Spain clinch third place

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 93 minutes, and sent the match into extra time.

Both teams pressed for a winner as the match continued, and it finally came courtesy of a hopeful free kick from Xabi Alonso which was left by countless players in the box before it found the bottom corner.

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

Four minutes into the match, David Villa found room on the edge of the box to swivel and curl a delightful shot towards the far corner, but it was met with an equally good save as Itumeleng Khune tipped the ball wide.

A 35 yard free kick was floated to the back post by Macbeth Sibaya in the 13th minute where it was met by Booth, but the unmarked defender could only head wide.

An enthralling run by Torres had the crowd in raptures eight minutes later; the striker danced inside two South Africa defenders and exchanged a quick one-two with Santi Cazorla, before his shot was palmed wide by Khune.

Another good opportunity presented itself to Booth, after the imposing defender had stole in at the back post and had a free shot at goal, but he sliced his effort wide on the half hour.

At the start of the second half Spain had a goal disallowed for offside after Villa had unleashed a rasping shot from the edge of the area, and Sergio Busquets tapped home after a fine save from Khune, but his celebrations were ended abruptly by the flag.

Del Bosque withdrew Torres and Villa midway through the second half, and brought on David Silva and Guiza, the latter of whom would go on to make a very tangible impact.

Khune made another smart stop from Albert Riera in the 62nd minute, but it was South Africa who were pressing hard at the other end.

After replacing Steven Pienaar - a decision from South Africa coach Joel Santana was which was met with derision - Mphela lashed home the opener after a cross from Siphiwe Tshabalala had found him unmarked in the Spain box.

Guiza's first strike was a precise swivel and drive in the 88th minute, finding the bottom corner from the edge of the area, but his second a minute later was even more startling.

Guiza took the ball down outwide on the right and proceeded to find the far top corner of Khune's goal with a curling cross-shot which was either a brilliantly inventive shot, or a fortunately misguided cross.

When Mphela hammered a 25 yard free kick into the top corner of Casillas's goal in the 90th minute, South Africa must have believed their momentum would carry them through.

However, Alonso's strike in extra time was the crucial blow to the hosts, who could not respond after many of their side were left weary having played every minute of every game in the competition.

Finishing in third place will be scant compensation for Spain having lost in the semi-finals, while South Africa will be left to rue the fact that two fine goals were not enough to spark a final celebration.