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South Africa Boss Santana Delighted With Confeds Qualification
Despite losing to Spain, Bafana Bafana are through to the semi-finals, and Joel Santana believes they deserve their place in the final four.
Jun 20, 2009 6:11:03 PM
After seeing his side progress to the semi-finals despite losing 2-0 to Spain, South Africa boss Joel Santana was delighted with his side's overall performance during the group stage.
Iraq's failure to defeat New Zealand meant that South Africa finished second in the group, despite the loss to Spain. Speaking at the post match press conference, Santana said, "I am very happy today."
"This is a great game for Bafana, for our confidence, for our world cup preparations. We worked hard...but we made two mistakes.
"My players gained lots of experience from this game."
Santana then praised his opponents, before explaining some of his tactics, continuing, "Spain is a fantastic team."
"I prefer to stick with experience, which is why I don't make too many substitutions."
The South Africa boss felt his side deserved to reach the next stage, stating, "It's important that South Africa go to the semi-finals."
"We have four points, and Iraq have two. Iraq never came here to play or win, but we won and we are in the semi-finals."
Finally, Santana was asked for his preferred choice for a semi-final opponent, to which he replied, "It doesn't matter who we play in the semi-final, Bafana will enjoy the game."
"A game against Brazil or Italy would be great matches in terms of experience for the team."
Santana added that he would relish the chance to meet his home country, Brazil.
Meanwhile, defender Benson Mhlongo offered his thoughts, saying, "We are not tight enough in the box and it was a good lesson for us."
"We have to work hard and believe in ourselves for the next game. There is a lot of work ahead."
"Nobody gave us a chance, but we made it."
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
For more on the Confederations Cup visit Goal.com's Confederations Cup page.
Iraq's failure to defeat New Zealand meant that South Africa finished second in the group, despite the loss to Spain. Speaking at the post match press conference, Santana said, "I am very happy today."
"This is a great game for Bafana, for our confidence, for our world cup preparations. We worked hard...but we made two mistakes.
"My players gained lots of experience from this game."
Santana then praised his opponents, before explaining some of his tactics, continuing, "Spain is a fantastic team."
"I prefer to stick with experience, which is why I don't make too many substitutions."
The South Africa boss felt his side deserved to reach the next stage, stating, "It's important that South Africa go to the semi-finals."
"We have four points, and Iraq have two. Iraq never came here to play or win, but we won and we are in the semi-finals."
Finally, Santana was asked for his preferred choice for a semi-final opponent, to which he replied, "It doesn't matter who we play in the semi-final, Bafana will enjoy the game."
"A game against Brazil or Italy would be great matches in terms of experience for the team."
Santana added that he would relish the chance to meet his home country, Brazil.
Meanwhile, defender Benson Mhlongo offered his thoughts, saying, "We are not tight enough in the box and it was a good lesson for us."
"We have to work hard and believe in ourselves for the next game. There is a lot of work ahead."
"Nobody gave us a chance, but we made it."
Arjun Miglani, Goal.com
For more on the Confederations Cup visit Goal.com's Confederations Cup page.
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