An injury time free kick from Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso helped Spain secure third place in the 2009 Confederations Cup as they beat hosts South Africa 3-2 in Rustenburg.
Some of the Spanish players prior to this clash said that they’d rather “be on vacation” than play this third place playoff, and for much of the game Spain did look lethargic.
Katlego Mphela, who had replaced Steven Pienaar, gave South Africa a shock 73rd minute lead, lashing home a cross from Siphiwe Tshabalala. With South Africa seemingly destined for a famous win, Spanish substitute Dani Guiza scored twice in two minutes to put Spain ahead. But Mphela sent the match into extra time with a brilliant 25 yard free kick in the third minute of injury time.
Xabi Alonso had the final say, curling home the winner in the 107th minute. For the second time in as many games, a set piece proved to the South Africa’s undoing.
Final score : Spain 3-2 South Africa
Goal scorers :- Dani Guiza 88′, 89′, Xabi Alonso 107’/ Katlego Mphela 73′, 90+3′