south africa

Manager: Carlos Alberto Perreira
Captain: Aaron Mokoena
FIFA World Ranking: 90
World Cup Appearances: 2
Bets World Cup: Round 1

South Africa Article

South Africa Team Profile

South Africa were granted their first ever World Cup when FIFA gave the continent the go-ahead to host the greatest footballing tournament on earth. The eyes of the world will be on South Africa and with great responsibility comes added pressure. Danny Jordan is the man employed to organise the world cup and ensure it’s ready on time to deliver a unique sporting spectacle. This will be South Africa‘s first ever taste of World Cup football as the hosts and they will want to leave their mark and ensure the travelling fans leave the continent with happy memories, regardless of how well their country does.

Despite problems with the construction side of things, Bafana Bafana’s biggest concern is the quality of the South African team. Many neutrals have already tipped South Africa to be the worst ever host nation in regards to how well the host country actually does in it’s own world cup. It’s up to the South African fans to create an atmosphere to remember but that will be extremely hard if their side doesn’t make inroads in the tournament itself. Manager Carlos Alberto Parreira is confident he will have a side capable of competing once the finals kick-off but we aren’t convinced.

Nickname: Bafana Bafana (The Boys)

Manager

South Africa, after only recently sacking Joel Santana after some disastrous displays from the national team, have one again seeked inspiration and, to put it bluntly, help from a Brazilian, as Carlos Alberto Perreira was chosen as the man to guide South Africa to a respectable finish on home soil.

There is no doubting the experience of the man having spent no less than 43 years in the managerial business. At 67 years of age, Perreira has certainly been around the block and then lapped it once more, as the variety of clubs he’s managed is quite remarkable, ranging from managing the Kuwait national team all the way up to leading his own country, Brazil. In a managerial career which consists of a mixture of both clubs and national teams, Perreira has spent roughly 26 years managing international sides, of which he has enjoyed three stints as Brazil manager, so perhaps he can install some Samba magic into the South Africa team.

We can honestly say, we doubt they’ll be a manager at South Africa with as much experience at all levels of international than Carlos Alberto Perreira, so the appointment looks a fantastic capture for South Africa, who definitely need some inspiring.

South Africa Key Players

Aaron Mokoena

The South African captain will need to step up for the finals and act as a true leader. With 90 caps, Mokoena is South Africa’s most capped player and with some of the squad still fairly young, his experience will be key in guiding South Africa along the right path. South Africa are often a side that can loose concentration when they go a goal down so the omen will be on Mokoena to restore faith in the ranks and enhance player morale.

Matthew Booth

If South Africa are to have a successful World Cup as host nation, they will need their favourite player to perform. Matthew Booth is not only their rock at the back but he also inspires the home supporters. Whenever Booth touches the ball, you’ll hear a roar of ‘BOOTH’. The 32 year old will be hoping to repay the support of the fans with a few solid performances at the back and possibly assert his presence in the oppositions penalty area as well. Booth is 6ft 6incs tall and will be key from set pieces for South Africa despite his low goalscoring tally of 1 goal in 26 international appearances.

Benni McCarthy

The Blackburn forward has been a controversial character for South Africa. He’s often had to make a choice between club and country with club often prevailing. This left a bad taste in the South African fans but they may need to swallow their pride and accept their most prolific striker back with open arms. McCarthy did retire from international football back in 2002 but made a swift return in 2004 and Joel Santana will be hoping to acquire his services next summer. The South Africans lack an out-an-out forward and McCarthy will fill the void. 31 goals in 76 games makes Benni McCarthy South Africa’s highest ever goalscorer and they will need his goals in South Africa next year.

Strengths

Unfortunately, South Africa don’t have too many strengths. Their team lacks any real quality and they will rely solely on the support from the home fans to get them through some tough matches. The South African’s showed their support at the FIFA Confederations Cup, mainly with their ‘vuvuzelas’, which we must warn you in advance, are blooming annoying. However, the atmosphere created by the fans with their vuvuzelas helped inspire the players to a fourth place finish and the Bafana Bafana faithful will be out in full force in a bid to drive their team to at least the last sixteen stage of the tournament.

Weaknesses

South Africa not only lack a potential match winner within their ranks but they lack a team capable of reaching the heights the fans demand. Bypassing the groups is a must as far the South African’s are concerned and anything less will be seen as a major disappointment. However, the home fans may be in for torrid time as we expect South Africa to struggle on home soil despite the support of the nation behind them. Their defence is vulnerable, their attack is blunt while their only glimmer of hope may rest in midfield. Teko Modise looked lively in the Confederations cup while Steven Pienaar looks a bright spark in the centre of the park. With the exception of the midfield, South Africa appear doomed.

South Africa Qualification for the World Cup:

South Africa qualified virtue of being the host nation. Their preparations have been good after surpassing all expectations in the FIFA Confederations Cup when reaching the Semi-Finals, before losing 1-0 to Brazil.

