Spain takes on South Africa
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is expected to shuffle his pack as his attentions turn to the 2010 World Cup.Goalkeeper Diego Lopez is the only squad member yet to feature, whilst Dani Guiza and Pablo Hernandez have played just 46 minutes between them.
South Africa are at full strength. MacBeth Sibaya returns from suspension and is poised to win his 50th cap.
Bernard Parker is again expected to lead the line. He is the only South African player to have scored so far.
MATCH PREVIEW
Pre-tournament favourites Spain were always expected to be in action on finals day, but instead of attempting to win their first ever senior global title they are simply part of the h'orderve in Rustenburg, 70 miles north of the final in Johannesburg.
The third place play-off was certainly never on the Spanish menu when coach Vicente del Bosque named a full-strength squad ahead of the tournament, minus the injured Andres Iniesta and Marcos Senna.
Yet their shock semi-final defeat to the USA has reignited claims that the Spanish are perennial underachievers at major football tournaments.
Despite equalling Brazil's all-time unbeaten record of 35 games and breaking the record for successive victories, Spain will leave South Africa with heavy hearts, regardless of what happens on the pitch against the hosts.
South Africa started the tournament as a team lacking in confidence following their failure to reach next year's Africa Cup of Nations. A dour 0-0 draw in their opening game with Iraq did little to boost the spirits of the ever critical public.
As the tournament's progressed, so Joel Santana's side have improved. He's spoken of the "hope and heart from the performance" against Brazil, adding that there's still an additional year for the squad to develop further.
Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar has become a clear fans' favourite, with many calling for him to be named captain. He said the USA's victory over Spain inspired his team-mates.
Despite losing to the European champions during the group stage, can South Africa now emulate the States and claim third place?
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
- The two sides have met only twice before. Spain won 3-2 during the group stage of the 2002 World Cup. Two goals from Raul and a strike from ex-Middlesbrough midfielder Gaizka Mendieta won the game for Spain. Benni McCarthy and Lucas Radebe replied for South Africa.
- The European champions also won 2-0 just eight days ago in the group stage of the Confederations Cup. David Villa and Fernando Llorente were the men on target.
Spain
- Spain's 2-0 defeat to the USA was the first time they had conceded two goals since a 3-2 friendly win over Greece, in August 2007.
- The number 13 proved to be unlucky for Vicente del Bosque, his record breaking run of successive victories as a head coach ended after his 13th game.
- David Villa and Fernando Torres are both chasing the golden shoe title for the tournament's top goalscorer. Both have scored three goals, the same as Brazil's Luis Fabiano.
- Spain have not lost to African opposition since a 3-2 defeat to Nigeria in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup finals.
South Africa
- South Africa have scored in just one of their four Confederations Cup matches so far, Bernard Parker scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over New Zealand.
- Bafana Bafana have picked up a tournament high seven bookings.
- Joel Santana's side have already beaten European opposition this month, Thembinkosi Fanteni scoring against Poland in a 1-0 win shortly before the tournament started.
