Spain 2-1 Argentina

Xabi Alonso struck both goals as Spain further enhanced their World Cup credentials with an impressive friendly win over Argentina.

Alonso, who had only netted five goals in 65 appearances for Spain prior to the match, gave Vicente del Bosque's side a deserved half-time lead only for Argentina to hit back though Lionel Messi's penalty on the hour mark.

Both sides looked capable of winning the match - which was part of the Spanish Football Federation's centenary celebrations - after that, but it was the European champions who took the honours thanks to Alonso's 86th-minute spot-kick.

The result means Spain have now won 38 of their 43 games since the start of 2007, losing just once, and they certainly look like being the team to stop in South Africa.

The Spanish were simply a cut above their opponents in the first half, although they only had Alonso's goal to show for their dominance and intricate interplay.

A breathtaking early one-touch move warned the Argentinians of the dangers ahead and although the sliding Xavi just failed to cap that attack with a goal, Spain needed just 15 minutes to go ahead.

David Silva skipped past Martin Demichelis inside the area and when his low shot was well saved by Sergio Romero, Alonso pounced on the rebound to slide the ball in.

The sizeable contingent of Argentina fans at the Vicente Calderon stadium had little to get excited about in the first period, especially with Messi - who was facing five of his Barcelona team-mates - being kept very quiet.

Gonzalo Higuain fired just over from the edge of the box following a rapid break, but it was no concern for his Real Madrid club-mate Iker Casillas, who was making his 100th appearance for Spain.

Only two players had reached the milestone previously, Andoni Zubizarreta (126 caps) and Raul (102).

At the other end, Spain continued to threaten and they almost doubled their lead on the half-hour mark when Iniesta was denied by Romero and David Villa's follow-up shot was blocked on the line by Fabricio Coloccini.

Villa claimed the ball had struck Coloccini's hand but the referee waved play on.

Villa then sent a cross-shot just wide of the far post before Argentina fashioned a great chance to equalise.

Fernando Gago's brilliant through-ball inside Spain full-back Sergio Ramos set Angel Di Maria clear, but the Benfica youngster's dink over Casillas also cleared the crossbar.

Argentina remained in their changing room a lot longer than Spain at half-time, presumably with coach Diego Maradona trying to implement a plan to counteract Spain's superiority.

And any change Maradona made looked to be working as Argentina started the second half on top, closing Spain down quickly and also creating two good opportunities to draw level.

Di Maria just failed to cap a fine move as his volley was saved by Casillas before Higuain fired a low shot just wide of the far post.

It was no real surprise therefore to see Argentina draw level through Messi.

Maxi Rodriguez robbed Raul Albiol of possession near the touchline, and as the Real Madrid man tried to win the ball back inside the area he hauled the Atletico Madrid winger down.

Messi made no mistake from the spot, sending Casillas the wrong way.

Spain were feeling the heat at that point, but Del Bosque's side rose to the challenge and they should have re-taken the lead in the 70th minute when the unmarked Ramos headed Cesc Fabregas' free-kick wide at the far post.

Joan Capdevila was then denied by a superb save from Romero, but just moments later Spain were handed an opportunity to win the game when Demichelis was adjudged to have blocked Alonso's shot with his hand.

With Villa off the pitch, Alonso stepped up for the penalty and buried his kick in the top corner to seal the victory.