Confederations Cup
Bafana ready for Spain
2009-06-18 10:47
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Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana skipper Aaron Mokena admitted the pressure will be on when his team face their acid test against European champions Spain in their final Confederations Cup Group A clash at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday night. Kick-off is at 20:30.
Speaking after Bafana had clawed their way back into contention for a place in the semi-finals alongside Spain by beating New Zealand 2-0 in Rustenburg on Wednesday, Mokoena said they went out and did the business on the pitch against New Zealand.
"We showed we have recovered from that disappointing 0-0 draw against Iraq (at Ellis Park last Sunday) and we know what we have to do to reach the semi-finals."
Spain qualified by virtue of winning both their matches, beating the All Whites 5-0 and Iraq 1-0. Bafana have four points and need one point off Spain to qualify, or they need to hope the Kiwis do them a favour by beating or drawing with Iraq.
The Asian champions have one point and the All Whites zero after two fixtures.
Mokoena was full of praise for New Zealand who, despite being outclassed by a faster and more mobile Bafana, never threw in the towel.
"At least New Zealand fought to the death - not like Iraq who defended and refused to make a game of it. All credit to New Zealand who we knew would not sit back like the disappointing Iraqis."
Orlando Pirates playmaker Teko Modise, agreed with his captain but added: "We played well against New Zealand and now we have confidence to take into the match against Spain."
Bafana's star midfielder, Steven Pienaar, said it was great to win.
"This is what we worked so hard at training for and have achieved it."
But the Everton ace stressed he was not even thinking about facing the world's best team...just yet. "I want to enjoy this win and think about Spain later."
The much criticised Bafana head coach Joel Santana, was breathing a sigh of relief, as his change of tactics paid off. He discarded his ultra defensive system for a refreshing attacking formation employing both creative midfielders Pienaar and Modise to greater advantage.
Striker Bernard Parker underlined his potential by scoring both goals and said he had regained his confidence.
But Santana warned his charges to keep their feet firmly on the ground and stressed that Bafana will go in against Spain as equals.
"We face the greatest test since I took charge a year ago. We want to play entertaining soccer and enjoy the experience of playing the world's top side and at the same time get a result."
Santana said against New Zealand everything clicked into place: "We were nervous against Iraq. It was the opening match of a major tournament and we as hosts were nervous - which could be expected.
"But tonight (Wednesday) we were relaxed and played some really good soccer. I was pleased. Maybe we should have scored two or three more goals, but at the end of the night I was satisfied.