With both sides already assured of a quarter-final place it was a matter of defending an unbeaten record in South Korea and it was the British side that emerged on top.

A relatively even opening two quarters saw Britain hold a 26-21 lead at the midway point by buoyed by words of encouragement from head coach Haj Bhania, the reigning European champions emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and increased their lead by eight points in the third.

The Spanish had no answer in the final period and had to settle for a 16-point defeat to leave them second in Group E behind their opponents.

"It was a really tough game, but that's what we expected," said Bhania.

"We knew that they would come out at us as we've seen the way they play.

"They played very physically and jumped everything, they pressured us and I think they did all the right things but we were prepared and knew what was coming so we just had to work through it."

South Korea and Japan fought a tense battle for third place in the group which saw the lead change hands on a number of occasions.

The hosts led by six after the first quarter but a massive haul of 23 points saw the Iranians take back the initiative and hold an eight point lead at halftime.

The Iranians posted another 20 points in the third to hold what seemed an unassailable 15 point advantage going into the final period.

But they had not reckoned with a determined South Korean side who registered an astonishing 26 points to Iran's eight which saw them take the win 67-64.

Spain were the latest side to lose out to Great Britain as they continued their winning streak in Incheon ©SA Images



Japan secured an eight point win over Argentina in the battle of the bottom two sides in Group E on a scoreline of 57-49.

The United States followed up an impressive showing against Germany yesterday by inflicting a first defeat of the tournament on defending champions Australia in Group F.

The US appear to have got their surprise loss to Italy earlier in the tournament well and truly out of their system as they start to hit form at the right time.

The Americans led by two points after the first quarter and went on to increase that lead to 13 at the halftime break.

The Aussies reduced that to five in the third period but that was as good as it got as the US eventually ran out 67-57 winners.

Turkey got over their loss to Australia yesterday by edging past Italy in the closest contest of the day, 46-44, while Colombia saw off the challenge of Germany 62-55.

With the second group phase now complete the quarter-finals are due to take place on Saturday (July 12).

Great Britain will take on Turkey, the US will face Iran, Spain are up against Italy and Australia play hosts South Korea.

In the battle for the minor placings, Mexico beat Sweden 72-62 while The Netherlands comfortably overcame Algeria 74-41 in Group G.

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