SAO PAULO, September 13 -- Argentina made a surprise on Wednesday, beating Spain 77-64 in a second round match of Group A at the women's basketball world championship in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Led by manager Eduardo Pinto, Argentina showed smart tactics alongside their traditional aggression.

Being considered the weakest in the group because of its only third world championship after two decades of absence, Argentina held the hosts Brazil in their opener neck-and-neck until the closing minutes, and lost by merely two points 71-69.

Spain who by contrast were third in the last European championship, held in Turkey, battered South Korea 87-57 in Tuesday's opening games.

Spain were playing without star player Amaya Valdemoro who felled by a bruise after only a few minutes of play.

"We scored victory that was very important after yesterday's loss to Brazil... like yesterday were able to maintain a good defense," Gisela Vega, who scored 24 points for Argentina told local television.

In the last round Argentina will meet South Korea and Spain will challenge Brazil.