Defense Is Key in South Africa's Clash with Spain

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, June 10, 2002

Defense Is Key in South Africa's Clash with Spain

The defense of both teams could determine the outcome of Wednesday's key clash between SouthAfrica and Spain, local media reported.

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The defense of both teams could determine the outcome of Wednesday's key clash between SouthAfrica and Spain, local media reported.

According to Monday's Business Day, Bafana Bafana are within reach of a place in the second round of the World Cup after their 1-0 triumph over Slovenia on Saturday.

With the first and decisive hurdle presented by Slovenia successful negotiated, Bafana Bafana now look to Wednesday's crunch game to complete their progress into the second round.

The South African need only a point against the Spaniards, who have already qualified, to advance without relying on the results of the Paraguay--Slovenia game on the same day.

Former Bafana Bafana player and SuperSport United coach Pitso Mosimane believes it will come down to the defense.

"The Spanish defense, although skillful, is slow and if we use pace against them we could get a positive result. The South African defense is improving with each game. That was what made the difference on Saturday,"he said.

Mosimane said if Radebe and his fellow defenders performed as well as they did against Slovenia it would be half the job done.

Television commentator and former Bafana Bafana player Marks Maponyane agreed with Mosimane.

"The defense will be vital, and we have to make sure that we keep possession. The players have to believe in themselves and, who knows, we could very well pull off our own upset like Senegal against France," he said.

South Africa media showered praise on Bafana Bafana yesterday after the win. And much of the praise was for Sono, coach of the team.

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