Despite thundering horns of South African fans all around the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, European champions Spain on Sunday regained its vigor and took the third place of the FIFA Confederations Cup by beating hosts 3-2.
Spain has gone through a difficult period after being defeated by North American champions the Untied States and edged out of the final.
It was also the first victory of the Stars and Stripes over Spain in the country's soccer history. The loss also broke the unbeaten record of 35 matches held by La Roja, which was shared by Brazil between 1993 and 1996.
In the bid to the third place, Spain tried to spring back to life. The first goal opportunity fell on Valencia striker David Villa in the fourth minute. He tried to kick the ball into the far corner for La Roja with a beautiful curling, but it was palmed away by South African goalkeeper.
South African defender Matthew Booth got a great chance ten minutes later when the Bafana Bafana had a free kick, but his powerful header went wide. The first half ended scoreless.
The match however was marked by stunning twists and turns after the interval. The Bafana Bafana broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, with substitute Katlego Mphela sent the ball home with a powerful shot.
Spaniards did not lose control of the match but seek opportunity with patience. They staged an astonishing blitz in the 87th minute. Forward Daniel Guiza became the hero writing the history with two goals in two minutes.
He first shot the ball into the net from the edge of the area, then one minute later he got the ball on the right and fired it into the far top corner.
To the surprise of South African fans, their players did not give up easily. Mphela's free-kick into the top corner forced Spain to enter into the extra time.
La Roja did not give more chances to the opponents this time. Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso grasped an opportunity of free-kick and secured the victory by hammering the ball into the bottom corner in the 107th minute.
The group match between the two sides also ended with a 2-0 triumph of Spain. Despite the loss, South Africa has made history by marching into the top four of the intercontinental tournament.
(Xinhua News Agency June 29, 2009)
