Spain win play-off after extra time
Xabi Alonso scored the winner with a curling free-kick
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The British and Irish Lions have lost the Test series against South Africa as a last minute penalty gave the world champions a 28-25 win. |  |
Sunday, 28, Jun 2009 05:01
Spain have secured third place in the Confederations Cup after beating hosts South Africa 3-2 in a thriller.
The game looked to be heading for a stalemate until substitute Katlego Mphela blasted the ball in from close range after a slick passing move on 73 minutes.
But the European champions hit back with two goals in a minute from Dani Guiza. First, the striker scored with a stunning shot from the edge of the box on 88 minutes.
Guiza then gave the Spaniards the lead with an attempted cross that deceived goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and clipped the far post before going into the net.
But in stoppage time, South Africa forced extra time with a sensational 30-yard free-kick from Mphela that flew into the corner.
Mphela and Bernard Parker were both denied by keeper Iker Casillas in the first period of extra-time as South Africa surged forward in search of a third goal.
But Vicente Del Bosque's men grabbed the winner in the 107th minute when Xabi Alonso's curling free-kick evaded everyone and creeped into the corner.
Spain have lost just once in their last 36 games. Their only defeat in that time came to the USA on Wednesday.