What: 2010 FIFA World Cup
Who: South Africa vs Uruguay (Group A)
When: Wednesday 16th June, 2010 at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Bafana Bafana on the Verge of History
When Siphiwe Tshabalala broke down the left and fired home against Mexico the Rainbow Nation’s dream start to the tournament was on. Unfortunately for Bafana Bafana supporters Rafael Marquez had different ideas, but after the dust had settled on a truly historic day for the South African nation, Group A’s opening results had left the race to the knockout phase wide open.
A win against La Celeste and South Africa will be in touching distance of a place in the last 16.
La Celeste Must Improve
Defensively Uruguay were relatively comfortable against the French on the opening night of the tournament, but they offered very little going forward. Oscar Tabarez has hinted at tactical changes in his pre-match press conference and he will need to take steps to ensure that his much talked about strike duo of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez provide a goal threat.
There have been unwanted distractions in the build up to their clash with Bafana Bafana, the South Americans have complained about alleged thefts from their hotel rooms, but have decided not to pursue their complaint any further insisting they want to concentrate on football. This might not be a bad decision as Uruguay face a difficult evening in Pretoria against the hosts.
Recent form
South Africa:
South Africa 5-0 Guatemala (31/05; Friendly)
South Africa 1-0 Denmark (05/06; Friendly)
South Africa 1-1 Mexico (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
Uruguay:
Switzerland 1-3 Uruguay (03/03; Friendly)
Uruguay 4-1 Israel (27/05; Friendly)
France 0-0 Uruguay (11/06; World Cup – Group A)
Players to watch
South Africa – Siphiwe Tshabalala: Soweto-born Tshabalala’s place in South African folklore is guaranteed after his stunning strike against Mexico in the opening game of the tournament. The Kaizer Chiefs midfielder was a relative unknown before his goal of the tournament contender briefly broke Mexican hearts. Uruguay will now be all too aware of his abilities and will keep a close watch on the pacey wide man. Tshabalala is an important outlet on the break for Bafana Bafana and it will be interesting to see how the 25-year-old copes with the extra attention he will receive from his opponents.
Uruguay – Diego Forlan: On the opening evening the Atletico Madrid striker endured a frustrating time against Les Bleus in Cape Town. Uruguay were playing so deep that Forlan and his striker partner Suarez were unattached from play for most of the game. The forward frequently dropped deep, mostly in vain, to try and have some influence on proceedings. As a result of this tactical faux pas La Celeste failed to provide a genuine goal threat against a French side which appeared to be there for the taking. Forlan is a proven match winner and Oscar Tabarez needs to ensure that his star man is able to influence the game as well as provide him a suitable supply line.
Match prediction
Carlos Alberto Parreira has an opportunity to go on the attack and try and secure a precious three points for Bafana Bafana. However, he is likely to adopt a similar tactical approach to the Mexico game and allow Uruguay to have possession whilst looking to use South Africa’s abundance of pace in attacking positions to hit La Celeste on the break. It’s going to be a memorable night in Pretoria and the sound of the vuvuzuelas will be increased ten fold. Bafana Bafana will win this by the odd goal and send the Rainbow Nation into dreamland.
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