Preview: South Africa vs Brazil

South Africa will have to stand up and be counted if they hope to get anything versus Brazil today. On a separate note: Meerkat Manor is a good show. And this is a funny ad.

Like the US, expect South Africa to put in a gritty performance against favorites Brazil. Brazil are coming off a deceptively easy passage through the group of death, and may not be as strong as they seem. South Africa meanwhile, has been improving with time and have a triple advantage: an extra day's rest, home field, and nothing to lose.

Brazil:
Brazil is keyed by superstars Kaka, Robinho, and driving full-back Maicon. The team has rediscovered their form following a tough period when it appeared Dunga may lose his job. Though they are famous for samba football, this team is more like Liverpool than Barcelona or Arsenal: it is built upon upon positional discipline and two holding midfielders. The composition of the national team mirrors the trend of the domestic league, which has been bulking up and outmuscling continental competition. For all their strength on set pieces, however, they can still be beautiful to watch in open play, and devastating on the counter.

RAMIRES- the 22-year-old Blue Kenyon, who recently earned himself a $10.5 million move to Benfica, looks a solid player. Expert Tim Vickery says that he is "at his best bursting late into the box to finish." (Last Minute, Second Leg)

felipe MELO- Fiorentina's 25-year-old defensive midfielder is supposedly in high demand, and has shown why with a series of assured displays in this tournament. He has chimed in with three goals over a mere eight games in a Brazil shirt, including one against the US. (FIFA interview)

luis FABIANO- can hardly be considered a breakout star, though perhaps not quite as well known as counterparts like Robinho. However, on current form, that may soon change.

South Africa:
Though Bafana superstar Benni McCarthy has been left watching the tournament from the couch, South Africa has looked well organized and disciplined, and good pace all over the park makes them dangerous on the counter. Everton's Steven Pienaar has given the vuvuzela's somethikng to buzz about with his speed, skill, and on-field leadership, bringing teammates into play from a free-position in the hole.

kagiso DIKGACOI- thought Pienaar is among one of the only names familiar to most foreigners, that may soon change, as Dikgacoi has been attracting strong interest from Fulham. It is easy to see why, as Dikgacoi has played the Veira role well this tournament. Though he rarely catches the eye, statistics reveal that he is essential to the Bafana Bafana. (Goal.com feature)

mathew BOOTH-Booth, on the other hand, can't help but catch the eye. He's 6'6, white, and affectionately "Boo(th)"-ed every time he touches the ball. If he were a little younger, European teams would probably be licking their lips at his composure in defense and on the ball. Virtually eliminated Torres from the Spain game, even if he was beaten by a bit of Villa magic. Definitely the sort of guy I would want on my team.

bernard PARKER- only 23, Parker registered a good brace versus New Zealand-- the only goals South Africa have scored. The first goal was an absolute beauty. Also showed some glimpses of real quality versus Spain, including one or two superb passes that almost unlocked their defense. Apparently had some trouble getting paid at Red Star Belgrade last year, but may have earned himself a more dependable salary after this tournament.

siboniso GAXA- the speedy right back has acquitted himself well.

Continuing on the Benfica theme:
Headline highlight: Benfica names Jesus as coach
Transfer gossip: Adu expects to be sold