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  SOUTH AFRICA
Picture Raul scored twice for Spain (Allsport).

SONO SATISFIED DESPITE EXIT

By PA Sport Staff

South Africa coach Jomo Sono insisted his side gave it their best shot after a 3-2 defeat to Spain allowed Paraguay to pip them to second spot in Group B.

The Bafana Bafana twice came back from a goal down to draw level, but the South Americans' remarkable fightback to beat Slovenia 3-1 was enough to see them through.

Sono said: "It's unfortunate for us that Paraguay had to win so well but it happens and that is the name of the game.

"We gave away three silly goals and we paid the price.

"You cannot blame anyone. We just want to say to the people of our country that we gave it our best shot."

Spain's victory confirmed top spot for them and a second-round clash against the Republic of Ireland.

Coach Jose Antonio Camacho said: "I think the knock-out phase will be open with a lot of goals and we will do our best.

"Ireland did not lose any games. They are a very compact team and we know it will be difficult.

The Spaniards, who have often under-performed at the World Cup, are the first team to go through with a 100% record, while big guns like Argentina and France have already been eliminated.

But Camacho said: "This is not a World Cup of surprises, it is a very equal World Cup.

"Argentina and France have gone home but if they had stayed they could have ended up contesting the final, who knows?"


 
Group B Standings
Spain 9
Paraguay 4
South Africa 4
Slovenia 0

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