Spain take third place

Xabi Alonso's extra-time goal helped Spain clinch third place in the Confederations Cup after a 3-2 victory over South Africa.

Spain survive scare to take third place

Xabi Alonso's extra-time winner helped Spain clinch third place in the Confederations Cup after a 3-2 victory over South Africa. The Liverpool midfielder struck from a free-kick two minutes into the second period of extra-time to condemn the hosts to fourth place in the tournament. South Africa looked to be heading for a shock win when substitute Katlego Mphela fired them in front after 73 minutes. Spain then turned the game on its head with two goals in a minute from substitute Dani Guiza. The striker levelled matters on 88 minutes with a clinical finish inside the box and a minute later his attempted cross from the right deceived South Africa goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune and clipped the far post before going into the net. However, there was still more drama to come with Mphela sending the game into extra-time with a stunning free-kick from fully 30 yards out. Mphela and Bernard Parker were both denied by Iker Casillas in the first period of extra-time as South Africa surged forward in search of a third goal. Spain grabbed the winner in the 107th minute when Alonso's free-kick from the left evaded everyone inside the box and flew into the far right-hand corner past Khune.