Confederations Cup preview: South Africa – New Zealand

Confederations Cup hosts South Africa will need a win over New Zealand if they want to keep a realistic chance of getting to the semi final stage.

After a disappointing goalless draw with Iraq in the opening game, the Bafana Bafana will have to shake off confidence issues for their second game. Considering that South Africa face European champions Spain in their final group game, a win on Wednesday is crucial.

New Zealand, although heavily beaten by Spain, could still find their way into the semi finals with wins over South Africa and Iraq, so the all-whites won’t give up easily.

These two teams haven’t met in 62 years, when they played four friendly games in 20 days. South Africa won all of these encounters.

The match, led by Mexican referee Benito Archundia, is to be played at Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng stadium and starts at 8:30pm local time.