South Africa Qualifying Statistics:

This will be the very first World Cup held on South African soil.
The pressure is firmly on the South African players with many punters and even FIFA President Sepp Blatter concerned over the quality of the South African team.
This will be South Africa’s third World Cup after missing out on the 2006 finals but previously qualifying for both the 1998 & 2002 World Cups.

World Cup Potential:  2/5

The only thing favouring the South African’s is that they’re the host country. They will receive a tremendous reception in the opening game and will also sell out their games with ease as the Bafana Bafana faithful do their best to push South Africa to victory. However, without the support, South Africa wouldn’t have a hope in hell. If the players thrive on the atmosphere then they could surprise a few but that’s a big ‘IF’.

South Africa World Cup Betting Odds

South Africa to win the World Cup:         500/1 – bWin

Before the World Cup the odds on South Africa were 150/1 

Official South Africa World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs)

Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United)

Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates)

Defenders

Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Bongani Khumalo (Supersport United)

Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa, Israel)

Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth)

Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk)

Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows)

Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders

Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town)

Kagisho Dikgacoi (FC Fulham)

Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates)

Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs)

Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows)

Steven Pienaar (Everton)

Macbeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan)

Strikers

Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows)

Bernard Parker (FC Twente Enschede)

last update: 18 June 2010

World Cup 2010 South Africa Fixtures – Group A

World Cup 2010 Group A - Table

 World Cup Fixtures and Results

South Africa V Uruguay

Kick-off: Wednesday, 16th June – 19:30 GMT
Stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Referee: Massimo Busacca
Group A

South Africa

South Africa began their 2010 World Cup on home soil with a point against Mexico, with that old chestnut about whether the glass is half-empty of half-full the prime example of how Bafana Bafana fans must be feeling right now. Their dreams of making the last-sixteen are far from over but they know full well that only  a win will do over their South American opponents on Wednesday if they are to maintain a World Cup tradition of hosts qualifying for the knock-outs.

There’s certainly been no criticism about the spirit inside the South Africa camp, but the players did look a tad over roared in the early exchanges of their contest with Mexico and did have to ride a Mexican wave as they avoided conceding early on. The atmosphere inside the stadium was breathtaking, a lesson to all future World Cup hosts who which to stamp their mark on a tournament which captures the hearts of millions from across the globe, and the players did eventually rise to the occasion when midfielder Tshabalala sprinted through on goal before slamming home a sublime tournament opener. Only his seventh goal for his country by his most memorable by a country distance, possibly even significant if Bafana Bafana can build on that point by going one further in their following Group A encounter.

The hosts aren’t the most attractive of teams when it comes to playing pretty football, with retaining possession certainly not one of their stronger traits, and while Mexico did cause them a lot of problems in defence, South Africa did well to repel the Mexican’s for the majority of the game. However, a distinct lack of concentration in the closing stages of the game cost South Africa two massive points and its lapses such as that which punters alarmed. It’s imperative that every player remains vigilant and concentrates for the full 90 minutes and beyond else disaster is just around the corner, much like it was for the hosts.

If South Africa are to push on and build upon their point with Mexico they’ll need to show far more forward endeavour and courage, especially as Uruguay will pose more of a threat in front of goal themselves and it’s difficult to see the South American’s not breaking through Bafana Bafana’s rearguard at some stage. South Africa will need to find a goal from somewhere and we aren’t entirely sure where it will come from. Their goal against Mexico came from a lightening quick breakaway, a solo effort from Tshabalala, but with Mphela leading the line like a forlorn figure, it was clear that Parreira needed to bolster his attacking options and will have no option but to do so against Uruguay. There’s little chance of South Africa winning this encounter to nil and the likelihood is Bafana Bafana will need to locate the goal on at least two separate occasions if they are to stand any chance of winning this contest.

Uruguay

The target before the finals was to reach the Round of 16 for Uruguay, who needed a 2-1 aggregate win over Costa Rica before purchasing their tickets to South Africa. The Uruguayans remain on course to meet their objective, after their honours even contest with France left them a point better off and supremely confident in the knowledge that their trickiest Group A encounter has now passed them by, with two winnable clashes with South Africa and Mexico imminent.

Uruguay’s obvious qualities are their two in form strikers, with Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez accumulating a combined total of 77 goals last season. However, it was their defence capabilities which were tested in their opener with France, as the South American rearguard needed to repel the flurry of French attacks and did so in a commendable manner. So much so that confidence within the team began to grew, although clearly not enough, as Diego Forlan spurned a golden opportunity at the other end which could of sent the many Uruguay supporters inside the stadium home even happier.

