Merida, Spain  - Spain sealed qualification for the World Cup finals on Wednesday by thrashing minnows Estonia 3-0 in the old Roman city of Merida, with goals from Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Juan Mata.

The latest win keeps alive Spain's 100 per cent record in Group 5, demonstrates that they have rediscovered their flowing Euro 2008 style - and confirms them as one of the favourites for South Africa.

Vicente del Bosque's talented team now have 24 points from eight games, which is five more than second-placed Bosnia and nine more than Turkey.

Earlier on Wednesday Bosnia and Turkey played out a 1-1 draw, which leaves Bosnia on course to finish second in the group.

Del Bosque said that it was "very important to have clinched qualification." He then denied any knowledge of the plan of the Spanish federation to offer him a two-year extension to his contract.

Fabregas said that "it is a real pleasure to play in this team", whilst Mata admitted that it was "very special to have scored my first international goal."

This is the ninth successive time that Spain have qualified for the World Cup finals, a record bettered only by Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Italy.

Del Bosque made four changes to the team which thrashed Belgium 5-0 on Saturday, bringing in Fabregas, Carlos Marchena, Marcos Senna and Raul Albiol.

Estonia, who are fifth in the group, made a lively start but Spain soon took control, with Fernando Torres going close three times.

In the 33rd minute Fabregas broke the deadlock with a low right-foot drive, after playing a clever one-two with Silva.

The hosts lost their rythym somewhat in the second half, against opponents prepared to sit back in defence.

In the 82nd minute Cazorla made it 2-0 after taking a short pass from Fabregas. And three minutes from time Mata completed the rout with a cheeky near-post drive with his trusty left foot. (dpa)