FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP 2009: THIRD PLACE SPAIN 3 - SOUTH AFRICA 2 (SEE VIDEO OF GOALS)

An amazing game for the third place of the FIFA CONFEDERATIONS
CUP 2009 between SPAIN & SOUTH AFRICA with the former
winning 3-2 in extra-time. It was possibly Spain’s worst match of
the whole tournament with defensive mistakes & with its accustomed
flowing game missing. The absence of Xavi was extremely noticeable
& other observations – which will be mentioned later – baffled the
viewer.

The game livened up in the 73rd min when South Africa scored via
MPHELA to put South Africa ahead. Spain managed to equalize in the
88th & go ahead in the 89th via substitute GUIZA, but was again
surprised in the last moment when MPHELA took the match into
extra-time with a free kick missile in the 93rd min.

The extra-time saw its first 15min dominated by South Africa with
Spanish Goalkeeper IKER CASILLAS making two saves that were
absolutely vital. The 2º part of extra-time saw XABI ALONSO score
in the 106th min from a free kick that finally sealed the victory &
the third place for Spain.

See all 5 goals on video below:

Spain 0 – South Africa 1 (Mphele 73rd min)


Spain 1 – South Africa 1 (Guiza 88th min)


Spain 2 – South Africa 1 (Guiza 89th min)


Spain 2 – South Africa 2 (Mphela 93rd min)


Spain 3 – South Africa 2 ( Xabi Alonso 106th min)


Some elemental conclusions - although not conclusive - can be
made from this tournament & concretely from the game with South
Africa:

1.This FIFA Confederations Cup tournament has been
counter-productive for Spain & possibly for its future performances.
2.It has demonstrated to the competition (the other teams) the
weak points that can be exploited.
3. Spain is less effective if you neutralize Xavi. In fact, Xavi
didn’t play against South Africa & the team was lost on the field.
4. Spain needs to get back into its side Iniesta, recover Silva
fully fit & Marcos Senna
5. The right hand defensive side is a weak spot. Sergio Ramos
is in very low form & today Arbeloa didn’t do much better.
6. Coach Del Bosque has shown signs of uncertainty & has made
some difficult to explain decisions. Against USA he took off Cesc
when he was at his height & Spain was at its best, & today he left
the midfield without a natural midfielder from the start. Things
turned out well today thanks to luck (Guiza´s 2º goal & Casillas
two saves) & one may think that the Coaches decisions were
perfect, but they have shown lack of confidence that we hope
does not transmit onto the team.
7. South Africa put Spain on the ropes for most of the game &
with Spain’s loss against the USA there may enter psychological
doubts in the future that need to be eliminated asap so that they
do not grow.

SFS is sure that all these mistakes will be corrected, that with the key
mentioned players back in the team & with a more competitive
environment, Spain will be back to its best. However, the warning
signs are there & notes should be taken as this tournament has
demonstrated that if winning next years World Cup is the objective
there is a hell of a lot of work to do, & not be carried away with
over confidence & euphoria.

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