Tallinn, Estonia - European champions Spain took another step towards South Africa on Saturday, with a comfortable 3-0 win away to minnows Estonia.

Spain won thanks to dead-ball goals from Juanito Gutierrez, David Villa and Carles Puyol - and thanks to Estonia's naivety in front of goal.

The Euro 2008 winners stay on top of Group 5 with nine points from three games, two points ahead of Belgium and Turkey, who scored home wins over Armenia and Bosnia on Saturday.

Spain have not lost for 25 games, since November 2006. Moreover, under new manager Vicente del Bosque they have won all four games since August, scoring 10 goals and conceding none.

"We have taken another step forward," said Del Bosque, who warned that Wednesday's game away to Belgium "will be more difficult."

Estonia made a bright start in front of their 9,000 fans and almost took a shock lead in the 14th minute, when Spain keeper Iker Casillas kept out Vladmir Voskoboinikov from close range.

From then on, Spain took control, with Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso bossing the midfield.

The first goal came in the 34th minute, when defender Juanito headed in an exquisite Xavi free-kick from the left.

Just three minutes later, David Villa centred from the right and Estonian defender Alo Barengrub clumsily pulled down Fernando Torres for a penalty.

Villa calmly converted the spot-kick, his 22nd goal for "La Seleccion".

Spain eased up in the second half, and Estonia took advantage to come forward. In the 62nd minute, Konstantin Vassiljev forced another sharp save out of Casillas.

Seven minutes later Puyol made it 3-0 by heading in the rebound, after Torres had headed a Xavi free-kick onto the crossbar.

Estonia threw in the towel toward the end, and Juanito almost made it 4-0, heading an injury-time corner onto the bar. (dpa)