The good news is Uruguay didn’t lose their first game of the tournament and haven’t been left playing catch up with the rest of the group. The second piece of good news is that only their results against Mexico and South Africa stand between them and the Round of 16, two teams that on paper they are more than a match for. In South Africa’s case, Uruguay will feel they are marginally better, or a great deal in our opinion, and if they can continue to supply the lethal forward pairing of Forlan and Suarez throughout, we see no reason why the South American side won’t leave Pretoria in a celebratory mood.

In the first game with France, resolute defending was the order of the day and Uruguay did so to a high level. Against South Africa, Uruguay’s attacking capabilities will come into question more, as they’ll need to do far more attacking in this contest against a country which did encounter a few defensive difficulties in their opener with Mexico. The sneaky movement of Forlan combined with the predatory instincts of Suarez should be too much for their opponents, but we shall see if Uruguay’s lethal forward partnership comes to the fore.

Match Odds:

South Africa – 3.25 Coral
Draw – 3.25 totesport
Uruguay – 2.40 Bet365

Our Prediction: Uruguay to WIN – 2.40 Bet365

The superb support Bafana Bafana received on the day they played Mexico was one of the reason why South Africa clinched a point against a team which outplayed them throughout. Against Uruguay, a team far more clinical in front of goal, South Africa will encounter more problems and will have a great deal of difficult containing Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez.

Our vote goes the way of Uruguay, who against the French shown us all that they could defend with spirit and gusto. If they can substitute a little of their resolute defending that day for some impotence in front of goal then there should only be one winner. The way you have to look at this game is, where South Africa to get five opportunities in the game how many would they score? With Mphela up front by himself, the likelihood is they will all be half-chances, so one at best. Turn the scenario the other way and with Forlan and Suarez both proven goalscorers at this and club level, you would fancy Uruguay scoring at least two of those. It’s a no brainer in our opinion, we only hope Uruguay don’t bottle it on their day by not attacking the South Africa defence and throwing bodies forward.

Our Recommended Bet: Diego Forlan FGS – 6.50 bWin

South Africa V Mexico

Kick-off: Friday, 11th June – 15:00 GMT
Stadium: Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
Group A

South Africa

Once all the commotion of the opening ceremony is done and dusted, the hosts, in a traditional and timely manner, will officially kick-off proceedings while at the same time trying to uphold an age-old World Cup tradition by qualifying for the knock-out stage of the competition. In order to achieve what is widely considered a minimum target from the South African’s, Bafana Bafana will need to register some positive results against Mexico, who they play on the opening day of the tournament in Johannesburg, Uruguay and 1998 world champs France. Failure to climb out of the group would result in South Africa etching their name in World Cup folklore, becoming the first host nation not to compete in the knock-out stage of the tournament. Obviously a feat the entire country are desperate to avoid.

It wasn’t so long ago that South Africa were enjoying a fourth-place finish at the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa, the prep tournament for the World Cup. Despite positivity surrounding their respectable finish, South Africa went in the opposite direction in terms of results, and their lengthy drought without a win ultimately cost Joel Santana’s his job and seen his Brazilian counterpart Carlos Alberto Parreria regain the South Africa reigns for the second time. While his appointment was controversial, none more so because of his lucrative wage packet, the former World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 has been an utter revelation and has quickly transformed the country’s national team into one with far more organisation, discipline and, more importantly, self-belief.

Parreria has to be congratulated for his commendable work with a team which was on it’s knees and waiting to be put out of its misery under Joel Santana. So much so that Bafana Bafana will kick-off against North Americans Mexico in high spirit after a run of 12 internationals without losing, a streak which stretches back eight months and one South Africa will probably need to extend by another three games if they’re to stand any chance of qualifying from a tricky Group A. They aren’t without a realistic chance though, with Perreria’s revamp of the national team restoring some pride and faith previously lost from their own fans. They are far more organised under Parreira’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with the ‘killer’ – Katelgo Mphela – admirably leading the line up front all by himself. The latter scored a late winner against Denmark as South Africa closed out their World Cup preparations with a tough of style, thus boosting the hopes and expectations of a nation further.

On Friday evening, you’re likely to see a scrappy game of football from South Africa, with the more attractive play coming from the silky Mexicans. Parreria’s sets up his team to be resolute, with the sole intention to avoid conceding anything cheap, or anything at all for that matter, as the Brazilian looks to instil some positional discipline and organisation into the South Africa ranks. From what we’ve seen from them in some of their warm up games, chances will be few and far between but the hosts have been clinical, with forward Mphela, who will lead the line on his lonesome against Mexico in a five-man midfield, particularly deadly and the Mamelodi Sundown’s striker could, as he’s so proven in recent internationals, could be the match winner for Bafana Bafana in their World Cup opener.

