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Looking into the crystal ball

Lunga Biyela, News24

Cape Town – Underestimating the underdogs and inflated egos could cost England, France and Mexico dearly at the 2010 FIFA World Cup which starts on Friday, said a Cape Town psychic.

"Players need to remember that they are here to play soccer and not worry about outside political influences," psychic medium and spiritual mediator Sharon-Ann Riley told News24.

"Underestimating the underdogs could mean losing the World Cup."

Mexico open the World Cup when they take on hosts South Africa at Soccer City, Johannesburg on Friday. Former champions France and Uruguay take each other on in Cape Town, also on Friday, and England play dark-horses US on Saturday at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg.

She said Panathinaikos midfielder Gilberto Silva could emerge as Brazil’s hero in a team that could struggle.

"Their team is struggling to get used to one another. Dunga has a strong creative game plan which will get them to the quarter finals. It will not be an easy road. Gilberto is holding the team together and must remain positive."

Of Spain, she said the team will have highs and lows, where they will coast along through the tournament until the semis.

Last minute change

"A last minute team change could alter the final outcome."

About Bafana Bafana's chances in the World Cup, she said: "The nation is pulling together and mounting pressure on the boys to perform."

"The team spirit may be high," she said, but a lack of confidence and tension amongst players could affect them.

"Parreira will have to keep a watchful eye as hostility will affect game play.

"If they want to go all the way, they will need to put differences aside, grow up and work hard. The holiday is over," she said.

She also cautioned that Côte d’Ivoire and a few of the so-called minnows could cause a few upsets during the month-long tournament.

"Watch out for the new Beckhams and Peles coming out of Japan, Greece, Côte d’Ivoire and Honduras."
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