Spain 3-2 South Africa (aet)

Spain secured victory over hosts South Africa in the Confederations Cup third-place play-off courtesy of a Xabi Alonso extra-time free-kick.
South African substitute Katlego Mphela opened the scoring in the second half, lashing in a Siphiwe Tshabalala cross. 

Two goals in two minutes from Daniel Guiza seemed to have won it for Spain until Mphela crashed home an injury-time free-kick to force extra-time. 
But Alonso curled in a set-piece in the second period of extra-time to win it. 
For much of normal time this game was a typically drab third-place play-off, with European Champions Spain - whose 35-match unbeaten run came to a shock end against the United States in the semi-final - particularly lethargic. 
The closest either side came to a goal in the first half was a Matthew Booth snap shot that fizzed past the post for the home side. 
Spain were brighter in the second half, with Albert Riera forcing a smart save from Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
However, it was the home side who took the lead when Tshabalala was released wide left and his cross was firstly controlled by Mphela before being crashed into the roof of the net by the striker. 
It looked like being the only goal of the game until Guiza's late show. 
The substitute striker turned in a Santi Cazorla cross with his right foot into the bottom left-hand corner in the 88th minute. 
Barely a minute later he had put Spain into the lead, when what appeared to have been a cross beat Khune, clipped the far upright and went in. 
It appeared as though this would be enough to win the match for Spain, but with the final kick of the match, three minutes into injury-time, Mphela lashed in a spectacular 25-yard free-kick to extend matters by a further 30 minutes. 
In an understandably nervy extra-time, Liverpool midfielder Alonso had the final say, with a smart, curling free-kick that beat attackers and defenders alike to find the far right corner of the net. 

Spain: Casillas, Arbeloa, Albiol, Pique, Capdevila, Santi Cazorla, Alonso, Riera, Busquets (Llorente 81), Villa (Silva 57), Torres (Guiza 57).
Subs Not Used: Diego Lopez, Marchena, Puyol, Pablo, Xavi, Fabregas, Sergio Ramos, Mata, Reina. 
Booked: Busquets, Pique, Albiol, Llorente. 
Goals: Guiza 88, 89, Alonso 107. 

South Africa: Khune, Gaxa, Booth, Mokoena, Masilela, Pienaar (Mphela 64), Dikgacoi, Sibaya, Modise (Van Heerden 69), Parker, Tshabalala (Mhlongo 84).
Subs Not Used: Fernandez, Davids, Mdledle, Fanteni, Moon, Khumalo, Mashego, Gould, Baloyi. 
Booked: Pienaar, Mphela, Masilela. 
Goals: Mphela 73, 90. 

Att: 21,500 
Ref: Matthew Breeze (Austrailia).
www.bbc.co.uk

Arsenal - Villarreal

Arsenal improved their performance in the last couple of weeks and now we can talk about not so bad season for them. Fabregas and Adebayor are finally recovered and with them on the pitch, squad looks much stronger. Gunners secured 4th place in Premier. They beat Wigan Athletic, 4-1 on the road and that was the fifth straight league win. They qualified in FA Cup semi-final and tonight have a chance to do the same in Champions League. They fought the draw in the first game on El Madrigal thankfully to magnificent strike by Emanuel Adebayor and tonight have to finish the job. Despite some injury problems (Gallas, Clichy, Djourou and Almunia won't play), Wenger's boys are the clear favorites and wait the game full of confidence.

Spanish side traditionally plays very well in Europe. In the first game, even without maybe the best player Santi Cazorla, made a lots of problems for Arsenal and minimal win wouldn't be undeserved. They play not so good, recently. Just one win in last five competitive games (Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at home). Last round's defeat at home against Malaga 0-2 wasn't good introduction for tonight's game. But the biggest problem is missing second best player, Marcos Senna who injured against Malaga. So, two very important midfield player are out. Cani and Mati Fernandez have also some injury problem and their appearance is under the question mark.

I don't think Villarreal can resist on Emirates and expect the confirmation of Arsenal's excellent run of results. Home win is about 1.55. But, the stake is the semi-final and it's hard to believe home side will keep the minimal lead. Expekt offers 2.35 for handicap and that's my choice. Home handicap win!

Porto-Man.Utd.

Can Porto make a wonder? I don't care too much, but care about their brave performance. They attacked United at Old Trafford(!) and tonight have a chance to fill their dreams. I don't have a single reason to suspect their intention to attack, again. But, on the other half of pitch will be Man.Utd., rested, fully recovered (perhaps with Rio and Berbatov, too) and thirsty for blood. Beside I can't wait the start of game, my only logic conclusion is three or more goals. 888 offers 2.00 and I accept. Over!