Title favorite Spain reached the Confederations Cup semifinals Wednesday and hosts South Africa edged closer to joining them. The Spaniards achieved a world record-equalling 14th consecutive victory by an unexpectedly narrow 1-0 margin over gallant Iraq with David Villa heading the winner nine minutes into the second half. And Serbia-based Bernard Parker was the two-goal hero as Bafana Bafana (The Boys) outplayed New Zealand and wasted numerous chances before settling for a 2-0 victory in the 2010 World Cup dress rehearsal. Spain has six points, South Africa four, Iraq one and although pointless New Zealand is out of contention for the knockout phase, it could play a decisive role in determining the second Group A semifinalist. South Africa has much the harder final mini-league task against Spain in Bloemfontein Saturday while Iraq tackles New Zealand at the same time in Johannesburg, where the tournament began three days ago and ends on June 28. If the host nation can exceed expectations and dodge defeat against the European champion it will advance, but a home loss coupled with an Iraqi victory would bring goal difference into play. Coach Bora Milutinovic was true to his word as Iraq put 10 men behind the ball and played for a draw from the kick-off at Vodacom Stadium in the central city of Bloemfontein. The policy worked remarkably well against a team showing four changes from that which overwhelmed New Zealand 5-0 last Sunday until a glancing Villa header off a Joan Capedevila cross gave impressive Mohammed Kassid no chance. United starts title defense at home to Birmingham Premier League champion Manchester United will start its bid for a record fourth successive English title at home to newly-promoted Birmingham on August 15. Sir Alex Ferguson's team discovered its fixtures for the 2009-10 season on Wednesday and the three-time champion follow the Birmingham clash with a trip to Burnley, who was promoted via the Championship play-offs. Carlo Ancelotti begins his reign at Chelsea at home to Hull, while Liverpool travels to Tottenham on the opening weekend and Arsenal faces a trip to Everton. Wolves play West Ham at Molineux and Burnley visits Stoke on its return to the top flight. Big-spending Manchester City travels to Blackburn on the opening day before hosting Everton at Eastlands on August 19. New Wigan boss Roberto Martinez starts his reign at Aston Villa, while Bolton is at home to Steve Bruce's Sunderland and Portsmouth meets Fulham at Fratton Park. United has to wait until the end of August before its first match against one of the top four clubs as it takes on Arsenal at Old Trafford on August 29, with the return fixture at Emirates Stadium on Jan. 30. United visits Anfield to play Liverpool on October 24 and Rafa Benitez's team travel to Old Trafford on March 20. Chelsea is the last of the other top four sides to face United as new manager Carlo Ancelotti's side is at home to the champion on Nov. 7, with the return fixture on April 3. Liverpool ends its season with an away fixture against Hull on May 9.
