South Africa’s World Cup exit was one of the more heartbreaking sights at this year’s tournament.
Despite trailing 3-2 against Spain in the deciding group match, they were less than 10 minutes from reaching the second round, but Paraguay’s 3-1 win over Slovenia sent the Africans out.
Coach Jomo Sono had his team playing some decent football against Spain and qualification would have come as little surprise after beating Slovenia and drawing with Paraguay.
Two errors by goalkeeper Andre Arendse in the final game proved to be the difference between success and failure.
But they can take heart from this performance, as can Lucas Radebe who came back and showed his defensive class after a long time on the sidelines.
South Africa had hoped to be staging the 2006 finals. If they are named as hosts for 2010, there could be a lot of money on them to emulate the form that home sides always seem to show at the World Cup.
