
For South Africa, there was the consolation of a semi-final place, despite a nervous second half, as the other Group A game between Iraq and New Zealand finished goalless.
The game changed five minutes after the break when Aaron Mokoena, beaten for pace by Cesc Fabregas, launched into a reckless dive to bring the Arsenal man down and concede a penalty.
Itumeleng Khune made a good save to deny Villa to his left, and was then alert to hold Fernando Torres' follow-up.
But South Africa had barely stopped celebrating the save when Albert Riera dinked in a cross and Villa - with a hint of handball - brought it down before placing a fine shot inside the right-hand post.
Spain then made sure of the win with Llorente's close-range finish after 72 minutes.
In Johannesburg, Iraq could have gone through at South Africa's expense with a 2-0 win, but New Zealand stood firm to claim their first ever Confederations Cup point in nine attempts.
[FIFA Confederations Cup 2009]
Source: Sporting Life
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