Spain beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 to top World Cup Group H

Spain beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 to top Group H in their last World Cup group match here on Friday.

Defender Gutierrez Juanito scored the lone goal in the 36th minute when he leapt high and powered an unstoppable header past the blameless Saudi keeper Mabrouk Zaid.

Spain, who beat Ukraine and Tunisia to qualify for the knockout stage, looked comfortable, despite resting most of their key players.

Spain coach Luis Aragones selected an entirely new starting line-up for the match against Saudi Arabia.

Captain Raul started for the first time at this World Cup, accompanied by Joaquin and Jose Antonio Reyes up front.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta were chosen in midfield, while 36-year-old reserve keeper Santiago Canizares started behind a new-look back four of Michel Salgado, Carlos Marchena, Antonio Lopez and Juanito.

Saudi Arabia, who tied Tunisia 2-2 and lost to Ukraine 4-0, need to score at least six goals to qualify while Tunisia must snatch at least one point from Ukraine.

But the Asian side found no chance throughout the match and put an end to their disappointing World Cup journey.

Source: Xinhua