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 hors d'oeuvres 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? Source:BBC