2009 Confederations Cup: Spain Defeat South Africa 2-0, Both Teams Go To Semis
June 23rd 2009 03:33
Their qualification for the semifinals already secured, it was easy to see why Spain were a little lax in their final group game against South Africa. As a matter of fact. It was the Africans who started on the right, fighting toe to toe against Spain instead of retreating like the Spaniards' previous opponents. The red shirts' nonchalant playing was compounded by the fact that their formation lacked the width necessary to bother the South Africans' defense.
Indeed, with Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas and Riera manning the midfield, they were essentially playing with three central midfielders and one left-winger. The right wing was left for Puyol who, sadly, didn't have the legs nor the motivation to run up and down the pitch like Sergio Ramos. The resulting formation forced them to play in a narrow fashion which made South Africa's job a lot more easier.
Spain were given a nice opportunity to take the lead five minutes into the second half with a penalty-kick as Fabregas was tackled inside the box. The kick – taken by Villa – was surprisingly stopped by goalkeeper Khune who got up in time to also deny Puyol's rebound. Unfortunately, his defense wasn't as focused when the Euro champions came back for another attack thirty seconds later. Slipping between the two central defenders, Villa beautifully chested down Riera's early cross before volleying the ball to the far post for the first goal of the match. Once Spain got the leaf, there was really nothing South Africa could do. Llorente's goal twenty minutes later seemed to be the nail in the coffin, but New Zealand's draw against Iraq in the other game ensured the hosts' qualification for the semis.
Although Spain has been far above the competition they've faced so far in the tournament. There's a certain feeling that Andres Iniesta is sorely missed in the middle of th park. His creativity and complicity with fellow blaugrana Xavi would've provided great help in the first half as Spain struggled to link up as successfully as before. Still, they go on to the semis where they are the heavy favorites to go on to the final.
Indeed, with Xavi, Busquets, Fabregas and Riera manning the midfield, they were essentially playing with three central midfielders and one left-winger. The right wing was left for Puyol who, sadly, didn't have the legs nor the motivation to run up and down the pitch like Sergio Ramos. The resulting formation forced them to play in a narrow fashion which made South Africa's job a lot more easier.
Spain were given a nice opportunity to take the lead five minutes into the second half with a penalty-kick as Fabregas was tackled inside the box. The kick – taken by Villa – was surprisingly stopped by goalkeeper Khune who got up in time to also deny Puyol's rebound. Unfortunately, his defense wasn't as focused when the Euro champions came back for another attack thirty seconds later. Slipping between the two central defenders, Villa beautifully chested down Riera's early cross before volleying the ball to the far post for the first goal of the match. Once Spain got the leaf, there was really nothing South Africa could do. Llorente's goal twenty minutes later seemed to be the nail in the coffin, but New Zealand's draw against Iraq in the other game ensured the hosts' qualification for the semis.
Although Spain has been far above the competition they've faced so far in the tournament. There's a certain feeling that Andres Iniesta is sorely missed in the middle of th park. His creativity and complicity with fellow blaugrana Xavi would've provided great help in the first half as Spain struggled to link up as successfully as before. Still, they go on to the semis where they are the heavy favorites to go on to the final.
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