Read a full match preview of the World Cup 2010 Group A game between South Africa and Uruguay at the Loftus Versfield Stadium, Pretoria on Wednesday June 16 2010, kick-off 19.30 BST.

Group A

South Africa v Uruguay
Loftus Versfield Stadium, Pretoria
Kick-off: Wed June 16, 7.30pm BST
TV: BBC1 7pm, BBC1 HD 7pm

This is a game that neither side can afford to lose. South Africa will be guaranteed immense support at the old-school Loftus Versfeld stadium and need a victory to keep the Bafana Bafana party alive.

Carlos Alberto Parreira will promote Tsepo Masilela to the team at left back after Lucas Thwala’s hapless first-half display against Mexico but otherwise remain unchanged. Just as against Mexico, they will be looking to Steven Pienaar for inspiration. Uruguay will also start with the same line-up.

Nicolas Lodeiro, who came on as a substitute against France only to be sent off for two bookable offences, is suspended.

Touchline duel

Carlos Alberto Parreira v Oscar Tabarez: A tactical tussle between two of the wiliest old dogs in Latin American football: Parreira, 67, and Tabarez, 63, have 37 coaching jobs between them. Neither has a reputation for being particularly expansive but Parreira’s South Africa are the more positive by instinct.

Talking tactics

Uruguay were excessively defensive against France and Tabarez has promised they will try to get on the front foot more against South Africa. With Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez up front there is no excuse for not doing so. South Africa need Teko Modise, their talented but frustratingly inconsistent playmaker, to run the game.

Key clash

Diego Forlan v Bongani Khumalo: The Atletico Madrid striker showed some excellent flashes against France and will fancy his chances against a South African defence that gave Mexico plenty of room. Khumalo, quick and powerful, made several decisive defensive interventions and will want to enhance his growing reputation against a top-class striker.

What they say

Carlos Alberto Parreira: “We have to change our approach. Three draws are no good. So that means taking risks and I am prepared to that against Uruguay.”
Oscar Tabarez: "South Africa have players who are really fast. It will be tough. It should also be a good occasion. I don't think the vuvuzelas are a nuisance, they create a nice atmosphere. Too much is being said of the vuvuzelas."

Teams

South Africa (4-4-1-1): 16 Khune; 2 Gaxa, 20 Khumalo, 4 Mokoena, 3 Masilela; 11 Modise, 13 Dikgacoi, 12 Letsholonyane, 8 Tshabalala; 10 Pienaar; 9 Mphela
Uruguay (4-4-2): 1 Muslera; 6 Victorino, 2 Lugano, 3 Godin, 11 Pereira; 16 Maxi Pereira, 15 Perez, 17 Arevalo, 18 Gonzalez; 9 Forlan, 10 Suarez.
Referee: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland)

Previous meetings

Played 2: South Africa 0, Draws 1, Uruguay 1

1997: (Riyadh, Confederations Cup): Uruguay 4 South Africa 3
2007: (Johannesberg, friendly): South Africa 0 Uruguay 0

Fact: Uruguay are looking for only their second win in five World Cup finals.

Prediction: Uruguay were solid and difficult against France, while Bafana Bafana brought joy with their draw against Mexico. But Uruguay could be too strong, so expect the South Americans to win.