finish with 28 points from 12 games.

 They have won 10 matches in 2007, drawn two and lost none - and will go to Euro 2008 on a wave of optimism.

 Sweden take the second qualifying place in the group thanks to a 2-1 defeat of Latvia, and finish on 26 points.

 Northern Ireland and Denmark finish joint third with 20 points apiece.

 In order to qualify, Northern Ireland needed to win in Las Palmas and pray for a Latvia win in Sweden.

 Nonetheless, coach Nigel Worthington adopted an ultra-defensive strategy, with usually at least nine men behind the ball. The visitors had only 27 per cent possession, and failed to create a single goal chance.

 The Ulstermen clearly disappointed the approximately 2,000 fans who had flown out to cheer them on.

 Goalscorer Xavi told Television Espanola that "I am really happy with the win and the qualification."

   Xavi, who was captain for the first time, said that the game was "complicated, because they really closed up in defence."

   He finished by saying that "we always had confidence in our ability to qualify, despite making a poor start in the group" (with defeats away to Northern Ireland and Sweden).

 Aragones made six changes to the side which beat Sweden 3-0 in Madrid on Saturday, and was rewarded with a lively and energetic display.

 With the majestic Xavi bossing the midfield, Spain dominated from start to finish and should have won by more goals.

 Debutant striker Daniel Guiza of Mallorca twice came close to breaking the deadlock just before half time.

 The only goal came six minutes into the second half. Xavi took a square ball from Barca team-mate Andres Iniesta and let fly from outside the box. His shot hit defender Stephen Craigan and left hapless keeper Maik Taylor with no chance.

 Spain dropped their rythym towards the end, but nonetheless Northern Ireland still refused to come out of their defensive shell.