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South Africa Profile |
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There is an air of cautious optimism in South Africa as the Rainbow Nation prepares to write what is undoubtedly the most significant chapter of its short football history. A mammoth task lies ahead.
Recent years have brought ample disappointments, but Bafana Bafana have also shown, albeit in patches, that - given motivation and purpose - they can be a potent threat. And there can be no greater motivation than representing their country in a FIFA World Cup™ on home soil.
In 1996, four years after their readmission to international football, South Africa shot to prominence and stunned the African continent by claiming their maiden CAF Africa Cup of Nations trophy against Tunisia at Soccer City in Johannesburg. How ironic that, 16 years later, South Africa will return to the venue where they achieved this first major success, aiming to rewrite the script on an even bigger stage.
Their gallant performance at the FIFA Confederations Cup last June, when they lost narrowly to Brazil in the semi-finals and to Spain in the third place play-off, should certainly serve as a chilling reminder to their detractors that this team, when stretched to its potential, cannot be underestimated. That tournament witnessed several impressive performances strung together by the hosts, and ultimately it was only their inability to convert cleverly-tailored moves into goals that led to their demise.
Coach:Carlos Alberto Parreira
Captain:Aaron Mokoena
Goal Keeper:
Star Players:
Steven Pienaar, Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepho Masilela
Interesting Facts:
This is South Africa's third appearance at the FIFA World Cup. Their first participation was at France 1998 and they also qualified for Korea/Japan 2002.
Benni McCarthy scored the country's first goal at the FIFA World Cup in a 1-1 draw against Denmark on 18 June 1998.
South Africa's incumbent captain, Aaron Mokoena remains the country's most capped player.
South Africa hosted and won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 at their first attempt, beating Tunisia 2-0 in Johannesburg's Soccer City. They went on to finish as runners-up at the following edition in 1998, losing to Egypt 2-0 in the final.
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Follow South Africa World Cup Tickets |
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Who Will Win World Cup 2010? |
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World Cup Hotels Booking |
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Belo Horizonte hotels Ambassy  With a privileged location; Ambassy Hotel meets in the center of Belo Horizonte next to the commercial and financial center. In its 70 rooms; guests c
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Brasilia hotels Airam Brasilia  On the 17th floor, with a beautiful panoramic view of the city, you will find a diversified breakfast to start your day on the right foot. The hotel i
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Cuiaba hotels Alvorada Palace Alvorado Palace has been serving the Cuiaba area for ten years with its 62 rooms, conference room, Cyber cafe, parking, beauty parlor, laundry facilit
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Curitiba hotels Altareggia Plaza Location: the hotel is favourably situated in central area, close the city's main shopping centres, the Gua?ra Theatre, Government Palace, Town Hall a
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Fortaleza hotels Feller Spazzio Scenic views and beautiful beaches await you for your next vacation getaway General Description Accessible to many local attractions Tranquil ambience
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Manaus hotels Adrianopolis Situated in one of the most fashionable streets in Manaus, close to the shopping centre and 6 Km. from the city centre. The Adrian?polis Hotel is the
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Natal hotels Antibes Residence On Ponta Negra beach, unsurpassed natural beauty. Hotel situated just 75 m. from the beach, close to Natals best restaurants, convention centre, handi
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Porto Alegre hotels Blue Tree Millenium This modern, air-conditioned apartment hotel has a total of 177 apartments and features a spacious lobby with several lifts, a cosy bar, and a restaur
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