Mexico

As their Group A opponents, South Africa, set out to protect a timely tradition in the finals by progressing from the group, Mexico themselves have a streak of their own to protect, having made the knock-out stage of the competition in their previous five attempts. In the previous four finals, Mexico, a team which has never really been blessed with a stand-out performer, has head to deal with the heartbreak of exiting the tournament at the last-sixteen stage. In 2010, in the first ever finals to be held on African soil, Mexico won’t just have to overcome two former World Cup winners in Uruguay and France but also the host nation.

There are no doubts as to whether or not Mexico have the quality within their 23-man squad to outplay South Africa for large parts in Johannesburg on Friday, as they did to a certain extent against England at Wembley a little over two weeks ago. The problem, though, has been scoring goals, converting their dominance with possession into goals that could see them win games instead leaving their encounters with plaudits for their attractive play but nothing to show in regards to the result. They did, however, prove at least that they do have the quality, some composure up front to beat the more talented and equipped nations, as in their last warm up game before the finals against Italy, Mexico scored twice in a stunning 2-1 win.

The Mexico coach, Javier Aguirre, has done a similar job at the held to his opposite number, rescuing a team which appeared doomed and destined to underachieve. Were it not for Aguirre’s intervention during qualifying, Mexico may not have made the finals. Aguirre has took the Mexico national team by the scruff of the neck and shook the players into life and finally got some with overinflated ego’s to value wearing the green colours of their country. They too will arrive in Johannesburg for this World Cup opener with noteworthy form, winning five of their last seven internationals and also boasting a 2-1 win over the reigning champions, Italy.

Mexico couldn’t be any different to South Africa if they tried, with El Tri opting instead for slick passing moves and bright on and off-the-ball movements. Aguirre has Mexico playing at a high-tempo, with their passing play in the forward third crisp and fast, while the players remaining energetic and are always eager to impress with the ball. Some players which can make things happen are Giovanni Dos Santos, who with his quick-feet and enthusiastic attitude, will be a constant threat as well will Arsenal’s Carlos Vela. The marauding runs from their full-backs will give them more options when attacking, with PSV left-back Carlos Salceido in particular a prominent feature down the left flank. It is, however, the forwards where any criticism will lye should Mexico not get anything from this game, as Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez looks to shine on the biggest stage he’s ever come across, while the experienced Blanco will look to inspire his country to a priceless win which could set them on their way nicely.

Match Odds:

South Africa – 2.90 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.30 Ladbrokes
Mexico – 2.60 Boylesports

Our Prediction: Mexico to WIN – 2.60 Boylesports

Were this on neutral ground, there’s little doubt that Mexico would be the clear favourites due to the fact they have a host of talented individuals, some of which apply their trade with some giants clubs in Europe. South Africa however, the majority of their players are based in their home land and won’t exactly be accustomed to facing world-class players on a day-to-day basis. Granted the Mexico team isn’t exactly brimming with superstars, but there are more match winners in El Tri’s corner than in Bafana Bafana, and while we would love the host nation to get off to the best possible start, Mexico tick more boxes than South Africa do and so get our vote of confidence.

Recommended Bet: Mexico to WIN 1-0 @  7.00 VCbet

Serbia

Pre-World Friendly Form:WDL

Serbia 0-1 New Zealand
Serbia 0-0 Poland
Serbia 4-3 Cameroon

The Serbians went over 180 minutes before finding the goal in an international, but when they did Serbia began to find their way again, locate the sort of form and ruthlessness in front of goal which seen them finish above France in qualifying.

It all began in worrying fashion when Serbia fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to New Zealand, this despite coach Radomir Antic fielding a strong starting eleven. It was, though, Serbia’s first warm up encounter whereas it was New Zealand’s second, if that’s any consolation. With 90 minutes under their belts, and a bitter defeat to spur them on, Serbia were once again disappointing against the Polish. A fabulous opportunity o wipe away some forward cobwebs was passed up by Serbia. However, in their final game before the finals, Serbia’s forward play finally began to flourish, although at the same time their defence was showing some early signs of vulnerability. As Serbia found the net four times through Krasic, Stankovic, Milijas and Pantelic, at the other Stojkovic in the Serbia goal was left exposed and ended up conceding three goals.

While the victory over Cameroon was a welcome relief, the three goals they conceded will be of great concern for the coach, who has built up a solid, resolute and consistent side and won’t want to see defensive lapses creep into their play.

Slovakia

Pre-World Friendly Form:WD

Slovakia 1-1 Cameroon
Slovakia 3-0 Costa Rica

Following the disappointment of drawing with an out-of-sorts Cameroon, with Kamil Kopunek scoring in a 1-1 draw, Slovakia eased some of the worries back home with a resounding win in their final international friendly, routing Costa Rica 3-0 in Bratislava, Slovakia, with goals from Vittek and Stanislav Sestak. The latter was especially lively in both encounters.

On the whole, Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss will be pleased with how their preparations went following two unbeaten friendlies. The ‘Slovaks’ will now nosedive into their World Cup opener with New Zealand on June 15th feeling confident of their chances.

