Carlos Alberto Parreira (Gallo Images)

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Eduan Roos

Johannesburg – Bafana Bafana’s remarkable turnaround is proof that anything is possible – even World cup glory.

That was the view of South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and his assistant, Pitso Mosimane, after Bafana completed their preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup with a 1-0 win over highly-rated Denmark.

Bafana are now unbeaten in 13 consecutive games since Parreira took over from compatriot Joel Santana in November 2009.

“I’m so proud of the team. I promised to make the country proud when I was appointed and the players have already managed to do that,” Parreira said after the game in Atteridgeville outside Pretoria.

“We’ll keep on doing it and the game is proof that we can look forward to Mexico (on Friday in Soweto) and the rest of the tournament. I’m not promising that we’ll win the World Cup, but as soon as we reach the second round every game becomes a knockout and then anything is possible.”

Three months ago it was unthinkable that South Africa would have a chance of reaching the second round because Mexico, France and Uruguay await them in Group A.

“The players have shown their commitment by buying into my plan for the tournament. It’s keeping the ball on the ground rather than playing it in the air, ensuring more possession and being 100% match fit,” said Parreira.

Mosimane, who is one of the favourites to succeed Parreira after the tournament, said that the Danish game had been Bafana’s toughest test yet, but one they passed with flying colours.

“We can’t afford to get carried away as Mexico will be a different story altogether,” he said.

“They’re a brilliant side and issued us with a clear warning against Italy. We respect them, but don’t fear them.”