[ 2011-07-24 ]

Spurs sink Pirates in final again
JOHANNESBURG (AFP) - Tottenham Hotspur defeated
Orlando Pirates 3-0 for the second time in four
years in a Vodacom Challenge final Saturday to
boost their pre-season preparations.

Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart struck
either side of half-time for the Premier League
outfit at cool, clear Ellis Park and England
striker Jermain Defoe completed the scoring three
minutes from full-time.

It was the most impressive display by Tottenham of
a three-match tour to 2010 World Cup hosts South
Africa after losing against Kaizer Chiefs last
Saturday and drawing with Pirates three days
later.

"The difference between the teams today was that
we took our chances. It was a good trip to a
fantastic country and I hope we are invited again
next year," said Tottenham manager Harry
Redknapp.

"Pirates and Chiefs offered good opposition and my
players are fitter and stronger after the tour.
Now we go home to continue preparing for our first
Premier League fixture against Everton."

Man-of-the-match Van der Vaart said: "It may be a
pre-season tournament but you always want to win a
final and that is why I am so happy. I enjoy
playing against South African clubs and scored two
nice goals today."

Spurs were captained for the second consecutive
match by want-away Luka Modric with Chelsea having
two 20-million-pound-plus offers for the Croat
midfielder rejected and Redknapp insisting that
none of his stars are for sale at any price.

South Africa midfielder and captain Steven Pienaar
and Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes made their
tour debuts for Spurs, who took control in the
second half after a even opening 45 minutes.

Both teams wasted chances before Van der Vaart
repeated his feat of last Tuesday by scoring from
a free kick just outside the box, curling the ball
over the wall and into the corner off the left
hand of goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa with 35 minutes
gone.

Pirates were waiting for an offside whistle when
Van der Vaart raced through for the second goal
eight minutes after half-time with Meyiwa saving
his first attempt but unable to prevent a lob
trickling into the net.

Midfielder Tlou Segolela failed to convert a
penalty awarded for handball with the ball
rebounding into play off a post and unmarked Defoe
punished the Buccaneers with a close-range tap-in
on 87 minutes off a Gareth Bale cross.

Source - AFP

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