Bafana coach promises 'Hell'

Parreira announced that he would be keeping the same starting XI that did duty against the Danes last Saturday, which was expected, bar the possible return of Tsepo Masilela for Lucas Thwala at left-back.

The Brazilian coach and his Boipatong-born skipper made all the right noises, but Parreira made the point that the time for talking was done, and the time for action here. Asked what he would say to the players just before they left the dressing room, his reply was only, "enjoy the game".

After six years of waiting, the moment of truth is finally here, and I think for many around the Bafana camp, they know their preparations have been excellent, they are the fittest team at the tournament, their tactical plan is well laid and now there is nothing left to do but get on with the job.

Merde - burt iss ziss a mutiny?

Perhaps the least surprising news of Thursday was that there is a brewing mutiny in the French camp as some of the players want experience striker Thierry "Handball" Henry to start their opener against Uruguay, while the coach insists he will be on the bench.

Put 23 Frenchman together in a room and it would be just a matter of minutes before arguments begin breaking out. They just can't help themselves.

Another side famous for their mental implosions are the Netherlands, who enter this tournament in brilliant form and have the look of potential champions. Their Arsenal striker Robin van Persie has boldly predicted they can beat anyone, and to be fair, he is not wrong.

But the Dutch have always been their own worst enemies. They tend to beat themselves, rather than doing the more courteous thing and allowing the opposition to do it.