Confederations Cup 2009 - DAY 3: David Villa puts Spain in the semis; South Africa beat New Zealand

It was not as easy as they thought. Asian champions Iraq managed to shut down most of Spain's offensive attempts and besides the Spaniards didn't show the same efficiency in putting the ball on target as they did against New Zealand. However the best team won. Thanks to David Villa's precise header and Iraq's defense snoozing, Spain can now rest the rest of their main players against South Africa and wait for their opponents in the semifinals of the 2009 Confederations Cup.

During the whole match one could clearly see that the Iraqis were going to set 10 players on defense and try to get something on an occasional counter attack. It almost worked out for them on the 9th minute when Alaa Abdul Zahra got a good shot to test Iker Casillas from 20 yards. 

Spain dominated every section of the pitch with a passing, intelligent ball movement but the finishing was not good today. With a wall if Iraqis planted in front of their box the Spaniards should have done a better job capitalizing their opportunities. 

74minute: David Villa is left open in the box. One defender in front of him and one defender behind on him but none of them closed down when the cross came and the (still) Valencia striker did what he does best - score goals. 

That was it. Spain got the spot in the semis. Iraq still has a chance if they beat New Zealand and South Africa loses to Spain.

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Bernard Parker scores twice for South Africa

The Red Star Belgrade forward reached his 9th international goal in 18 caps after scoring twice tonight to give South Africa a very important win over the weak horrible team of New Zealand. While the eyes were on Everton talented midfielder Steven Pienaar, it was Bernard Parker who snatched the two goals that gave South Africa hopes for a spot in the semifinals of the competition. 

Pienaar was great too. Specially in the second half. He created space, used his skills and I dare to say that every offensive play for the South Africans had his touch on the ball. However, there's is still a long way to go until we can consider South Africa a threat in World or even in the African Continent scenario. 

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Tomorrow we have the second round of matches for the Group B. 

Brazil will face the USA and then it's Italy vs. Egypt. Surprises tomorrow? Hmmm... Let's see what the Egyptians can produce against Italy. And Brazil is definetly my favourinte aginst my neighbours North Americans (sorry pals).

Follow everything here at OleOle Match Centre:

BRAZIL v USA

ITALY v EGYPT