Slovenia

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

Slovenia 4-1 Qatar
Slovenia 3-1 New Zealand

Although the quality of opposition hasn’t been great, Slovenia have done their hopes of springing  surprise in Group D no harm with a quick-fire double. Forward Noavkovic opened the scoring against Qatar in a 4-1 romp while Novakovic was once again the player to open the scoring this time against New Zealand as he accounted for two of Slovenia’s three goals against New Zealand.

It will be beneficial to have this winning mentality instilled into the players but Slovenia will face far bigger tests in South Africa against the likes of Algeria, the United States and Group C favourites England.

South Africa

Pre-World Friendly Form:WWWDW

South Africa 4-0 Thailand
South Africa 1-1 Bulgaria
South Africa 2-1 Colombia
South Africa 5-0 Guatemala
South Africa 1-0 Denmark

South Africa coach Carlos Alverto Parreira pencilled in a variety of games against a mixture of teams, ranging from Asian side Thailand to European’s Denmark. They started in a positive manner, obliterating Thailand 4-0, before finalising their preparations on home soil with a hugely impressive 1-0 win over Denmark. In fact, South Africa remained undefeated after five pre-World Cup internationals, recording 4 wins and a draw. They’ve also been scoring plenty of goals, mostly against the ‘lesser’ nations however, but their 13 goals in five games will only aid the forwards in their quest to fire South Africa into the knock-out stage, thus avoiding becoming the first host nation not to qualify from the groups. It was also nice to see some team spirit and togetherness in their games, and from a nation which needs little excuse to party, Bafana Bafana’s enthusiastic manner on the pitch will likely prove infectious around the ground.

Spain

Pre-World Friendly Form: WW

Spain 3-2 Saudi Arabia
Spain 1-0 South Korea

The favourites to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the reigning European Champions. Spain haven’t been at all convincing nor have they justified their strong favouritism in the betting rings with their performances in recent friendlies. It took an injury time winner from Fernando Torres back-up Fernando Llronte to spare their blushes against Saudi Arabia, while Jesus Navas’ beautifully curled effort was once again a lifesaver for the Spanish, who now won two games on the spin but only by a one goal margin.

Against Saudi Arabia, there were enough errors at the back to have Vicente Del Bosque worried, while they were equally as disappointing and lacklustre against South Korea although the fact Spain are in arguably the easiest group of the lot in South Africa should allow the Spanish team to cut out there mistakes and build up some winning momentum before they really get tested in the knock-out stages.

Switzerland

Pre-World Friendly Form: DL

Switzerland 0-1 Costa Rica
Switzerland 1-1 Italy

Swiss fans were in dismay when their team fell to a shock 1-0 defeat to North Americans Costa Rica. In a scrappy game, where chances were few and far between for both sides, a mistake at the back led to Costa Rica’s opener and eventual winner, as Switzerland suffered a bitter blow ahead of the finals. They did, however, make amends in their next friendly, their last, by holding the reigning world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw in Geneva, Switzerland, thanks to a goal from midfielder Gokhan Inler, who has scored Switzerland’s last two international goals, his only goals in 34 appearances.

Uruguay

Pre-World Friendly Form: W

Uruguay 4-1 Israel

Uruguay, who need a play-off against Costa Rica to book their tickets to South Africa, only played one international in preparation for what they hope will be an enjoyable and fruitful stay in South Africa. A 4-1 win over Israel, with the La Celeste in control throughout in the Uruguay capital of Montevideo, led to joyous scenes at the end of the game as the Uruguay players and fans rejoiced at their qualification for the World Cup. That game was over a fortnight before Uruguay play their opener against France on Friday, June 11th, and there could be question marks over the lack of match practice Uruguay have had.

USA

Pre-World Friendly Form: WWL

USA 2-4 Czech Republic
USA 2-1 Turkey
USA 3-1 Australia

Following their 4-2 defeat to the Czech Republic on home soil, many were beginning to write off USA’s chances of even making the knock-out stage of the competition. Two wins the rafters though and Bob Bradley’s Americans are well and truly back in contention in Group C and will arrive in Rustenburg for their opener against group favourites England full of confidence and in high spirit after back-to-back victories over Turkey and Australia.

The biggest surprise to come out of USA’s warm up results was the amount of goals they scored – 7 in 3 games – as many, including us, weren’t exactly buzzing over their striking prowess. Somehow though, through their usual industrious and workmanlike attitudes, the United States have thumped in seven, with an impressive three of those coming in their final warm up match against Australia in a 3-1 win. Against Turkey, however, the American’s showed great tenacity and togetherness when coming from a goal behind, in a game they were being completely outplayed in, to record a much needed win. A sign that the Americans  have a tonne of fighting spirit within their camp.

