However, the South African team failed to march closer to a semifinal berth of Group A in the rest time of the match against New Zealand, although they launched frequent attacks and boasted of bigger possession of the ball.

The match came after European champions Spain cruised into the semifinals of the Confederations Cup after beating Iraq 1-0, collecting six points in two group matches. Iraq and South Africa would compete for the rest slot of the semifinal in Group A.

Iraq will play with New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday in Elis Park Stadium and South Africa will challenge Spain in Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium on the same day.

In Group B, 2006 World Cup winner Italy defeated North American champions the United States 3-1 on Monday while Brazil beat African champions Egypt 4-3 with a penalty within the last two minutes.

Despite the loss, Egypt has been hailed for their brilliant performance in Monday's match, including famous coach of the Iraqi team Bora Milutinovic at the press conference after the match against Spain.

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