Confederations Cup Game 3: South Africa v Spain Preview

June 20th, 2009 | By: Anthony | 3 Comments »

We don’t have much to play for except our pride and to set some impressive records but South Africa on the other hand has it all to play for. We have already qualified for the semifinals with 6 points from our first 2 games while South Africa need a win against us mighty Spaniards to progress.

South Africa sit in second place with 4 points and absolutely need a win to guarantee their progression. With a win against New Zealand, Iraq would end up in second and therefore qualifying to play Brazil in the semi’s.

I am somewhat scared because the South Africans have so much to play for but I know from watching their match against New Zealand that they are extremely wasteful in regards to their opportunities on goal. This could be used to our advantage as Vicente del Bosque is certainly most likely to start somewhat of a second string lineup tomorrow.

Usually “resting some players” would mean a weaker lineup but we’re so stacked with talent that it barely even matters. Now of course Fernando Torres or David Villa may be better than Dani Güiza but having the former pichichi as a substitute isn’t too bad of a secret weapon at all. Our attack could also feature Fernando Llorente who is one of the most young promising talents on both the domestic and international level.

Overall, it will be good for some of the guys who do not play on a regular basis to prove their worth to Del Bosque and give us more options for the future.

Some good news for us is that it appears Fàbregas will be fit for today’s match and will most likely start in the midfield. We also have no suspensions so Vicente del Bosque will have a full squad to choose from although he will most likely choose the guys who haven’t got a run out thus far.

A win against South Africa would hold the record of the most consecutive wins at 15 and also hold the record for the longest unbeaten run which is 35 matches. Although we don’t have much to play for in terms of success in the tournament, we certainly have something to play for in terms of furthering our domination on world football.

I’m scared to make any sort of prediction considering I have no idea what the lineup is going to look like but I know we’ll come out on top. I could easily see it being another 1-0 as we would be content enough with that small margin of victory. A win is a win and we should be able to grab one against the home nation who haven’t been the most convincing so far.

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Username By Nithin | June 20th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
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Anthony, I’m confused. Isn’t Iraq behind SA by 3 points and a goal difference of 3? Then, a draw would guarantee SA a semi spot, right? And a loss along with an Iraq victory would then take it to goal difference.

Posted from India India

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Username By laurie | June 20th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
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Nithin, you got it. At the half, it’s looking good for Bafana Bafana.

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Username By Sol | June 21st, 2009 at 5:55 pm
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Brazil are now favorites to me to win this cup. I just can’t imagine Spain keeping their winning streak going, it has to end somewhere and Brazil is looking stronger and stronger. Especially Fabiano, he’s been more consistent this tournament so far than Torres who only had a good game the first game. Villa is of much lesser class, allthough he does get his goals in. Not that hard if you get that many chances.

Brazil’s speed and finishing is more fearsome then Spain’s now. Spain’s creativity and passing is better, possibly defense as well. It’s going to be interesting again. Great tournament so far. :)

Too bad there’s so much dead weight in the first group and not enough great teams present. :(

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