South Africa eye Uruguay scalp

PRETORIA: South African dreams of a shock run into the second round of the World Cup face a moment of truth in a critical match against a Diego Forlan-led Uruguay. Unfancied South Africa, trying to avoid becoming the first host nation to fail to advance from the group stage, opened with a 1-1 draw against Mexico while Uruguay and France played out a nervy 0-0 draw, leaving Group A up for grabs.

“Uruguay will be in trouble if we carry on where we left off against the Mexicans,” said South African midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala, whose opening strike of the tournament was the first World Cup finals goal on African soil.

Meanwhile, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez knows his side, which has beaten South Africa 4-3 and drawn 0-0 in prior meetings, will need every point it can get to avoid being left out of the last 16. “All the teams are on the same footing now,” Tabarez said. “The group is now evenly balanced and the next games will be crucial.”

Published in the Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2010.