FIFA Confederations Cup 2009: South Africa vs Spain

The final match day at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg is now at an end. The match between South Africa and Spain for third place was evenly contested, but Spain eventually triumphed 3 – 2.

It would have been a serious embarrassment for the number-one ranked team in the world, had they lost to the steadily improving South Africans, but Spain held out to score the winner in the second half of extra time. There’s no doubt that the Spaniards were given a real scare during this Confederations Cup, first by the USA during the semi-finals and now by the South Africans.

The South Africans showed great promise in the many build-ups to scoring, but need to work on their finishing ability in front of goal. The skill and talent is undoubtedly there; perhaps they will give a better account of themselves next year in the FIFA World Cup Finals.

However, the Spanish side has enough class and I am predicting that they will win the FIFA World Cup Finals to be held in South Africa during June and July next year.

This is your wannabe reporter, Lenny, signing off from the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, until next year; probably from a different stadium.

A Heck of a Day for South Africa, China; Not So Good for Australia

Wow, what a day this has been. First up it’s the Chinese New Year today, affectionately known as The Year of the Ox, or more formally as Ji Chou. Today is also Australia Day, which commemorates the founding of Australia in 1788. Finally, large parts of the world witnessed an annular eclsipse of  the setting sun in the east and the rising sun in more westerly parts.

On this day South Africa marked 500 days to the ultimate football spectacular, the FIFA World Cup Finals to be held in 2010, with various celebrations. The South African National cricket team also celebrated a memorable tour down under by wrapping up the ODI cricket series against Australia, having already won the test series. The occasion is historic for South African sport as this is the first time a test and 1-day series has been won by South Africa, against Australia, in Australia. With results like these and Giniel de Villiers winning the Dakar Rally only last week, the last Rugby World Cup in the trophy cabinet as well, South African sport is certainly looking good.  There is a definite swing from the Aussies to the Springboks in Southern Hemisphere sport.

So, happy new year to the Chinese, happy Australia Day to all down under, commiserations to the Australian Cricket team, and good on yer South Africa for eclipsing the Aussies.