| South Africa: Blow Up a Vuvuzela Storm to Distract Whingeing Spaniards - Bafana Captain's Appeal to Supporters |
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| Written by Adin Walls |
| Friday, 19 June 2009 11:47 |
"We need the vuvuzelas we saw (at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg) to be blown at their loudest in Bloemfontein (tomorrow)," Mokoena said, referring to Wednesday night's 2-0 win over New Zealand. "We really need that kind of passionate support (tomorrow) from the fans against Spain." Hear the vuvuzela trumpet. The Spaniards have complained the loudest about the "annoyance of the vuvuzelas" during the Confederations Cup and Xabi will rue disclosing that the plastic instrument broke their concentration during matches. A lot will be at stake as history beckons for a Bafana side that could march into the record books and also guarantee a place in the semifinals of the Confederations Cup with a prized victory over the feared Spain. No team has been able to get the better of Spain since Romania managed the feat in November 2006 and Bafana will attempt to prevent the record-chasing Spaniards from finally equalling Brazil's 35-match unbeaten streak in Bloemfontein. But more importantly for Bafana, they will be well aware that group rivals Iraq could still pip them to the remaining semifinal berth on goal difference tomorrow and only a draw or a win over Spain will guarantee that the national team advances. Bafana coach Joel Natalino Santana said he was more concerned by the permutations that could still deny his side a place in the semifinals than by Spain's unbeaten record. "We are not worried about the Spanish attempt at the record," the Brazilian said. "We know that they can equal the Brazil record even if they get a draw but we are really more concerned by what we have to do against them to achieve our own goals. "They will be very difficult opponents to play against, but we are now confident of our abilities after beating New Zealand while playing beautiful football. We have to play as equals against a team like Spain and if we are able to play without nerves, then we will go through to the next stage." Mokoena said they were happy to go into the encounter as underdogs and were not daunted by trying to succeed where more esteemed sides such as world champions Italy, France, England, Turkey, Germany, Russia, Denmark and Greece, among others, have failed. "I believe that nothing is impossible in life and we will go out of that tunnel determined to beat Spain," Mokoena said. "We realistically believe that we will qualify for the semifinals and for that to happen, we have to get a result against Spain. The confidence has finally returned to the national team after the morale-boosting 2-0 win over New Zealand." Santana said the Bafana coaching job had helped him to develop a "thick skin", as scathing criticism is a constant companion. "This is a really tough job because we have to live with the constant criticism. I have learnt that when the team does not win, some one has to take the blame and that person is me. So after 30 years in this game, I accept any criticism with a peace of mind." Probable Bafana Line-up Goalkeeper — Itumeleng Khune Defenders — Siboniso Gaxa, Matthew Booth, Aaron Mokoena, Tsepho Masilela Midfielders — MacBeth Sibaya, Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise, Katlego Dikgacoi Strikers — Terror Fanteni, Bernard Parker
http://allafrica.com |
| Last Updated on Friday, 19 June 2009 11:55 |
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