Istanbul, Turkey  - European champions Spain pulled off a late 2-1 win away to Turkey on Wednesday, a result keeps intact their 31-game unbeaten run - and leaves them well set up to qualify for South Africa.

Liverpool midfielder Albert Riera hit the winning goal two minutes into injury-time, thus silencing the crowd in Galatasaray's packed Ali Sami Yen stadium.

"That was a really important goal," said Riera, "because it gives us a crucial win."

Spain have created a new record by winning their last 11 games, and are well out on top of qualifying group 5 with 18 points.

Bosnia, who again beat Belgium, are second with 12 points. Turkey are third with eight - and in big trouble now.

The same as away to Belgium in October, Spain had to dig deep and show their character to come back from a goal down.

They had made an ambitious start in Istanbul, with Riera and Fernando Torres going close early on.

In the 27th minute, though, the hosts went ahead against the run of play. Arda Turan centred from the left, Carlos Marchena fell asleep and Tuncay Sanil set up Senturk to make it 1-0.

Little Nihat Kahveci twice came close to making it 2-0. But Alonso made it 1-1 in the 65th minute, after Ibrahim Uzulmez had clearly handled a goalbound Torres header.

Both teams seemed to be settling for a draw. In the 92nd minute, though, Spain sub Dani Guiza sped away down the right and centred perfectly for Riera to make it 2-1 with his trusty left foot. (dpa)