It is definitely a tall order for any team to face Spain and now it was the host nation, South Africa to go-up against the European champions at a crowded and boisterous Free State Stadium.

Within the opening three minutes of the match, Spain already with a superb chance to open the scoring from a 36m rocket free kick by Riera. His effort forced a stellar leaping save from the birthday boy, goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, who turned 22.

South Africa's defence amazingly were able to keep both the lethal striking duo of Villa and Torres silent throughout the entire first-half, which is a reward and great achievement for any team versus the champions of Europe. Especially, the tall figure of six-foot-six defender Matthew Booth, 33, who had the task of guarding and did brilliantly against one of, or if not the most dangerous strikers in the world right now, Torres

Much later, in the 34th minute to be precise, Villa and Torres link-up well as the Liverpool striker latches onto the slicing through pass, but was prevented by the open-hand stop by the challenging Khune. The ball then deflected off the keeper's palm and bounced toward the open net as the gigantic Booth, boots the ball safely away from the wide-open net..

Heading forward to the 51st minute, Villa's penalty shot is spectacularly saved by the South African stopper, who was in full-extension that rebounded outward toward veteran defender Carlos Puyol who was also denied.

Immediately after, Nino and Villa finally capitalize, as the regarded best out-and-out striker in the world delightfully flicking the ball forward and the Valencia star delicately chests the ball downward and his magnificent half-volley rolls into the bottom-right corner.

On 72 minutes, substitute striker Fernando Llorente, 24, replaced Torrens several minute earlier. The Atletico Bilbao man standing at the right place at the right time, so to speak, sneaks in his shot underneath the keeper from close-range, after collecting the scuff shot from Fabregas.

Unfortunately, for the Bafana Bafana, who did have a disappointing result against the Spaniard's in front of their home country, they can takeaway from this fixture, showing the ability and confidence to create scoring opportunities against the big-name teams. The only thing that lacked was their finishing.

The South African's will now face the Brazilian's in the semi-finals as Spain will be up against the U.S., who will be facing the expected favourites, the Egyptian's, who almost defeated Brazil and bet the Azzuri.

Learn more about this author, Nicholas Nikolov.
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