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Parreira remains optimistic

Johannesburg - Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira insists South Africa are making progress ahead of the Soccer World Cup despite struggling to consistently score against creditable opposition.

Bafana Bafana recently returned from a training camp in Herzogenuarach, Germany, where they were held to a goalless draw by North Korea and beat Jamaica 2-0 in hastily-arranged friendlies.

And while Parreira admits his team still have their shortcomings, he remains hopeful they can impress at the global showpiece which kicks-off on 11 June.

"The squad is taking shape, the confidence and the results are coming," the Brazilian said on the Times Live website.

"We have been playing the past three months without seven players who were important in the Confederations Cup.

"But the impression is positive and the boys are keeping possession, which is our strength.

"I know we are not scoring but that is a big problem for the country and clubs.

"Right now we are in the last round of preparations and are just waiting for this final camp, where we will have a mix of foreign and local players.

"The most difficult hurdle is getting to the last 16. Once you're there it's a knockout and anything can happen." 
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