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South Africa took a step toward qualifying for the second round, Saturday, with a narrow 1:0 victory over Slovenia, eliminating the latter's hopes of progression. Though the South Africans had most of the play the solitary goal came more from luck than judgment, with Siyabonga Nomyethe misjudging a clear heading chance in the 4th minute only to see the ball ricochet of his thigh past goalkeeper Marko Simeunovic into the back of the net.
The South Africans saw more of the ball in the first half, but failed to convert possession into goals, giving Slovenia time to regroup and start their own attacks in the closing 15 minutes. Milenko Acimovic came close to equalizing with a 19-meter shot that slipped by the goalpost. South Africa came straight back, but after a brilliant run by Sibusiso Zuma, Benedict McCarthy failed to capitalize when the ball reached him in front of an open net.
McCarthy did better in the opening minutes of the second half unleashing a thunderous shot that Simeunovic managed to parry for a corner. The FC Porto striker continuously harried the Slovenian defense and nearly made it two when he received a cross from Quinton Fortune, only to see his header hit the post.
Slovenia came to life as the match drew to a close with a Nastia Ceh center that goalie Andre Arendse pushed behind for a corner, and a blistering shot by Amir Karic that skimmed over the bar. South Africa responded with counter attacks and were unlucky when Simeunovic came forward to block a shot be Delron Buckley with four minutes to go.
The win is South Africa's first in the World Cup and gives them a four-point total following a draw with Paraguay. The team is now number two behind Spain and needs just a draw against the group leaders to qualify for the play offs. Slovenia face Paraguay, who must win to stand any chance of contention.
(Chris Price, chris@chosun.com )
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