SPAIN swept Group B in style and, in turn, pushed South Africa out of the World Cup as they scored one fewer goal than Paraguay.

Raul scored twice as Spain defeated South Africa, 3-2, and set up a second-round matchup against Ireland.

The South Africans scored five goals in their three Group B matches.

But Bafana Bafana was eliminated by virtue of scoring one fewer goal than Paraguay, which notched a 3-1 triumph over Slovenia.

Though this was not the most convincing of victories, Spain is the only team to earn maximum points in group play so far.

Raul's second goal, the 28th for his country, proved to be the game-winner.

A key moment came when an error by goalkeeper Andre Arendse, who failed to control a rather easy ball, led to the Real Madrid striker walking up and slotting in the opener.

Gaizka Mendieta scored the other Spanish goal, curling a free kick around the wall in the last moments of the first half.

South Africa's Benni McCarthy scored from close range after 31 minutes and captain Lucas Radebe slammed home a header off a corner kick as Bafana Bafana battled back twice to level the contest.

South Africa showed that Spain are vulnerable in defence, where they failed to clear the crosses that led to South Africa's goals - good news for the Republic of Ireland.