Europe News
Spain edge South Africa in extra-time for Confed Cup consolation
Jun 28, 2009, 15:32 GMT
Rustenburg, South Africa - European champions Spain clinched third place at the Confederations Cup with a 3-2 extra-time victory over hosts South Africa in Rustenberg on Sunday.
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso struck a 107th-minute winner for Spain after the match had ended 2-2 in a dramatic end to regular time at the Royal Bafokeng stadium.
Alonso's curling free-kick evaded everyone and sailed past a surprised keeper Itumeleng Khune to give Spain the consolation prize.
South Africa took the lead through substitute Katlego Mphela and were heading for victory until Spain sub Daniel Guiza struck twice in the last three minutes.
But the drama wasn't over, and with many of the home crowd leaving the stadium Mphela struck a direct free-kick into the top of the net in the third minute of stoppage time to take the match into extra time.
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