FRANKLY speaking, I didn’t give Bafana Bafana any chance against Mexico. I thought the South Africans would suffer under the weight of expectation and pressure but the magic of the vuvuzela and a certain Siphiwe Tshabalala paid off.

Now, Carlos Perreira’s side has to double up to stop Diego Forlan and company. While many will side with South Africa or Ghana as being the most impressive of the five African teams in the tournament so far, I will go with Nigeria.
The Super Eagles’ spirited display against a star-studded Argentine side was laudable.

Prior to this match, I told colleagues that the question was not if Nigeria would lose, but by what margin. But the passionate hug Diego Maradona gave to his players after the final whistle said it all-that it had not been a walk in the park for the South Americans.

Even Nigerian fans well known for castigating their team when they lose were forced to hold back their insults.

Robert Green’s Howler

Why Capello chose the error prone Robert Green ahead of the talented Joe Hart and experienced David James is baffling.

One staunch English fan, 55, who has been a close follower of the team for the last 38 years got me thinking when he said, "This is the same old England team that thinks that they can walk over teams.”

"The media should stop drumming about England being favourities and concentrate on highlighting the strengths and flaws in the team.”

Ends