What Went Right? Played with an energy, joy and excitement rarely exhibited by any of the other participants, which stands to reason because they were playing at home and for the African continent. Smallish side that was fast and used that as the linchpin of their football approach. Made short, quick direct attacking bursts through the middle, and had good movement off the ball. Made extensive use of long balls and through balls, and managed some effective use of the counterattack. Ended their tournament by embarrassing a French side that just imploded.
What Went Wrong? Sorry to say this but Bafana Bafana wasn’t really particularly good at anything, and because of that they were the first team eliminated from the tournament. Didn’t sustain any offensive buildup, lacked quality service, and exhibited no real refined finishing skill. Gave up an almost 2-1 possession percentage to their opponents. Primarily an east-west team that didn’t take advantage of the flanks at all. As quick as they were they did not take advantage of space or make any diagonal runs. Defense was unorganized and undisciplined, losing their shape early and often. When not in possession South Africa neither pressed nor closed down the center or back. They were too small to be physical, and they didn’t anticipate or read the game well at all. You can only do so much with just energy, joy and a supremely exuberant home crowd amping you with vuvuzelas. If your lunchtime rec-league team played a French side falling apart faster than a snowman in the Sahara then you’d look like the best football side since Real Madrid, too. They should be thankful they were the hosts, because I get the feeling that if Bafana Bafana had to qualify, they’d have missed their own tournament.
Who Stepped Up To The Plate? If it wasn’t for the limitless energy and indomitable spirit of Steven Pienaar, with his whip-fast passes and crosses, South Africa wouldn’t have had an attack to speak of. Siphiwe Tshabalala was an Energizer bunny coming in from the left to create plays and offer service. Katlego Mphela got on the end of some service and made a few decent shots on goal. Center back Bongani Khumalo and fullback Tsepo Masilela where actually very effective from the back going forward —
Who Didn’t Show Up? — Because along with their backline mates of Aaron Mokoena and Anele Ngcongca (or Lucas Thwala and Siboniso Gaxa), the backline was a sieve. Kagisho Dikgacoi was not a very effective defensive/holding midfielder, and Reneilwe Letsholonyane let himself get dispossessed and pushed around very easily. Teko Modise wasn’t any better at contributing anything either in attack or dropping back. The bench? What bench?
How Was The Coaching? Not even as great an international coach as Carlos Alberto Pareirra with his pedigree was going to get more out of this collection. Still, he kept shuttling players in and out, drastically changing starting lineups from game to game in a desperate search for the combination that would work. Instead of having any rhyme or reason, it looked more like Pareirra was just using trial-and-error, making it up as he went along.
Did They Finish Where They Were Expected? Actually, they did. South Africa was picked pre-tournament to be the first home side never to advance to the knockout round. They didn’t disappoint. But the people of South Africa could have cared less. They were just glad to be there and their exuberance was electrifying.
Now What? Past incarnations of this side have made it to the next round, and a number of their players ply their trade in Europe. So clearly there is some football talent in South Africa. From now on you guys are going to have to qualify to get to the World Cup, so you might want to start by developing a little tactical rigidity and discipline. Then at least instruct Bafana Bafana in some sort of fundamental, sustained direct attack.