South Africa V Colombia

Thursday, 27th May -19:35 GMT
International Friendly

Hosts South Africa, who are preparing for their third appearance in a World Cup, will take on fall-guys Colombia from South America in a pre-World Cup friendly on Thursday. Despite qualifying for four World Cup’s, two more than South Africa as one of their three will be as hosts in this years show-piece, Colombia haven’t played in a World Cup since 1998 when they exited at the group stage for the third occasion. They weren’t a million miles off snatching a play-off rewarding position in the South America qualifying sector, just a single point in fact, but it was a case of ‘close, but no cigar’ for Los Cafeteros.

South Africa should consider themselves blessed that FIFA elected them as the 2010 hosts of the greatest sporting spectacle on the planet, as without playing the part of hosts there was little chance Bafana Bafana would have qualified. Amidst claims that South Africa are set to become the worst performing host nation in the history of the finals – With no previous host nation failing too progress past the group stages – ‘The Boys’ as the commonly nicknamed, Bafana Bafana over in South Africa however, are under a tonne of pressure to protect their dignity as a disappointing performance in the group stage, thus becoming the first host nation not to make the knock-outs, would dampen the spirit surrounding the entire tournament and lead to many disgruntled natives.

Under their new Brazilian tactician, Carlos Alberto Parreira, supporters have regained some of the faith lost in the national team after a string of poor friendly results during 2009 and the beginning of 2010. On the 16th May Parreira masterminded back-to-back wins after victories for Bafana Bafana over Jamaica (2-0) and then Thailand (4-0). While neither were against any opponent of note, it did at least raise euphoria around the country, although that quickly came to an end when South Africa’s tendency to draw games returned after a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in Johannesburg. Their winning run didn’t last long, just two games in fact, as a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria ended their winning streak, although Parreira’s team were very impressive in the opening half, espcially lively and bright in the attacking third of the field, and with the finals now less than three weeks away, South Africa will be desperate to spark up another confidence building run ahead of a tournament where the players will be under an immense amount of pressure to match the high expectations expected from any host nation.

Against Bulgaria in their last outing, South Africa shown enough glimpses of positive play to keep the fans optimistic. Although shots weren’t exactly raining down on the Bulgaria goal, Bafana Bafana did at least carve out some decent openings and some clinical and composed finishing might have seen them snatch a third successive win. Teko Modise, a huge fan favourite, was the stand-in captain as he played his 50th game for South Africa, claiming the vuvuzelas were inspiring and it’s the sound of these plastic horns alone which he feels will spur the team on to perform in their forthcoming friendlies and at the finals itself.

Colombia, though, conjured just one win away from their home land during qualifying for South Africa, of which they came up short by one point. In 10 away qualifiers they suffered 4 defeats and 4 draws, with their poor away showings their achilles heels. With their poor away record in mind, you would be fairly optimistic in South Africa’s chances in notching up their third win in four internationals. However, Colombia shouldn’t be underestimated and we’re sure Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will have done his homework on the South American side. Their team is build mainly upon home foundations, with a large number of those currently in the Colombia squad plying their trade back home. A few players to keep a watchful eye on are FC Porto’s prolific forward Falcao, who scored some big goals for the Portuguese giants both in Europe and domestically, and Wigan Athletic’s Hugo Rodallega up front, although the pair only have 13 international goals between them. In defence, though, Inter Milan’s Ivan Cordoba and Udinese’s Cristian Zapata provide some stability and realiable presence.

Match Odds:

South Africa – 2.50 Ladbrokes
Draw – 3.25 WilliamHill
Colombia – 3.20 SportingBet

Our Prediction: Draw – 3.25 WilliamHill

Tough one to call this game, as on one hand we have a South Africa team desperate to perform and to keep the hopes of the nation alive ahead of the forthcoming home finals, but on the other we have Colombia, who performed badly in their away qualifiers but possess some talented individuals, especially up front. The South Africa defence has been really unconvincing in just about every game they’ve played despite Parreira trying to instil some tactical nous into his players. If Colombia set their stars free on Thursday’ Falcao and Rodallega in particular, then the away side should enjoy themselves in front of goal. At the odds, Colombia look a very good punt but because of South Africa’ tendency to draw games, we’ll play safe with a bet on this ending in another stalemate.

We will say the hosts looked very good in the opening 45 minutes against Bulgaria, by far and away the better side in the opening exchanges, and really should of took some sort of lead into the break. Changes at half-time altered South Africa’s second half display, which was rather one-paced and less effective but a similarly quick start against Colombia and they could return instantly to winning ways.

Our Recommendation: South Africa/Draw (HT/FT Betting) – 17.00 SportingBet

Monday 24th May

Australia 2-1 New Zealand
Japan 0-2 South Korea
Portugal 0-0 Cap Verde Islands
South Africa 1-1 Bulgaria
England 3-1 Mexico
Argentina 5-0 Canada

In regards to those heading to South Africa for the World Cup next month; Argentina, Australia, England and Australia all recorded some valuable, morale boosting wins. Whereas Portugal and South Africa could only muster low-scoring draws.

