Sth Africa - 1, Slovenia - 0 It might sound far-fetched to describe Quinton Fortune as South Africa's answer to David Beckham, but the pair have more in common than a job at Manchester United. Wearing his country's number seven shirt, Fortune is following Beckham's lead and proving fierce critics in his homeland wrong.
Fortune's stock fell so low in South Africa after his poor displays at this year's Nations Cup that Jomo Sono, the new coach, was taken to task for picking him. It is doubtful an effigy of Fortune was swinging from a Cape Town pub, but the midfielder's renaissance has been rapid.
First he converted a last-minute penalty against Paraguay to give South Africa a draw in their opening match. On Saturday, he set up the goal that earned his country their first World Cup win and left them requiring a point against an already qualified Spain to guarantee a second-round spot.
Fortune was the best performer in a poor game, operating on the left flank which he cannot wrest from Ryan Giggs at United. His runs, sensible use of the ball and willingness to track back earned praise from Sono, whose faith in the 25-year-old has been justified.
Sono also said he had to remind some of his players of their responsibilities. The coach says he inherited a divided, dispirited squad. In an emotional speech, he told his team to remember those who had fought for South Africa, including Nelson Mandela.
"People died for the country," he said to them, "and you are fighting in groups. We are all South Africans, no matter what colour, and we are all fighting for the same nation. Some of you are multi-millionaires and you wouldn't be anyone if people hadn't given up their lives."
The fighting spirit was evident here, though the quality suggested they would go out in the next round, where Germany are their likely opponents.
Slovenia's usual spirit seemed to have been sapped by a week of infighting and they can no longer reach the last 16.
They missed the creativity of Zlatko Zahovic and only once seriously threatened an equaliser after Siyabonga Nomvete scored with his thigh from Fortune's free-kick. A game to forget but a tournament to remember for Fortune.
Guardian Service
SUBSTITUTES - South Africa: Buckley (for Nomvethe 71 mins), Koumantarakis (for McCarthy 80 mins), Pule (for Fortune 85 mins). Slovenia: Osterc (for Cimirotic 41 mins), Ceh (for Acimovic) and Bulajic (for Knavs both 60 mins).
YELLOW CARDS - South Africa: Radebe 12, Mokoena 60. Slovenia: Vugdalic 35, Milinovic 52, Ceh 62, Pavlin 75.
