JOHANNESBURG -- Hosts South Africa still have everything to play for in Tuesday's Group A decisive showdown with France as they seek to avoid the embarrassment of becoming the first host nation in World Cup history to be eliminated at the first hurdle. (Pictured: Itnuemelng Khu
France who plunged to a 0-2 defeat to Mexico at Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium last Thursday, are also teetering on the brink of an early exit from the tournament.
The 1998 champions’ defeat left both Mexico and Uruguay, who are level on points, as firm favourites to advance to the next round. A draw in their clash in Rustenburg Tuesday would see both teams qualifying at the expense of South Africa and France, but any other result would bring back the current Group A tail-enders firmly in the picture.
This means Bafana Bafana will have to move mountains in their encounter against France, who like the hosts have a single point. A victory for either side means goal difference will come into play to decide who progresses to the next round. Bafana Bafana who had stitched together an impressive 13-match unbeaten run going into the tournament, cracked under the weight of expectations against a tactically superior Uruguay who thrashed them 3-0 before a capacity crowd on Wednesday night.
However, football analysts believe South Africa still have everything to play for although they admitted their chances of progressing to the second round were now slim. Former Motor Action coach Jostein Mathuthu, who is now in charge of local Premiership side Lengthens, said Bafana were in a precarious position. “To be honest South Africa are now in a very precarious position after that defeat to Uruguay,” said Mathuthu. “They have the big task of beating France to qualify. But I can see this group being decided on permutations because South Africa can still sneak in if they beat France.”
Respected football analyst Charles Mabika said South Africa have to beat France by an avalanche of goals to go through in their group. “It’s now a tall order for South Africa. They complicated matters for themselves following that defeat to Uruguay,” said Mabika. “But, football is a funny, odd game. South Africa can spring a surprise . . . I think they still have a chance and can advance provided they beat France.”
South Africa had started brightly after settling for a 1-1 stalemate with Mexico in the opening match but Bafana’s wings were clipped by Uruguauy. Should the hosts bow out in the first round, it will be a huge blow to the tournament as it will lose its glamour.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News