outh Africa’s 2010 World Cup campaign received a massive boost after the Bafana Bafana thrashed visiting Paraguay 3-0 in an international soccer friendly at the Super stadium in Atteridgeville last night. The goals were scored by man of the match, Surprise Moriri, Benni McCarthy and Sipiwe Tshabalala. It was South Africa’s first victory against a South American side since it re-joined international football following the end of apatheid. The fact that Paraguay is ranked 50 places higher than South Africa by the world soccer’s governing body, FIFA, made the victory even sweeter. South Africa, which has failed to secure a significant victory in the past few months, dominated the match throughout. Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira paid tribute to his players, saying they had shown enormous courage and determination. Last week, Parreira slammed his detractors, including Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile, saying no country in the world had a team ready two years before the World Cup. Parreira has taken four countries to the World Cup finals, including his native Brazil. Panapress.
