Quick Report: Spain 3-2 South Africa

Spain have won the match for third place at the 2009 Confederations Cup, beating hosts South Africa 3-2 after extra time. A free kick from Xabi Alonso led Vicente del Bosque’s side to victory.

Spain struggled in the first half but seemed to be doing better in the second. However, a disallowed goal from Llorente took away some of their motivation and South Africa took advantage as Katlego Mphela received the ball near the goal after an incisive attack, and slammed it past keeper Casillas for 1-0.

The South African fans had already begun to celebrate their imminent victory when Daniel Guiza levelled in the 89th minute, to even put Spain ahead with a magnificent chip one minute later.

But there was more to come at Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng stadium, and significant amounts of home fans would have wished that they hadn’t left the venue prematurely.

A foul from Riera earned South Africa a free kick two minutes into additional time, and Mphela’s powerful effort left Casillas stranded, 2-2.

But in the second half of extra time, the Spanish had the final say. A free kick from Xabi Alonso curled in at the far post, as both teammates and opponents failed to get their head to it. The keeper came too late as well, with the winning goal as result.