Scorer: Xavi 52

Halftime: 0-0

Spain signed off their Euro 2008 qualification campaign with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland on Wednesday to end their opponents' hopes of earning a first ever place in the European Championship finals.

Defeat for Northern Ireland combined with Sweden's 2-1 win over Latvia in Stockholm, ensured the Scandinavians went through as the second-placed team behind Spain in Group F.

Spain dominated throughout but were unable to break the deadlock until seven minutes into the second half when Barcelona midfielder Xavi beat keeper Maik Taylor with a deflected shot from the edge of the area.

Luis Aragones's side, who wrapped up qualification last Saturday with a 3-0 win over Sweden, had a string of opportunities to extend their lead but were unable to breach the Northern Irish defence again.

Spain finished top with 28 points, two ahead of Sweden and eight ahead of third-placed Northern Ireland.

"It was a difficult game against a team that sat back and defended," goal scorer Xavi told Spanish state television. "But I'm very happy because of the goal, the win and above all because of the way we qualified."

The home side were in control from the first minute at the Estadio Gran Canaria, monopolising possession as midfielders David Silva, Andres Iniesta and Xavi got their feet on the ball and probed for gaps in the Northern Ireland defence.

But despite their domination Spain were unable to create any clear chances until the final five minutes of the first half.

New cap Dani Guiza shaved the post with a header after a great pass from Xavi and had another cleared off the line by Aaron Hughes a minute later.

Spain finally gained the breakthrough when Xavi tried his luck from distance after exchanging passes with his Barcelona team mate Andres Iniesta on the edge of the area.

The midfielder's shot took a deflection off Stephen Craigan's head and flew past the wrong-footed Taylor.

Teams:

Spain: 25-Pepe Reina; 15-Sergio Ramos, 2-Raul Albiol, 22-Pablo Ibanez, 3-Mariano Pernia; 19-Marcos Senna; 16-Andres Iniesta, 18-Cesc Fabregas (17-Joaquin 46), 8-Xavi (7-David Villa 66), 21-David Silva; 10-Dani Guiza (23-Raul Tamudo 57)

Northern Ireland: 1-Maik Taylor; 2-Gareth McAuley, 18-Aaron Hughes, 5-Stephen Craigan, 3-Chris Baird, 7-Ivan Sproule (15-Stephen Robinson 61), 8-Steven Davis, 6-Sammy Clinghan, 11-Chris Brunt (14-Kyle Lafferty 60); 10-Warren Feeney (17-Martin Paterson 72), 9-David Healy

Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)