Bafana Bafana skipper Aaron Mokena admitted the pressure will be
on when his team face their acid test against European champions
Spain in their final Confederations Cup Group A clash at the Free
State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday night.
Speaking after Bafana had clawed their way back into contention
for a place in the semifinals alongside Spain by beating New
Zealand 2-0 in Rustenburg Wednesday, Mokoena said they went out and
did the business on the pitch against New Zealand.
"We showed we have recovered from that disappointing 0-0 draw
against Iraq (at Ellis Park last Sunday) and we know what we have
to do to reach the semifinals."
Spain qualified by virtue of winning both their matches, beating
the All Whites 5-0 and Iraq 1-0. Bafana have four points and need
one point off Spain to qualify, or they need to hope the Kiwis do
them a favour by beating or drawing with Iraq.
The Asian champions have one point and the All Whites zero after
two fixtures.
Mokoena was full of praise for New Zealand who, despite being
outclassed by a faster and more mobile Bafana, never threw in the
towel.
"At least New Zealand fought to the death - not like Iraq who
defended and refused to make a game of it. All credit to New
Zealand who we knew would not sit back like the disappointing
Iraqis."
Orlando Pirates playmaker Teko Modise, agreed with his captain
but added: "We played well against New Zealand and now we have
confidence to take into the match against Spain."
Bafana's star midfielder, Steven Pienaar, said it was great to
win.
"This is what we worked so hard at training for and have
achieved it."
But the Everton ace stressed he was not even thinking about
facing the world's best team...just yet. "I want to enjoy this win
and think about Spain later."
The much criticised Bafana head coach Joel Santana, was
breathing a sigh of relief, as his change of tactics paid off. He
discarded his ultra defensive system for a refreshing attacking
formation employing both creative midfielders Pienaar and Modise to
greater advantage.
Striker Bernard Parker underlined his potential by scoring both
goals and said he had regained his confidence.
But Santana warned his charges to keep their feet firmly on the
ground and stressed that Bafana will go in against Spain as equals.
"We face the greatest test since I took charge a year ago. We
want to play entertaining soccer and enjoy the experience of
playing the world's top side and at the same time get a result."
Santana said against New Zealand everything clicked into place:
"We were nervous against Iraq. It was the opening match of a major
tournament and we as hosts were nervous - which could be expected.
"But tonight (Wednesday) we were relaxed and played some really
good soccer. I was pleased. Maybe we should have scored two or
three more goals, but at the end of the night I was satisfied.