Confederations Cup
Bailey backs Bafana
2009-06-19 11:50
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Johannesburg - Former Manchester United and England star goalkeeper Gary Bailey is backing a resurgent Bafana Bafana to get at least a point when they meet European champions Spain in their final Confederations Cup Group A match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday night. Kick-off is at 20:30.
Bailey, now a sports commentator on pay television channel SuperSport, said he was impressed by Bafana's 2-0 win over New Zealand at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday night.
Bafana have to at least draw against the Spain, the side ranked as the best side in the world at present, in order to ensure they go through to the semi-finals along with unbeaten Spain who have won both their matches.
Bafana have four points but will be looking nervously over their shoulders at Ellis Park on Saturday night where Iraq play the All Whites.
New Zealand can expect plenty of support from local fans. Iraq have won few friends with their "anti-football" which has earned them a 0-0 draw against a disappointing Bafana in the opening match last weekend and a 1-0 loss to Spain. They have yet to score and will have to change tactics if they are to beat the hard running Kiwis, who despite being well beaten 5-0 by Spain and 2-0 byBafana, at least tried to play attacking football.
Said Bailey: "This will be the best chance that Bafana will ever have to beat Spain or at least get a point. Spain, having qualified, are likely to field a second string team but even still they will be a formidable side.
"But, Bafana go into this game full of confidence after that much needed win over New Zealand where I thought they really played well. I think Bafana are capable of getting a point and, who knows, another big upset could be on the cards with the Bloemfontein fans playing a big part for Bafana."
But if Iraq manage to change style and score a big win against the All Whites and Bafana lose to Spain, the home side's semi-final hopes will be in tatters.
A capacity crowd is guaranteed where the Bloemfontein Celtic fans will pack the stadium and act like a 12th man for Bafana. Celtic fans are the most vocal in the country and really get their club and country motivated with their fantastic energy and enthusiasm.
Egypt, the African champions, scored a major upset when they defeated world champions Italy 1-0 at Ellis Park on Thursday night to throw Group B wide open.
Bailey said this has been a tremendous Confederations Cup so far: "There have been upsets, excitement, and a good win for the home side just when we needed it. Some great goals and some great goalkeeping."
Bailey praised the outstanding display of Egypt keeper Essam el Hadary who played a blinder against the Azzurri.
Bafana's keeper Itumeleng Khune, who celebrates his 22 birthday against Spain, has not had to make any saves yet.
"But," said Bailey "Khune will be tested against Spain, that's for sure. I reckon he's got what it takes and the experience will be a fantastic one for him."