Sport

GROUP C: South Africa v Saudi Arabia

South Africa coach Philippe Troussier needs a little help from his native land if his side are to reach the World Cup second …

Wed Jun 24 1998 - 01:00

South Africa coach Philippe Troussier needs a little help from his native land if his side are to reach the World Cup second round against the odds. The much-travelled Frenchman, whose coaching stints in Africa have earned him the nickname of "the white witch doctor", has to hope his players beat Saudi Arabia in their final game and France beat Denmark handsomely.

France have already qualified. Denmark have four points, scoring two goals and letting in one. South Africa have one point and have scored one goal and let in four.

The South Africans' build-up to the match in Bordeaux has not been ideal. Two players - first choice striker Brendan Augustine and Naughty Mokoena - were sent home on Monday for going nightclubbing at the weekend. Players have voiced discontent at that decision and also criticised Troussier's match tactics. "We've had some trouble," admitted goalkeeper Hans Vonk yesterday.

The odds are heavily in favour of Denmark because of the goal difference. But if Troussier's team win 2-0 in Bordeaux and France beat the Danes by the same scoreline, South Africa will go through.

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The Saudis have also had their share of internal problems. They sacked Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira after the team lost their first two games. Those defeats mean the Saudis have nothing but pride to play for, as they cannot reach the next stage of the competition. Caretaker coach Mohammad al-Kharashi must decide whether to go for broke with an attacking team in his first game in charge or opt for a safety first approach after the morale-sapping 4-0 defeat to France last week.

Troussier will have to make at least one change from the starting-line up of the team which drew 1-1 with Denmark in a card-strewn game in Toulouse last week. As Augustine has been sent home, Delron Buckley is expected to take his place.

Probable Teams South Africa: Vonk; Fish, Issa, Mkhalele, Nyathi, Radebe, Moshoeu, Fortune, Buckley; Bartlett, McCarthy. Saudi Arabia: Al-Deayea; Al-Jahani, Al-Khilaiwi, Zubramawi, Sulimani; Al-Owairan; Al-Shahrani, Amin, Al-Owairan; Al-Jaber, Saleh.