The two early encounters seen Australia secure a last-gasp winner against the Kiwi’s after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 via goals from Dario Vidosic and Brett Holman; Chris Killen scored New Zealand’s opener with just 16 minutes on the clock. A little later and it was the turn of Japan and South Korea, two nations with a fierce Asian rivalry. The Japanese have been disappointing their adoring fans all year long and kept up their miserable trend by losing 2-0 to the Koreans on home soil, with Manchester United#s Ji-Sung Park scoring Korea’s opener while forward Park Chu-Young scored a late penalty to wrap up a relatively straight-forward win over a nation also competing in next months show-piece.

In the evening, kicking off within 15 minutes of one another, South Africa and Portugal were playing out draws would could yet be like a dagger to the pride of both camps in games both country’s will have fancied their chances of winning. The Portuguese, who struggled throughout qualifying for the World Cup and needed a play-off before sealing their qualification, limped to a 0-0 draw against a Cape Verde Islands team ranked 117th in the FIFA Rankings. Bafana Bafana registered another international friendly draw, their fourth in six friendlies, as Bulgaria held Carlos Alberto Parreria’s side to a 1-1 draw, after defender Siyabonga Sangweni sent the home fans into raptures only to see the Bulgarians draw level 12 minutes later after FC Parma’s Valeri Bojinov’s strike.

The two night games seen three World Cup teams in action, as England of Group C took on Mexico of Group A while Argentina arranged one of the more simpler of friendlies against Canada. The battle between England and Mexico was intriguing, with Mexico succumbing to a 3-1 loss despite enjoying large spells of possession and carving out numerous opportunities. Goals from Ledley King, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson were enough for Capello’s Three Lions though, while West Ham’s Guillermo Franco scored Mexico’s only goal of the night at Wembley. Argentina were the last team to conclude Monday’s friendly encounters beating Canada in a resounding fashion. Goals from Carlos Tevez, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and a brace from Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez was enough to send the Argie’s to an impressive victory over a Canadian side which provided little threat in the final third of the pitch.

South Africa V Bulgaria

International Friendly
Monday, 24th May – 19:35 GMT

Amidst the jibes and the low-blows from journalists claiming South Africa will become the worst performing host nation in World Cup history, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira came out fighting in a recent press conference, with the former 1994 World Cup winner as Brazil national team coach countering South Africa’s critics with some jabs of his own, insisting that Bafana Bafana will hold their own next month, springing their fair share of surprises en route to qualification from Group A.

"These boys are motivated, hard working, committed and determined to do well despite being written off”. Parreira’s honest and perhaps biased assessment of the South Africa team which has recently registered back-to-back wins following victories over Jamaica (2-0) and Thailand (4-0). Both were friendlies, as is this game with non-qualifiers Bulgaria, and before South Africa kick-off proceedings against Mexico in the tournaments opening game of the finals on June 11th, Bafana Bafana will take to the field another two times against Colombia on May 27th and for a final time against Denmark on June 5th.

Parreira has yet to whittle down his 30-man provisional squad, and with three friendlies scheduled within the space of a fortnight, it’s understandable why the Brazilian born custodian is waiting to assess the performances of his players in their forthcoming warm up matches before making any decision of whose World Cup dream won’t come true. However, what it does mean is those selected for tomorrow’s clash with Bulgaria, a team which will provide South Africa with their sternest test thus far, simply have to perform else the axe could be yielded. We think it’s safe to assume that Parreira will look to use a mixture of first-team fixtures and fringe players for tomorrow’s game, with those individuals on the squad periphery and don’t impress out of World Cup reckoning.

It wasn’t so long ago when South Africa couldn’t win a game, but two recent wins haven’t just boosted the morale and atmosphere in camp, they’ve raised the expectations from the host nation. However, the Bulgarians, who won’t be travelling to South Africa on June 11th for the finals, will provide Bafana Bafana with their leanest physical examination yet, especially in comparison to Jamaica and Thailand. Although Bulgaria no longer have the benefit of all-time scorer Dimitar Berbatov, who only a few weeks ago retired from international football – while Martin Petrov of Man City is out injured, they do have some talented individuals who will ask questions of South Africa, both from a defensive and offensive point of view. The Bulgarians have an experienced warhorse in the centre of midfield in Aston Villa’s Stiliyan Petrov, while Parma’s Valeri Bojinov, who had an unsuccessful stint over in England with Man City, is another big name in the Bulgaria camp and a forward player which should ensure the Bafana Bafana defence remains on their toes throughout.

