Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana and Iraq played a goalless draw in the thrilling opening match for the FIFA Confederations Cup at Ellis Park on Sunday.
The match started with both teams keeping possession of the ball, Bafana Bafana was the strong side in the first half of the game with both teams using their physical strengths.
The South African team was very aggressive as they kept pushing Iraq to defend. Santana's troops tried to create chances but all were missed.
Striker Bernard Parker tried to find the back of the net in the 15th minute but Iraq goalie, Mohammed Kassid denied him the opportunity.
Bafana Bafana middlefielder, MacBeth Sibaya blasted a rocket in the 26th minute but Kassid used his finger tips to deny Rubin Kazan strong man.
The well-organised South African defence, led by Captain Aaron Mokoena, ensured the Iraqi strikers did not touch the ball with Matthew Booth taking no prisoners at the back.
The national side used the both left and right wings to penetrate the frustrated Iraqi defence. Teko Modise showed great character in the middle of the park assisted by Kagisho Dikgacoi and Siboniso Gaxa.
Iraq got a free kick towards the end of the second half after Dikgacio tackled Karrar Jasim but the set piece went far from the Itumelang Khune's goal posts.
As the match proceeded, fans boosted the player's stamina by blowing their vuvuzelas non-stop and singing shosholoza.
The match with went to half time with both teams struggling to find an opening goal.
In the second half South Africa continued to dominate with Thembinkosi Fanteni missed the chance in the 47th minute.
Parker tried to find the back of the net but the formidable Iraq goalie refused to allow it. Meanwhile, Fanteni's header went over the bar after Modise's corner.
Coach Joel Santana replaced Fanteni with Katlego Mashego who missed a one-on-one with the Iraqi keeper.
Fans could not believe when Parker blocked the Dikgacio's goal in the last dying minutes and he was immediately stopped by Steven Piennar.
Iraqi team introduced new legs such as Howar Mulla Mohammed but their coach Bora Milutinovic's tactics did not work as the South African defence denied them the chance.
