Fernando Torres Fan Site

Torres with his game face on!

Establishing their 15th straight win, the European champion’s locked on a new world record after defeating host country South Africa 2-0.

A hard fought game, South Africa wasn’t going to make it easy for the European champs, making them sweat throughout the first half and making La Selección earn their win and new spiffy record.

This game proved to be a specifically tough one for Torres as in the 3rd minute Booth felled Anfield’s number ’9′ and let out a clear message to the striker: South Africa wasn’t going to go down easy – and they weren’t going to give the striker any space to score.

La Furia Roja almost took the lead from the resulting free-kick as Riera’s shot from Xabi’s lay-off was pushed behind for a corner by Khune. The keeper had to fly across his goal to save the shot.

Next to test South Africa’s keeper, Torres took control of a long ball before cutting back inside and letting the ball fly with a left kick. However Torre’s efforts were cut down in vain by Khune at the edge of the post.

With their 4-5-1 format, the host team was making life a frustrating nightmare for Spain as they delegated most of their shots out thanks to their fantastic goal keeper, Itumeleng Khune – a promising young man at only 22 years of age.

Spain’s worries seemed to be a thing of the past as in the 50th minute Spain was handed a penalty shot when Mokoena brought down Cesc Fabregas in the box. But once again Khune came to his homelands rescue as he blocked Villa’s penalty and seconds later saved a Puyol follow up.

As amazing as Khune’s saves’ were, the joy from the South African side was short lived as 20 something seconds later Spain had the ball in the back of South Africa’s net. Taking rein of a long ball and bringing it down to his chest, Villa punted the ball past Khune and right into the net, silencing the entire home crowd who was still celebrating Khune’s saves seconds before.

Spain now in full control, Vicente Del Bosque decided to make a double substitution taking out David Villa for Pablo Hernandez and Fernando Torres for Fernando Llorente.

Latching onto Fabregas’ shot, Llorente doubled the score on the 72th minute cementing Spain’s win and making everyone on Spain’s side breath a little easier.

Sealing the top spot, Spain took the group with all 9 points in their pockets and will take on Group B’s runners-up on Wednesday for a place on the finals. Thanks to New Zealand’s and Iraq’s draw, South Africa will also move up, facing the first place take of Group B.

- Match Stats: Spain 2-0 South Africa

Spain: Reina, Puyol, Albiol, Pique, Arbeloa, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Cesc, Riera (Cazorla, 82), David Villa (Pablo Hernandez, 61), Fernando Torres (Llorente, 61)

Booked: Albiol, Pique Goals: Villa 51, Llorente 72

South Africa: Khune, Gaxa, Mokoena, Booth, Masilela, Silbaya (Mashego, 82), Pienaar, Dikgacoi, Mholongo, Modise, Parker (Tshabalala, 89)

Booked: Dikgacoi, Sibaya

Written By: Diana

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