Against both Jamaica and Thailand, the South Africa defence and goalkeeper were rarely tested, especially in the game with Asian side Thailand. The latter match seen South Africa dominate from start to finish, quickly becoming the authoritative force and dictator against one of the smaller nations in international football. However, against a Bulgarian team which can do more than merely hold their own and are ranked 66 places higher than Thailand in the FIFA Rankings, Carlos Alberto Parreira will get his first real taster of how his players might fare against stiffer opposition. Bulgaria aren’t possible World Cup opposition, nor are they World Cup standard at present, but a loss to the European side won’t go down at all well with the natives, nor will it won’t bode well for their chances in a competitive Group A next month, so securing a third win on the trot couldn’t be more important.

Match Odds:

South Africa – 1.91 Ladbrokes
Draw – 3.50 WilliamHill
Bulgaria – 4.60 SportingBet

Our Prediction: Draw – 3.50 WilliamHill

A brace of friendly victories against lesser nations to that of Bulgaria hasn’t impressed us enough despite both coming with a touch of comfortability and class. There may well be a lack of motivation in the Bulgaria camp because of their failure to reach the finals, while on the other side of the coin there will be a host of Bafana Bafana players aiming to shine in front of their Brazilian coach ahead of some anticipated cuts, but South Africa have looked very ordinary against notable opposition in 2010; drawing 0-0 with North Korea last month, as well as two draws with Paraguay (1-1) and Zambia (1-1) during March. Their recent successess would indicate Carlos Parreira has South Africa heading in the right direction at just the right time but in a game where Parreira is set to experiment a little, both with personnel and formations, we wouldn’t want to take South Africa on at such slim odds considering they’ve been partial to a draw or two.

Our Recommendation: 1-1 Correct Score @ 7.00 SkyBet

Monday, 24th May

20:45 (GMT) – Argentina V Canada

09:00 (GMT) – Australia V New Zealand

20:00 (GMT) – England V Mexico

11:20 (GMT) – Japan V South Korea

19:30 (GMT) – Portugal V Cape Verde

19:35 (GMT) – South Africa V Bulgaria

Tuesday, 25th May

11:00 (GMT) – Georgia V Cameroon

11:00 (GMT) – Nigeria V Saudi Arabia

19:00 (GMT) – Greece V North Korea

19:45 (GMT) – Republic of Ireland V Paraguay

Wednesday, 26th May

01:00 (GMT) – USA V Czech Republic

19:00 (GMT) – Netherlands V Mexico

20:00 (GMT) – France V Costa Rica

23:00 (GMT) – Uruguay V Israel

Thursday, 27th May

19:15 (GMT) – Denmark V Senegal

19:35 (GMT) – South Africa V Colombia

Monday will be an eventful day, as no less than nine countries featuring in next month’s FIFA World Cup are in action. Undoubtedly, the most attractive fixture on paper is the Mexican’s travelling to England to take on Capello’s Three Lions. The Aussies clash with the Kiwi’s is another interesting match-up between two nations only a decade ago were considered minnows of international football, while some would even argue that New Zealand are still branded as a small nation in terms of the sport. Those looking to do their homework ahead of the finals should perhaps take time out to watch the Japan – South Korea game, two Asian contingents aiming to surprise a fair few in South Africa.

On Tuesday North Korea take on the 2004 UEFA European Championship winners Greece in a game which, if everyone was completely honest, sees two nations with very little chance of lifting the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. However. The Greeks will feel they have every chance of progressing past the group stage, while North Korea’s main objective will be to not walk away from South Africa pointless. A little later and one of the South American dark horses, Paraguay, speed up their preparations with an away encounter with a Republic of Ireland team which will consider themselves rather unluckily not to have made the finals. Two African contingents hoping to be the first African team to win a World Cup will also be in action on Tuesday, as Nigeria take on Saudi Arabia from Asia, and Cameroon take on Georgia from Europe.

Wednesday’s games start with the USA V Czech Republic, as Bob Bradley’s USA host a Czech Republic side who honestly feel they should of made the finals but have their lacklustre qualifying campaign to thank for their misfortune. The US will take on England in their first World Cup encounter, so will want to boost their chances of progression from Group C by building some winning momentum with these friendlies. Late in the evening, Holland take on Mexico, as two teams heading to South Africa weigh each other up, getting a first-hand view of how one-another will fare in South Africa. France will take on CONCAFAF team Costa Rica, who narrowly missed the finals because of a late USA goal in qualifying, and South American’s Uruguay clash with Israel in the day’s final game.

And on Thursday, the Danes test their wits against the dangerous Senegal from Africa. Premier League followers can expect to see both Nicklas Bentner and Daniel Agger in action, while El Hadj Diouf may make an appearance for Senegal. Just a little later and the hosts, South Africa, take on South American’s Colombia. The pressure is well and truly on the hosts to perform on home soil, so a big performance against the Colombians would do the confidence within camp a world of good.