South Africa v Spain

Wednesday 12th June 2002 12.30 BST, Daejeon



South Africa 2 Spain 3
McCarthy 31, Radebe 53; Raul 4, 56, Mendieta 46

contrasting emotions

This is the game I chose to watch this afternoon! :) Both games though were full of emotions and heroics - so unlike this morning's games. Well, Espana! 9 points; 9 goals - that's the way to do it Les Bleues!!

In 82% humidity, South Africa played their most important football match ever, which was expected to attract a record number of TV viewers. Poor South Africa went out by dint of Paraguay scoring one more goal than them. I feel sorry for the goalkeeper who made such a boob to let in Raul for his 4th minute goal. He made (slight) amends shortly afterwards, by producing a brilliant save from Morientes on 31 minutes - but it was still his fault, most probably!

Spain never really looked overstretched and Mendieta's free-kick goal was a special (although, perhaps, again the goalie could've done better - his positioning wasn't the best!). I'm remaining careful what I say here about Spain's prospects .......

Teams

South Africa: Andre Arendse, Cyril Zama, Aaron Mokoena, Lucas Radebe (capt), Bradley Carnell, MacBeth Sibaya, Teboho Mokoena, Quinton Fortune (Jacob Lekgetho 83), Sibusiso Zuma, Siyabonga Nomvethe (George Koumantarakis 74), Benni McCarthy.

Booked: Nzama, Carnell, Nomvete.

Spain: Iker Casillas, Curro Torres, Ivan Helguera, Miguel Angel Nadal, Enrique Romero, Gaizka Mendieta, Xavi Hernandez, David Albelda (Sergio 53), Joaquin Sanchez, Raul (capt) (Luis Enrique 82), Fernando Morientes (Alberto Luque 78).

Attendance: 31,024

Referee: Saad Mane (Kuwait)




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