Xabi Alonso’s free-kick in extra-time enabled Spain to see off the plucky challenge of South Africa and clinch third place in the Confederations Cup.

European champions Spain, whose 35-match unbeaten run came to a shock end against the United States in the semi-finals, were lethargic for much of the encounter and appeared to be heading for another defeat when Katlego Mphela put Bafana Bafana ahead after 73 minutes.

But two goals in the final three minutes from substitute Daniel Guiza turned the match around only for Mphela to send the game into extra-time with a blistering free-kick.

Spain sealed it when Liverpool midfielder Alonso curled a 107th-minute free-kick from the left into the area which eluded everyone and ended up in the bottom right-hand corner.

Spain started the game brightly with David Villa shooting over the bar from close range in the seventh minute.

But South Africa gradually came into it, Siphiwe Tshabalala firing a 20-yard effort wide and Matthew Booth nodding off target after getting on the end of a Tshabalala free-kick.

The impressive Tshabalala then tested Spain keeper Iker Casillas from 25 yards with the Real Madrid star getting down well to parry.

Booth and Tshabalala both came close shortly after the half-hour mark as South Africa remained on the front foot.