Spain qualified for the Semi Finals of the competition with three wins out of three after securing a two nil victory against South Africa.
The Free State stadium was packed as all eyes were on next summer’s World Cup Host, South Africa, to see if they could secure a place in the semis. South Africa needed a draw or a win to ensure qualification but New Zealand’s goalless draw with Iraq meant the host had made it through.
Spain were at full force with Torres and Villa leading the attack. However the Spaniards endured a difficult first half as South Africa were strong defensively and quick on the counter. Liverpool’s Albert Reira and Fernando Torres managed to force the keeper into decent saves. At the other end, Steven Pienaar engineered most of the play as he ran towards the Spanish defence before slipping in Parker but his shot was well over the bar.
The Everton midfielder caused more trouble with some dazzling footwork before passing to Modise who hurried his shot and dragged it wide of Reina’s goal. Just before the break, Torres attempted one of his amazing runs and played in David Villa, but he curled the ball over the bar.
Spain stepped up a gear in the second half and made their possession count when Cesc Fabregas sprinted into the penalty area where he was felled. An absolute brilliant double save followed up as David Villa saw his penalty pushed aside by Khune before witnessing the keeper hold onto Carlos Puyol’s rebound.
The Valencia striker was not in disarray as seconds later, Reira’s lofted pass was chested by David Villa, and he swivelled to strike a low shot into the net. South Africa began increasingly nervous but responded well. However the Spaniards took advantage of some sloppy defending after Fabregas’s mishit shot was not cleared and substitute Llorente slid the ball into the net to secure victory for Spain.
South Africa were anxious to hear of the other result that would depend their qualification fate; but were soon smiling and celebrating when good news arrived.
