Spain moved a step closer to the World Cup finals with a 2-1 win against Belarus, leaving the world champions just one point away from sealing their place in Brazil next summer.

Swansea frontman Michu made his first ever appearance for Vicente Del Bosque's side as a Xavi strike and wonderful diving header from Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo earned Spain victory.

Belarus' disciplined defense held Spain to one shot on target in the first half, but Spain's insistence led to Xavi scoring the 61st-minute opener before substitute Negredo added a second goal in the 78th.

International debut: Michu made his first ever appearance for his country as Spain took on Belarus on Friday

 
Getting stuck in: Swansea star Michu is pulled down to the ground by Belarus midfielder Stanislav Dragun (left)

Former Blackpool loanee Sergei Kornilenko snatched a consolation goal for last-place Belarus on the break in the 89th.

The victory gave Spain 17 points in Europe Group I. France has 14 before both play on Tuesday.

Spain hosts Georgia and France hosts Finland in their final group matches. The winner of the group qualifies for the 2014 tournament in Brazil, while the runner-up faces a playoff.

Spain, which had drawn its previous two qualifiers played at home, is now undefeated in 29 straight games on home soil.

'It wasn't easy. We weren't very crisp with our final passes, but we got the win and took an important step toward the World Cup,' said Xavi.

Xavi wore the captain's armband after Spain coach Vicente del Bosque started Victor Valdes over regular skipper Iker Casillas.

Del Bosque also gave Swansea forward Michu his first intentional start even though he had been a late replacement in the squad for the injured David Villa.

After Spain struggled to create scoring chances in the first 45 minutes, Del Bosque took off defender Nacho Monreal for another playmaker in Andres Iniesta and later sent on Negredo for Michu.

Goal hero: Xavi punches the air having put Spain ahead against Belarus during Friday's World Cup qualifiying match

 
Head to head: Arsenal's Nacho Monreal wins an aerial dual while Xavi keeps control in the middle of the pitch

Back of the net: Sergio Ramos (right) is quick to jump out of the way of Xavi's goalward bound shot

One point needed: Spain top Group I with 17 points, three more than second-placed France

Spain continued to probe and the breakthrough came when Pique blindly lobbed the ball backward from near the end line. After Belarus' Egor Filipenko grazed it, the ball fell perfectly for Xavi to drive in a low right-footed strike.

Negredo secured the result with a header from a cross by Sergio Ramos after Pedro Rodriguez had played the defender free with a deft back-heeled flick.

The game went ahead despite an explosion in the power supply at Iberostar Stadium on Thursday night that injured three people- two seriously- and led to several power outages.

Flying: Alvaro Negredo connects perfectly with Sergio Ramos' cross to score a brilliant diving header

High fives all round: Sergio Busquets (left) Andres Iniesta (second left) and Ramos congratulate Negredo

Spain