South Africa v Uruguay
South Africa will be hoping to build on their good opening performance against Mexico on Friday by claiming all three points versus Uruguay.
South Africa weren’t overawed by the occasion of opening the World Cup, taking the lead against a dangerous Mexico side who some people have backed to win the group.
Siphiwe Tshabalala got their goal and is set to continue playing down the left wing after his man-of-the-match performance. The South Africans will need Tshabalala to continue his good form with midfield dynamo Steven Pienaar not performing to expectations, saying his legs are tired after a long season with Everton.
"I played a lot of games in the last months and my legs are tired but as long as my mind and my heart are willing, I'll keep pushing myself as hard as I can go,” Pienaar said.
Aaron Mokoena will once again captain the Bafana Bafana despite being at fault for Mexico’s equalizer when he kept the Barcelona man onside. If there were any nerves in the first game Tshabalala has declared them a thing of the past and admits today’s game is a must win.
"Uruguay is a must win for us, we will be going out there to do our best and make the nation proud. The nerves are gone and we are looking forward to the next game with excitement,” Tshabalala said.
Uruguay too had a good opening result, drawing against France in the first game. Despite troubles in the French camp, the draw against the 2006 runners-up puts them in good stead to progress providing they can get three points today against the hosts.
Nicolas Lodeiro will miss out following his red card against France. The midfielder picked up two yellow cards in quick succession after coming on as a substitution.
Head coach Oscar Tabarez could change his team to a more attacking team with Diego Forlán, Luis Suarez and Edison Cavani all playing up front. If that happens Uruguay could be a good bet to take all three points and pole position in Group A.
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