体坛英语新闻：South Africa beat Denmmark in FIFA World Cup warm-up

JOHANNESBURG, June 5 (Xinhua) -- South Africa, who will host the FIFA World Cup starting on June 11, ended their preparatory matches on a high note by beating Denmark 1-0 in a friendly at Atteridgeville stadium near Pretoria on Saturday afternoon.

Denmark are ranked 36th in the world, with South Africa's team, Bafana Bafana, 83rd. On June 11, Bafana face 17th-ranked Mexico in the World Cup opening match at Johannesburg's Soccer City.

After Saturday's match, South African coach Parreira said the win had done wonders for morale and showed Bafana were now ready to take on Mexico.

"I am proud," a smiling Parreira told the South African Press Association.

The only goal was scored in the 75th minute by ace striker Katlego Mphela.

Parreira said the tournament is not going to be an easy for Bafana because they are in a very tough group with Mexico, Uruguay and France.

"But this win and the way the players have played in all the recent warm-up matches has shown the world we can look forward with confidence to playing Mexico and the World Cup."

Parreira praised the commitment of his players and added "this was a tough, tough game for us. We played against a highly experienced and professional team. Make no mistake the Danes were good but we were a little better on the day and this rounds off my World Cup preparation beautifully."

He has not finalised his starting team against Mexico.

"I will sleep on it and decide on who will start against Mexico during the week," he said.