Confederations Cup 2009 Spain Beat South Africa 3 2 After Extra Time

Spain clinched third place in the Confederations Cup after a five-goal thriller against hosts South Africa in Rustenburg, winning 3-2 after extra time.Katlego Mphela, the striker who admitted he was astonished to be involved in the tournament, scored in the 73rd minute as Spain's misery after losing their unbeaten record against USA looked like being compounded.

Two goals in as many minutes from fellow substitute Daniel Guiza then turned the match full circle, to give Spain a shock lead in the 89th minute.

The sudden turnaround in fortunes prompted streams of the home fans to exit the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, but minutes later they were running back to their seats.

The supporters' horns were not rested for long as the fourth twist came via a fearsome 25 yard free kick from Mphela which levelled the match on 92 minutes, and sent the match into extra time.

The extended period of play was an open affair, with both teams pressing for a winner, and it came courtesy of a hopeful free kick from Xabi Alonso which was left by countless players in the box before it found the far corner.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque made four changes to his side with Cesc Fabregas, Carlos Puyol, David Silva and Xavi all the bench, and the Arsenal midfielder cut a forlorn figure on the bench with his shirt draped over his chest.

Fernando Torres had warned South Africa of a backlash following his side's semi-final defeat to the United States, and the opening minutes suggested that this was to be the case