Benard Parker uses his anatomy for the good and the bad. What is it with him?
Against Iraq, Bernard Parker was pilloried by fans and the media for unwittingly getting his foot in the way of Kadisho Dikgacoi’s header which prevented a Bafana Bafana win.
In today’s match against New Zealand he scored both goals, the second due to a huge slice of luck as Tsipo Masilela’s cross shot hit his right knee and deflected into goal. The first one came off as a zig zagging Masilela crossed the ball and Parker emerged out of nowhere slicing the ball which an unprepared Glen Moss diverted the into goal.
We wait with bated breath as to which anatomical part Parker will employ to influence the next match.
Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise, and Tsipo Masilele were the pick of Bafana Bafana. Pienaar in particular carried the creative burden like he has with Everton taking over Mikel Arteta’s role. This was a much better display against a NZ team that was outclassed but thankfully did not resort to the stonewalling tactics employed by the Iraqis. But there were worrying signs. SA was undisciplined getting caught offside 8 times. They were prodigal shooting ten times on goal for a very poor conversion rate. Katlego Mashego had three opportunities to score with just the goalie to beat but wasted them all.
The team is not out of the woods as yet. Iraq can get through to the semi-finals on goal differential if it beats NZ and SA lose to Spain.