I really think S.A. blasts the Kiwis. They are on different levels completely. S.A. is a decent team, with some solid talent playing at the highest levels in Europe. Iraq held out for the tie, but S.A. was pretty damn unlucky not to win that game. Iraq proved earlier today vs Spain, how hard it is to break them down when playing for a draw. I gotta believe Iraq and SA's stratagies after that 1st draw are the same - try to lose to Spain by as few goals as possible and blow out NZ to go thru on goal difference. SA's warm ups to this tourney have been pretty good against top competition: 2 wins, 2 loses vs Poland, Portugal, Norway and Chile. NZ is just awful. Spain could have won 15-0 if they wanted. The only competitive games they play are vs Fiji, Vanatu, etc. I think NZ will come out of their shell and try to win this game which will spell big trouble against a much more athletic, talented and tested team playing in front of a home crowd. Not to mention, the organizers (refs) would really, really like to see SA advance out of the group. That always helps.
