Brazil-South Africa Preview

Brazil v. South Africa

June 25, 2:30 P.M. Eastern
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Brazil plays the host nation in tomorrow’s semi-final. Considered to be one of the weaker teams in the tournament, the South Africans advanced by beating lowly New Zealand, and then drawing with Iraq. Dunga stated that “South Africa are an emerging team, but we know they will give us a difficult test…They’re strong, quick and they will have the crowd behind them.” Playing a host nation is never easy, and Brazil would be wise not to scale back their game or look ahead to a potential matchup with the Spanish. Correction, the Americans.

Bernard Parker, a forward for Red Star Belgrade, is the team’s leading scorer for the tournament, scoring both of the South African goals in the group stage. He is facing a fitness battle for this match and questionable to play, which would be a big blow for the South Africans. Everton midfielder Steve Pienaar is another player of note for South Africa, which really bring a roster lacking many well known players. They play with decent pace, but will physically have a difficult time with Brazil tomorrow.

The South Africans are lucky to be the host nation because they would have probably not qualified for 2010 otherwise.

Probable Starting XI: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Luisao, Lucio, Andre Santos, Gilberto Silva, Felipe Melo, Ramires, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano

South Africa: Rowen FERNANDEZ, Arminia Bielefeld (GER), Siboniso GAXA, Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Tsepo MASILELA, Maccabi Haifa (ISR), Aaron MOKOENA, Blackburn Rovers (ENG), Benson MHLONGO, Orlando Pirates (RSA), MacBeth SIBAYA, Rubin Kazan (RUS), Lance DAVIDS, SuperSport Utd. (RSA), Siphiwe TSHABALALA, Kaizer Chiefs (RSA), Katlego MPHELA, Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Steven PIENAAR, Everton (ENG), Elrio VAN HEERDEN, Club Brugge (BEL), Teko MODISE, Orlando Pirates (RSA), Kagisho DIKGACOI, Golden Arrows (RSA), Matthew BOOTH, Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Innocent MDLEDLE, Orlando Pirates (RSA), Itumeleng KHUNE, Kaizer Chiefs (RSA), Bernard PARKER, Red Star (SRB), Thembinkosi FANTENI, Maccabi Haifa (ISR), Bryce MOON, Panathinaikos (GRE), Bongani KHUMALO, SuperSport Utd. (RSA), Katlego MASHEGO, Orlando Pirates (RSA), Brian BALOYI, Mamelodi Sundowns (RSA), Morgan GOULD, SuperSport Utd. (RSA)

Prediction: Brazil 2 – 0 South Africa